Panasonic GX9 vs Pentax K-70: A Thorough Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing your next camera can feel like navigating a maze, especially when comparing two fundamentally different beasts like the Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 and the Pentax K-70. Both appeal to photographers eager to upgrade their gear but come from divergent design philosophies and technical lineages. Having personally put both through rigorous testing - from studio portrait sessions to outdoor wildlife chases - I'm here to walk you through their nuances and help you pick the winner for your workflow.

Let’s dive in, unpacking every element that matters, from build and sensor to autofocus chops and value - all seasoned with practical wisdom from thousands of shoot days.

When Size and Handling Set the Mood

Before we talk specs, let’s talk feel. The physicality of a camera impacts creativity more than many realize. A camera’s dimensions, grip comfort, and control layout can either inspire confident shooting or become a barrier.

The Panasonic GX9 sports a compact, rangefinder-style mirrorless body at 124x72x47 mm and weighs a mere 407 grams. It fits snugly in one hand and slips easily into even moderately sized bags. For photographers who are always trekking - maybe street shooters or travel enthusiasts - this is a huge plus. The GX9’s minimal grip is comfortable but not aggressive, catering to those who prefer nimble and quiet operation.

The Pentax K-70, on the other hand, is a classic DSLR form factor, larger and more robust at 126x93x74 mm and 688 grams. It has a more pronounced grip and a heftier feel that many still associate with photographic seriousness. If you favor stability - say for landscapes or macro sessions involving steady handheld shooting - the K-70’s bulk works in your favor. Plus, its professional weather sealing adds durability in rough conditions.

The size difference is palpable: your choice hinges on whether you cherish portability or prefer a substantial handhold that communicates strength.

Controls and User Interface: Intuition in Your Hands

Handling is also about how easily you can adjust settings without interrupting your creative flow. Let’s look at the top control surfaces and displays.

The GX9 opts for a clean, minimalist top plate with a couple of dials and excellent touchscreen-mediated control through its 3-inch tilting display. It foregoes a dedicated top LCD info panel, asking you instead to glance at the EVF or rear screen. The dials are smooth, and the buttons are logically laid out but don't have illumination - which is slightly inconvenient for nighttime shooting.

For the K-70, Pentax sticks with traditional DSLR ergonomics, including the familiar top LCD panel giving you instant info at a glance - a feature I still find indispensible for certain disciplines like studio work or event photography where you check settings seconds apart. The well-spaced buttons and dedicated control dials fit nicely into larger hands and make operational adjustments tactile and efficient. No touchscreen here, but the articulating 3-inch back screen compensates somewhat.

Personally, I’d say the GX9 favors photographers comfortable with touchscreen navigation and a smaller form factor, while the K-70 suits those who want analog-style control with instant status info and don’t mind the added size.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Let’s talk specs that directly influence the final pictures: sensor size and resolution.

The Panasonic GX9 uses a 20MP Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3x13 mm with no anti-aliasing filter - a bold choice that helps maximize sharpness at the risk of slight moiré. The sensor area is approximately 225 mm² with a crop factor of 2.1x. The max ISO extends up to 25,600 natively, and the sensor benefits from the effective Venus image processor, delivering clean images and respectable dynamic range for this size.

In contrast, the Pentax K-70 touts a larger APS-C sensor at 23.5x15.6 mm, 24MP resolution, and likewise no AA filter for sharp captures. Its sensor area is about 367 mm² - significantly bigger - and it has a 1.5x crop factor. The max native ISO is a stellar 102,400, giving it an advantage in low-light situations. The PRIME MII processor handles image data with excellent noise control and color rendition.

What does this mean in practice? The K-70 delivers images with greater depth, less noise at high ISO, and better control over highlight preservation thanks to the larger sensor and pixel pitch. Landscapes come alive with richer tonal gradations, and portraits retain smooth skin tones. The GX9, although slightly behind in noise at extreme ISO, still produces sharp, vibrant files - especially when paired with good Micro Four Thirds glass.

If ultimate image quality and flexibility are your priorities, especially in diverse lighting, the Pentax pulls ahead here. But the GX9 is no slouch - its files stand up well and have the added advantage of strong in-body image stabilization.

Mastering Focus: How Do They Track Your Subject?

Autofocus (AF) can make or break your shoot, particularly when chasing fast-moving subjects like wildlife or sports. Both cameras have hybrid AF but differ in execution.

The GX9 features a 49-point contrast and phase-detection hybrid AF system spread across the frame. Panasonic enhances this with reliable eye-detection for portraits and continuous AF tracking, enabling fast acquisition in most conditions. During my wildlife trials, the GX9 locked focus with decent precision on small moving birds, especially when paired with Panasonic’s native lenses optimized for speed. The silent electronic shutter lets you shoot discreetly, invaluable for candid street or event shooting.

The K-70’s 11-point AF system (9 cross-type) uses traditional phase detection on the DSLR mirror. While fewer points sound limiting, Pentax’s implementation is very dependable, especially in bright to moderate light. It excels in low-light with sensitive sensor design. For sports or wildlife, however, the slower burst rate (6 fps vs 9 fps on GX9) and more limited AF field lead to more missed shots of fast action sequences.

If you’re a sports or wildlife enthusiast prioritizing burst speed and AF coverage, the GX9’s more advanced AF tech works better. But for landscapes, portraits, or everyday use, the K-70’s AF is perfectly adequate - and often more accurate in tough lighting.

Screens and Viewfinders: The Window to Your Vision

Visualization is fundamental, and both cameras approach electronic and optical viewing differently.

The GX9 offers a high-resolution 2.76M-dot EVF at 0.7x magnification and an adjustable tilt screen with 1.24M dots plus touch support. The EVF gives you immediate feedback on exposure, focus peaking, and real-time previews of effects - a great asset for creative experimentation. The tilting screen is perfect for composing low or high-angle shots, though it doesn’t swivel fully.

Pentax K-70 sticks with an optical pentaprism viewfinder (0.63x, 100% coverage), preferred by many for its natural, lag-free view under bright sunlight or fast-moving subjects. The fully articulated 3-inch LCD is a workhorse’s dream - flip it around for selfies, video vlogging, or awkward shooting angles - but lacks any touch controls.

I particularly appreciate the GX9’s EVF when working indoors or in the studio since it reveals exactly what the sensor sees. Yet for traditionalists favoring optical clarity and natural colors, the K-70’s OVF remains king.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Understanding which camera suits which genre boils down to combining specs with hands-on experience.

Portraits

The GX9’s reliable eye-detection AF and beautiful bokeh from Micro Four Thirds primes craft pleasing skin tones and softly blurred backgrounds. Its sensor and image stabilization help in low light, minimizing blur. The compact body encourages interaction without intimidation.

The K-70, with its larger APS-C sensor, yields exquisite skin tonal gradations and shallow depth of field with quality Pentax lenses. The articulating screen eases compositions for unconventional angles. However, AF eye detection is missing, meaning you rely more on manual focus finesse or center-point focusing.

Landscapes

Here, sensor size and weather sealing shine. The K-70’s robust magnesium alloy chassis and comprehensive weather sealing protect it in adverse outdoor conditions like rain or dusty trails. Combined with native Pentax lenses - many weather-resistant - the setup is ideal for rugged fieldwork.

The GX9 lacks environmental sealing but compensates with lighter travel weight. Its sensor delivers solid resolution and dynamic range, though the smaller sensor means crops reduce detail preservation marginally compared to APS-C.

Wildlife and Sports

The GX9 edges ahead in burst speed (9 fps) and hybrid AF coverage. Silent shutter mode is a huge advantage for discreet shooting. Combined, these features evoke better success rates capturing animals in motion or athletes mid-action.

The K-70’s 6 fps burst and more limited AF points restrain it here. However, longer lens options afforded by its DSLR mount may appeal to telephoto-heavy shooters.

Street and Travel

Compactness, discreetness, and weight dominate these genres. The GX9 excels due to its lightweight rangefinder body, silent shutter, and excellent image stabilization - perfect for low-light nightly street scenes or unintrusive candid shots.

The K-70 is bulkier and more obvious but offers longer battery life (410 shots vs 260). Its articulating screen adds flexibility for travel vlogging or creative framing. Choose accordingly: GX9 for nimble roaming; K-70 for longer safe outings.

Macro, Night, and Video Use

Both cameras have sensor-based stabilization aiding handheld macro. The GX9’s autofocus adaptation with focus stacking and post-focus modes gives it an edge for focus-intensive macro tasks.

For night/astro photography, the K-70’s higher native ISO and excellent high ISO performance are clear advantages, while the GX9 keeps noise well in check but is slightly less flexible.

Video-wise, the GX9 supports 4K UHD video, slow-motion 4K photo modes, and generally stronger video features, albeit with no microphone port. The K-70 sticks to 1080p HD and includes a microphone input, making it more appealing for rudimentary videography with better audio control.

Durability, Battery, and Storage

Build materials and environmental conditioning speak to how these cameras survive the grind.

Pentax’s K-70 boasts a more rugged, weather-resistant body with an overall heftier feel. Its battery life also beats the GX9 by a good margin (410 vs 260 shots per charge), a vital consideration if you often shoot on location without easy access to plugs.

Both cameras use a single SD card slot with UHS-I support - perfectly adequate but not high-end dual slot redundancy that professionals may seek.

Lens Ecosystem: Optics Galore or Specialty Gems?

Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds mount boasts a sprawling ecosystem with 107 lenses, including many fast, compact primes and excellent zooms optimized for video and stills. This ecosystem is undoubtedly mature and versatile, ideal for photographers seeking portability and range.

Pentax KAF2 mount holds 151 lenses, including a wealth of older, classic glass with unique character and modern weather-resistant options. Pentax’s legendary lens lineup provides excellent quality, especially in wide and telephoto primes, giving enthusiasts a vast palette for creativity.

Depending on which mounts’ aesthetic and price points excite you more, both systems provide plenty of flexibility.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Both cameras have built-in Wi-Fi, leaving the K-70 without Bluetooth, unlike the GX9’s Bluetooth support for faster pairing and transfer. USB connectivity is USB 2.0 on Pentax and USB on Panasonic, with both equipped with HDMI outputs for external monitoring.

The GX9 lacks a microphone input and headphone jack, limiting professional video workflows. The K-70 offers a mic port but no headphone monitoring, so both have room for improvement depending on your needs.

Pricing and Value Analysis

At the time of this review, the GX9 commands roughly $1,000 while the K-70 falls around $650. The price difference reflects the GX9’s newer tech, 4K capabilities, and mirrorless benefits.

For budget-conscious buyers looking for maximum sensor performance, ruggedness, and shooting longevity, the K-70 provides a better price-to-performance bargain. Meanwhile, if you crave portability, video versatility, and speedy continuous shooting, investing more in the GX9 makes sense.

Verdict: Which Should You Pick?

To summarize visually and with scores, here is an overall performance snapshot:

And a breakdown by photography genre:

Who is the Panasonic GX9 for?

• Enthusiasts valuing compactness and rangefinder style
• Street, travel, and hybrid video shooters
• Those who need fast, accurate AF with effective image stabilization
• Photographers who prefer touchscreens and EVF advantages

Who is the Pentax K-70 for?

• Landscape and outdoor photographers needing rugged weather resistance
• Budget-minded enthusiasts wanting top-tier APS-C image quality
• Those prioritizing battery life and optical viewfinder experience
• Photographers preferring traditional DSLR ergonomics and lens compatibility

Real-World Shootout: Sample Images Side-by-Side

Want proof? Here’s a gallery featuring JPEG and raw conversions from both cameras in varied environments from golden hour landscapes to dimly lit portraits.

Panasonic GX9 front Panasonic GX9 screen back Pentax K 70 front Pentax K 70 screen back

Notice the richer detail retention and color depth in the Pentax photos, but also marvel at the Panasonic’s sharpness and tonal smoothness, especially in aggressive crops.

Final Thoughts: Expertise Meets Practicality

My takeaway, grounded in countless hours behind both viewfinders, is that neither camera is inherently “better.” Instead, your choice hinges on how and where you shoot, and what compromises you're comfortable making.

If your photography demands a stealthy, versatile all-rounder with modern video chops and touch-driven controls, invest in the Panasonic GX9.

If you treasure sensor performance, weatherproof durability, traditional DSLR handling, and bargain value, then the Pentax K-70 is your champion.

Either way, you’re getting a camera with serious potential to sharpen your craft - so happy shooting!

If you'd like a hands-on walkthrough and in-depth video testing between these two models, check out my accompanying video review (link above).