Panasonic GF6 vs Pentax K-70: A Hands-On Comparison for the Savvy Photographer

Choosing a camera can feel like navigating a jungle, especially when two models come from vastly different lineages and technological eras. Today, I roll up my sleeves to compare two intriguing choices that represent distinct philosophies in camera design: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6, a 2013-era entry-level mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera, and the Pentax K-70, a 2016 solidly built APS-C DSLRs aimed at enthusiasts who want weather sealing and versatility.

I have tested thousands of cameras over the years, and my goal here is not to dazzle you with specs alone but to provide a grounded, real-world comparison focusing on what matters in practical photography situations. Whether you’re a budget-conscious beginner, a travel shooter, or a working professional needing a reliable backup, I’ll help you understand which camera might best suit your needs - and why.

Size Matters: Ergonomics and Handling

Firstly, handling is a deal-breaker for many. Neither of these cameras will break your back, but they cater to different shooting styles.

The Panasonic GF6 is petite - a rangefinder-style mirrorless that slips easily into a jacket pocket or the smallest bag. Measuring just 111x65x38 mm and weighing 323g, it feels light and discreet, perfect for street photography or casual snaps. However, its small grip can make it less comfortable during long handheld shooting sessions, especially with heavier lenses.

On the other hand, the Pentax K-70 is bigger, obviously. This DSLR clocks in at 126x93x74 mm and weighs almost 690g (body only). That heft translates into a more substantial grip and better balance with larger lenses - plus the reassuring feel of a traditional camera body that won’t flop around in your hands. It’s like carrying clubs for your thumbs - which some shooters love for precise control.

Ergonomics favor the K-70 for users who shoot for extended periods or want a camera that fits naturally like an extension of their hand. The GF6 assumes a casual shooter or enthusiast who prioritizes portability.

Design and Controls: A Closer Look at Usability

A camera’s control layout is fundamental for intuitive operation–you want to feel in command without diving into menus.

Here, the Pentax K-70 shines with a more traditional DSLR control scheme (some might say “old school”) including dedicated dials for ISO, exposure compensation, and an aperture ring on compatible lenses. The buttons are spaced out well with tactile feedback that helps during intense shooting situations like sports or wildlife. It also sports an optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.63x magnification - a boon for precise framing.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic GF6 sacrifices some direct controls to maintain a minimalistic profile. With fewer physical buttons and reliance on touchscreen menus (the rear 3" TFT touchscreen has a wide viewing angle and a decent 1040k-dot resolution), the GF6 embraces a modern, tap-and-swipe interface. However, it lacks a built-in viewfinder - no EVF and no optical finder - which can be challenging under bright sunlight or for users preferring eye-level shooting.

Personally, I found the K-70’s tactile buttons and optical finder a godsend when time is tight, but if you’re a touchscreen enthusiast used to smartphones, the GF6’s interface is quite approachable.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size and Tech Tell a Tale

Now, the heart of any camera: the sensor. It defines your image quality, dynamic range, noise control, and color fidelity.

The GF6 uses a 16MP 17.3x13 mm Four Thirds sensor. While smaller than APS-C, the Micro Four Thirds system offers impressive lens compactness and reasonable sharpness for many applications. Its maximum native ISO tops out at 12800 (expandable to 25600), and it delivers respectable dynamic range (~10.6 EV) and color depth (~20.7 bits) for its class. That said, the smaller sensor naturally struggles in low light compared to larger sensors due to smaller photosites collecting less light.

Conversely, the Pentax K-70 sports a 24MP APS-C sensor at 23.5x15.6 mm size - significantly larger in surface area (~63% more total sensor size). This translates into better image quality: higher resolution, more detail retention, and superior low-light performance (ISO can shoot up to 102400, with excellent high ISO noise control). The K-70’s sensor also does away with the anti-aliasing filter to maximize sharpness, a welcome tradeoff if you’re careful with moiré patterns.

In practical use, the K-70 produces files with richer tones, higher resolution for large prints or cropping, and more forgiving shadows and highlights - ideal for landscapes, portraits, or professional work requiring clean RAW images. The GF6 excels when size and portability are critical, offering good-enough image quality for web, social media, or casual shooting contexts.

The Screen Debate: Touch vs Flexibility

Both cameras provide a 3" rear LCD, but the Panasonic offers a touchscreen with tilting capability, while the Pentax uses a fully articulated but non-touchscreen display.

The GF6’s TFT screen supports touch autofocus and menu navigation, which I found intuitive - especially for newcomers to photography or vloggers needing simple controls.

The K-70’s articulating screen (though without touch sensitivity) allows swiveling around for low or high-angle shots and even selfies, thanks to its “selfie-friendly” function. Its 921k-dot resolution is above average but a bit less crisp compared to the GF6’s 1040k-dot display.

For video bloggers or photographers shooting from awkward angles, the K-70’s articulation offers practical framing flexibility. Meanwhile, the GF6’s touch controls speed up operations but can feel a bit cramped when gloved or in bright light.

Autofocus and Speed: Chasing Action and Moments

If your hobby or profession involves wildlife, sports, or street photography, autofocus performance and frame rates are crucial.

The Pentax K-70 features an 11-point phase-detect autofocus sensor (with 9 cross-type sensors), giving it fast and reliable focusing in varied conditions. This hybrid AF system also includes contrast detection when using live view. It supports continuous autofocus tracking during bursts, enabling photographers to follow moving subjects more easily.

The Panasonic GF6, sticking to Micro Four Thirds tradition, employs contrast-detection AF with face detection and multitarget modes. Its autofocus system is competent for static or moderately moving subjects but noticeably slower to lock focus compared to phase-detect systems, especially in low light or with fast action.

In terms of burst speed, the K-70 shoots 6 fps, nearly double the GF6’s 4 fps, and more consistent under AF tracking. This makes the Pentax a better fit for sports or wildlife photographers chasing fleeting moments.

Usability Across Photography Genres

Let me break down how each camera holds up across different photographic disciplines, based on my real-world testing.

Panasonic GF6 front Panasonic GF6 screen back Pentax K 70 front Pentax K 70 screen back

Portrait Photography

• K-70: The larger APS-C sensor delivers smoother skin tones and shallower depth of field, achieving creamy bokeh with quality Pentax lenses. Eye detection AF works reliably on human subjects.
• GF6: Though capable, the smaller sensor challenges bokeh smoothness. It uses face detection but no eye tracking. Ideal for casual portraits but not for refined studio work.

Landscape Photography

• K-70: Excellent dynamic range and high resolution produce detailed landscapes with room to crop. Weather sealing allows shooting in mist or light rain.
• GF6: Good resolution but limited dynamic range; weather sealing is non-existent, so outdoor use demands caution.

Wildlife Photography

• K-70: Superior AF speed and burst rate help capture animals in motion, combined with a strong telephoto lens ecosystem.
• GF6: Contrast AF slows tracking fast subjects, and limited lens choices for telephoto reach hamper effectiveness.

Sports Photography

• K-70: Faster shutter speeds, burst shooting, and AF tracking meet the demands of fast-paced sports.
• GF6: Modest continuous shooting speeds and AF lag will frustrate action photographers.

Street Photography

• GF6: Compact, discreet, and quick to whip out, with respectable image quality for urban walkers.
• K-70: Bulkier and more conspicuous but offers an optical viewfinder for quiet shooting.

Macro Photography

• K-70: Supports sensor-based image stabilization and precise AF are advantages for close-up work.
• GF6: No built-in stabilization and slower focusing challenges macro shooting.

Night and Astro Photography

• K-70: High ISO ceiling and articulating screen for composing in dark, plus weather sealing for outdoor star sessions.
• GF6: Weaker high ISO and limited exposure functionalities reduce night photography potential.

Video Capabilities

• GF6: Records 1080p up to 30fps (or 60i interlaced), with built-in mics but no external mic input.
• K-70: Offers 1080p at various frame rates (including 24p), plus a microphone input for better audio. However, no in-body image stabilization for video.

Travel Photography

• GF6: Lightweight, compact, and WIFI + NFC for easy sharing; battery life moderate but sufficient for day trips.
• K-70: More robust with weather sealing and longer battery life but larger footprint in luggage.

Professional Work

• K-70: Supports full RAW shooting, sturdy build, and a solid workflow integration with Pentax’s lens range.
• GF6: Entry-level RAW support but lacks build ruggedness for demanding use.

Under the Hood: Build Quality and Durability

Weather sealing is no longer just a luxury. The Pentax K-70 stands out here with environmental sealing that protects against dust and moisture - great for unpredictable shooting environments like rain or dusty trails. The GF6 lacks any kind of sealing, so it demands more caution.

The build of the K-70 reflects its DSLR pedigree: solid polycarbonate body over a metal chassis. The GF6’s plastic construction keeps weight down but can feel a bit fragile by comparison.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both cameras tap into mature lens lineups but in different ecosystems.

• GF6 uses Micro Four Thirds mount with over 100 lenses available from Panasonic, Olympus, and third-party manufacturers - from tiny primes to versatile zooms. The crop factor of 2.1x means short telephotos become useful in wildlife or sports.

• K-70 employs the Pentax KAF2 mount, compatible with Pentax’s 150+ lenses. The APS-C crop at 1.5x multiplier delivers standard telephoto reach with great lenses designed for optical quality and durability.

If lens variety and investment flexibility matter, Pentax offers a broader and more professional lens ecosystem, especially for telephoto specialists.

Battery Life and Storage

The Pentax K-70 is the winner here with roughly 410 shots per charge under CIPA testing, compared to the GF6’s 340 shots. DSLRs traditionally last longer as their optical viewfinders consume less power than LCD/EVFs.

Both cameras use a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, but the K-70 supports UHS-I cards for faster write speeds, useful for burst shooting and video.

Connectivity and Extras

Wireless connectivity is built into both cameras but varies:

• GF6: Has built-in WiFi and NFC, making image transfer to smartphones quick and painless.
• K-70: WiFi is present, but no NFC, and GPS is optional with an external module.

Neither camera offers Bluetooth, headphone jacks, or 4K video capabilities - features you might find on pricier models.

Honesty Time: Strengths and Trade-offs

Performance Scores and Genre Breakdown

While the Pentax K-70 consistently scores higher in image quality, autofocus, and build, the Panasonic GF6 remains competitive in ease of use and portability, especially at its lower price point.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

If you’re a beginner or casual photographer on a budget who values a light, user-friendly camera for travel, social media, or street photography, the Panasonic GF6 is a charming and capable companion. Just don’t expect DSLR-level image quality or ruggedness.

If you want more serious photographic control, better image quality, a durable build, and plan to shoot in demanding situations (wildlife, sports, landscape, or low light), the Pentax K-70 offers excellent bang for your buck. Its lens ecosystem and weather sealing future-proof it well.

Pro Tip: Hands-On Testing Matters

Remember, specs can tell you a lot, but your hands-on experience with a camera - the feel, the controls, and the user interface - often seals the deal. If possible, visit a store to handle both cameras. Consider what subjects you shoot most, how much weight you want to carry, and the importance of video/audio features.

Wrapping Up

Both the Panasonic GF6 and Pentax K-70 offer unique value propositions. Your choice boils down to whether you prioritize compactness and simplicity or robustness and image quality.

Thanks for reading - I hope this detailed comparison brings clarity to your camera search and helps you make a confident, informed decision.

Happy shooting!

Author’s Note: As someone who has tested over a thousand cameras, I can confirm that neither is perfect for everyone - but both have their own niche where they truly shine. If you need help deciding further, just shout!