Panasonic GF8 vs Pentax K-5 II

Below, we will be reviewing the Panasonic GF8 vs Pentax K-5 II, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the GF8 (16MP) and the K-5 II (16MP) is relatively similar but the GF8 (Four Thirds) and K-5 II (APS-C) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The GF8 was released 2 years after the K-5 II which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the GF8 grades versus the K-5 II when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8 & Pentax K-5 II. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic GF8 Gallery & Pentax K-5 II Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF8 offers physical dimensions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 II has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic GF8 vs Pentax K-5 II in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have at the time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the GF8 versus the K-5 II.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the GF8 and K-5 II is 90 and 60 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions just by reading technical specs. The image below may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the GF8 and K-5 II.

As you have seen, the two cameras have got the exact same MP albeit different sensor dimensions. The GF8 features the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallow DOF tougher. The more modern GF8 should have an advantage in sensor innovation.