Panasonic GF8 vs Pentax K-500

On this page, we are reviewing the Panasonic GF8 versus Pentax K-500, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the GF8 (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is very well matched but the GF8 (Four Thirds) and K-500 (APS-C) posses different sensor measurements.

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The GF8 was released 2 years later than the K-500 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a full comparison, here is a simple summary of how the GF8 matches up against the K-500 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8 & Pentax K-500. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic GF8 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF8 provides outside dimensions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GF8 versus Pentax K-500 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select during that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the GF8 and the K-500.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF8 and K-500 is 90 and 64 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizing only by looking at a spec sheet. The visual here should give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF8 and K-500.

As you can see, the two cameras have the same megapixels but different sensor sizing. The GF8 features the tinier sensor which should make obtaining bokeh harder. The more recent GF8 provides an advantage with regard to sensor technology.