Panasonic GH4 vs Pentax E70: A Comprehensive Camera Comparison for Today's Photographers

Choosing the right camera can be a transformative moment in your photography journey. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic beginner, finding gear that fits your style, budget, and creative vision is essential. In this article, we’ll dive deeply into two quite different cameras: the Panasonic Lumix GH4, a professional-grade mirrorless powerhouse from 2014, and the Pentax Optio E70, a small sensor compact camera from 2009. By dissecting their features, technologies, and real-world performances in various photographic disciplines, we aim to help you understand where each camera shines and decide which might be best for your needs.

Getting to Know the Cameras: An Overview

Before we get technical, let's outline the key distinctions between these two cameras:

Right away, you can see these cameras cater to dramatically different audiences. The GH4 is engineered for demanding enthusiasts and professionals seeking versatility and top-notch quality. The E70 appeals primarily to casual users seeking a pocketable, easy-to-use camera.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Imaging

At the core, the sensor defines the potential image quality, dynamic range, noise performance, and depth-of-field control.

Panasonic GH4 Sensor Insights

The GH4 features a 16-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor, measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, which is considerably larger than typical compact camera sensors. This size enables better light gathering, which translates into cleaner images, more control over depth of field, and improved dynamic range.

• DXOMark tested the GH4's sensor with an overall score of 74, which is impressive, especially for a 2014 model.
• It boasts a dynamic range of 12.8 stops, allowing for excellent detail preservation in shadows and highlights.
• The camera excels at color depth (23.2 bits) and low-light sensitivity (ISO 791 ranking), meaning you can shoot in dim environments with less noise.
• The presence of an anti-aliasing filter helps reduce moiré but slightly softens images, a worthy tradeoff for video work.

Pentax E70 Sensor Overview

The E70 uses a 1/2.3 inch CCD sensor with 10 megapixels - a far smaller sensor measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm.

• The tiny sensor size inherently limits image quality compared to the GH4.
• Limited dynamic range and high noise levels at ISO above 400 mean images will show more grain in challenging light.
• CCD sensors are typically better at color rendition for casual snapshots, but in this case, the E70's sensor performance is basic.
• No RAW support restricts post-processing flexibility.

What This Means for You: The GH4 gives you professional-grade image quality, with impressive dynamic range and color fidelity suitable for serious still shooters and filmmakers. The E70 is designed for simple point-and-shoot use, best for well-lit conditions or casual snapshots where image flexibility and quality is less critical.

Autofocus Performance: Precision When It Counts

Autofocus systems greatly affect usability across most photography types. Here’s how they compare:

GH4 Autofocus System

• Employs contrast-detection autofocus with 49 focus points.
• Features face detection, tracking, and touch focus via the rear screen.
• Continuous autofocus and AF tracking perform well, especially in well-lit situations.
• No phase-detection sensor on the chip, so AF speed lags behind newer hybrid systems, but remains competitive for the era.
• No animal eye AF, but human face and eye detection are reliable.

E70 Autofocus System

• Contrast-detection autofocus with only 9 focus points.
• No face detection or tracking.
• Manual focus is unavailable.
• Autofocus is slower and less precise, typical of a compact point-and-shoot.
• Macro focused as close as 10 cm with reasonable ease.

Ergonomics and Handling: Your Interface With Creativity

How a camera feels in hand affects your shooting comfort, speed, and ultimately creativity.

Panasonic GH4 Handling

• The GH4 sports a robust SLR-style mirrorless body with well-placed dials, customizable buttons, and a logical interface.
• The 3-inch fully articulating OLED touchscreen improves framing from difficult angles and facilitates touch-to-focus.
• The electronic viewfinder offers 100% frame coverage with 2.36 million dots, enabling precise composition.
• Weighing 560g, it's relatively lightweight for a professional-grade camera but still substantial for handheld use over long durations.
• Weather sealing provides peace of mind in challenging conditions.

Pentax E70 Handling

• As a compact, it easily slips into a pocket at just 175 grams and slim dimensions.
• The fixed 2.4-inch low-res LCD lacks articulation and touch functionality.
• There is no electronic or optical viewfinder, necessitating live-view shooting.
• Minimal physical controls; designed for simplicity over customization.

Lens Ecosystem: Creative Flexibility and Quality

No camera stands alone: lenses make the ultimate difference.

GH4 Lens Compatibility

• Uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, shared across Panasonic, Olympus, and other manufacturers.
• Over 100 lenses available, from affordable primes to pro-grade telephotos and cine lenses.
• You can achieve ultra-wide, ultra-telephoto, macro, portrait, and specialty optics.
• Lens ecosystem supports both stills and advanced video productions.

Pentax E70 Lens

• Fixed lens with a 35–105 mm equivalent focal length (3x optical zoom), aperture f/3.1–5.9.
• No lens changes possible.
• Good for casual snapshots, limited for more creative control.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities: Speed and Motion Capture

Panasonic GH4

• Burst shooting up to 12 frames per second - excellent for action, wildlife, and sports.
• 4K UHD video (up to 30p) and DCI 4K (4096x2160 at 24p), rare for its release time.
• HDMI output and microphone/headphone jacks support professional video workflows.
• 4K photo mode allows you to extract high-res stills from video.
• Supports time-lapse recording within the camera.
• Image stabilization is lens-dependent; no in-body stabilization.

Pentax E70

• No burst shooting capabilities.
• 720p HD video recording at 30 fps in MJPEG format.
• No microphone or headphone jacks.
• No video stabilization, and video quality is basic.

Performance Across Photography Genres

How do these cameras perform in different shooting scenarios?

Portrait Photography

• GH4: Great skin tone reproduction with natural colors; controlled bokeh thanks to interchangeable lenses and wider apertures; face and eye detection autofocus assist selecting your subject precisely.
• E70: Limited control over depth of field; fixed aperture can produce flatter images; no face detection autofocus makes portraits trickier.

Landscape Photography

• GH4: Very good dynamic range and resolution capture fine detail; weather sealing lets you shoot in mist or dust; interchangeable wide-angle lenses excel.
• E70: Limited resolution and dynamic range; no weather sealing; fixed lens may be insufficient for wide landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• GH4: Fast 12 fps burst, reliable AF tracking, and telephoto lens compatibility make it suitable for moving subjects.
• E70: Unsuitable due to slow focus and no burst mode.

Street Photography

• GH4: Good ergonomics but larger size may impede discretion; articulating screen aids candid shots.
• E70: Small, lightweight, unobtrusive for casual street photography but limited image quality in low light.

Macro Photography

• GH4: Compatible with macro lenses; can achieve precision focus and offers focus peaking.
• E70: 10 cm macro range is decent but fixed optics limit creative freedom.

Night and Astro Photography

• GH4: High ISO performance up to 25600 ISO with manageable noise; long exposures possible.
• E70: Struggles at ISO above 400; limited long shutter speeds restrict astro capabilities.

Travel Photography

• GH4: Versatile and durable but heavier and bulkier; batteries last around 500 shots.
• E70: Compact and lightweight; ideal for casual travel snapshots.

Professional Workflows

• GH4: Supports RAW files, tethering, time-lapse, and professional video output; integrates well into post-processing pipelines.
• E70: No RAW support; limited file formats.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

The GH4's weather sealing is a significant advantage if you shoot outdoors in harsh conditions. With the E70, you need to be more cautious.

Connectivity and Storage Options

• GH4: Built-in Wi-Fi for remote control and image transfer; USB 2.0; full-sized HDMI output; single SD card slot.
• E70: No wireless connectivity; USB 2.0; supports SD storage and internal memory.

Battery Life and Portability

• GH4 uses a dedicated rechargeable battery rated for approximately 500 shots - quite good for mirrorless standards.
• E70 uses two AA batteries, which are convenient replacements but generally offer shorter life and fewer shots per charge.

Price and Value Assessment

Although the GH4 costs about $1500 today, it delivers professional video capabilities, advanced ergonomics, and superior image quality. This makes it a strong value for serious photographers and content creators willing to invest.

The E70 is budget-friendly at around $140, focusing on simplicity and portability. It is best suited for those who want an affordable, straightforward point-and-shoot without the complexities or costs of interchangeable lens systems.

Visual Sample Comparison

To further visualize their strengths, here are sample photographs taken with both cameras under various conditions.

Panasonic GH4 front Panasonic GH4 screen back Pentax E70 front Pentax E70 screen back

You will notice the GH4 delivers sharper detail, richer colors, and cleaner high ISOs. The E70's images appear softer, with less dynamic range and more noise in shadow areas.

Scoring the Cameras: An Objective Rating

The GH4 rates significantly higher across image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and video features. The E70’s scores are modest but reflect its role as an affordable compact camera.

Specialized Scores by Photography Discipline

This analysis reinforces that:

• GH4 shines in portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, video, and professional uses.
• E70 primarily suits street and travel snapshots.

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Final Thoughts: Making Your Choice

The Panasonic Lumix GH4 remains a powerful mirrorless camera even several years after launch. Its sensor, autofocus, video capabilities, and build quality make it an excellent tool for serious photographers and content creators who want professional results without the bulk or cost of full-frame systems.

Conversely, the Pentax Optio E70 caters to an entirely different user base: those who desire an affordable, compact, and straightforward camera for casual photography. It’s not suited for demanding work, but it offers simplicity and ease of use.

We encourage you to consider your shooting priorities and test these cameras hands-on if you can. Pay attention to ergonomics, ease of menu navigation, and how the images feel in your creative process. The perfect camera is the one that inspires you to explore and create.

Ready to Step Up Your Photography?

For those drawn to the Panasonic GH4’s pro-level capabilities, explore lenses like the Panasonic Leica 42.5mm f/1.2 for exquisite portraits or the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 for versatile landscapes and street shooting. For casual photography, the Pentax E70 provides an excellent low-cost starting point.

Whichever path you take, keep shooting, keep learning, and enjoy the journey!

We hope this detailed comparison helps clarify the differences and guides you towards the right camera. If you want deeper dives into specific camera features or comparisons, let us know!