Panasonic GX8 vs Pentax K-1

On this page, we are reviewing the Panasonic GX8 vs Pentax K-1, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the GX8 (20MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the GX8 (Four Thirds) and K-1 (Full frame) boast different sensor size.

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The GX8 was introduced 7 months prior to the K-1 and they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GX8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summary of how the GX8 matches up vs the K-1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 & Pentax K-1. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GX8 Gallery & Pentax K-1 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GX8 enjoys outer measurements of 133mm x 78mm x 63mm (5.2" x 3.1" x 2.5") having a weight of 487 grams (1.07 lbs) while the Pentax K-1 has dimensions of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") with a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic GX8 vs Pentax K-1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select at that moment. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the GX8 and the K-1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GX8 and K-1 is 74 and 55 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizing only by checking specs. The photograph underneath may give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the GX8 and K-1.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GX8 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-1 will give greater detail using its extra 16MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images more aggressively. The older GX8 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.