Pentax K-5 IIs vs Samsung GX-20
60 Imaging
57 Features
83 Overall
67


58 Imaging
53 Features
52 Overall
52
Pentax K-5 IIs vs Samsung GX-20 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Bump to 51200)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 760g - 131 x 97 x 73mm
- Announced June 2013
- Previous Model is Pentax K-5
(Full Review)
- 15MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200 (Raise to 6400)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 800g - 142 x 101 x 72mm
- Revealed January 2008
- Succeeded the Samsung GX-10

Pentax K-5 IIs vs Samsung GX-20 Overview
Lets look much closer at the Pentax K-5 IIs versus Samsung GX-20, both Advanced DSLR cameras by brands Pentax and Samsung. The image resolution of the K-5 IIs (16MP) and the GX-20 (15MP) is pretty comparable and they use the same exact sensor sizes (APS-C).

The K-5 IIs was unveiled 5 years after the GX-20 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).
Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief summary of how the K-5 IIs scores against the GX-20 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Pentax K-5 IIs vs Samsung GX-20 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-5 IIs & Samsung GX-20. The full galleries are provided at Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery & Samsung GX-20 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-5 IIs over the Samsung GX-20
K-5 IIs | GX-20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | June 2013 | ![]() | January 2008 | More modern by 66 months |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper screen (+691k dot) |
Reasons to pick Samsung GX-20 over the Pentax K-5 IIs
GX-20 | K-5 IIs |
---|
Common features in the Pentax K-5 IIs and Samsung GX-20
K-5 IIs | GX-20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Very accurate focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither comes with selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Missing Touch friendly screen |
Pentax K-5 IIs vs Samsung GX-20 Physical Comparison
For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-5 IIs comes with exterior measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs) while the Samsung GX-20 has proportions of 142mm x 101mm x 72mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).
Check out the Pentax K-5 IIs versus Samsung GX-20 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the K-5 IIs compared to the GX-20.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the K-5 IIs and GX-20 is 60 and 58 respectively.

Pentax K-5 IIs vs Samsung GX-20 Sensor Comparison
Typically, it's difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizes only by seeing specs. The image below should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the K-5 IIs and GX-20.
As you can plainly see, both the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Pentax K-5 IIs to show extra detail having an extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more modern K-5 IIs is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.

Pentax K-5 IIs vs Samsung GX-20 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-5 IIs vs Samsung GX-20 Specifications
Pentax K-5 IIs | Samsung GX-20 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Pentax | Samsung |
Model | Pentax K-5 IIs | Samsung GX-20 |
Type | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Announced | 2013-06-04 | 2008-01-24 |
Body design | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Prime II | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.7 x 15.7mm | 23.4 x 15.6mm |
Sensor area | 372.1mm² | 365.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 15 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | - |
Max resolution | 4928 x 3264 | 4688 x 3120 |
Max native ISO | 12800 | 3200 |
Max enhanced ISO | 51200 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Lowest enhanced ISO | 80 | - |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 11 | 11 |
Cross focus points | 9 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | Pentax KAF2 | Pentax KAF2 |
Number of lenses | 151 | 151 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3" | 2.7" |
Resolution of display | 921 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Display tech | TFT LCD monitor | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100% | 95% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.61x | 0.64x |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Continuous shutter speed | 7.0 frames per second | 3.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, High speed, Rear curtain and Wireless | Auto, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow, Rear curtain, wireless |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Fastest flash sync | 1/180 seconds | 1/180 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (25 fps), 1280 x 720 (25, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (25, 30 fps) | - |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | None |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | - |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 760 gr (1.68 pounds) | 800 gr (1.76 pounds) |
Dimensions | 131 x 97 x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") | 142 x 101 x 72mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 82 | 68 |
DXO Color Depth score | 23.9 | 23.1 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 14.1 | 11.2 |
DXO Low light score | 1208 | 714 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 980 photos | - |
Battery form | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | D-LI90 | - |
Self timer | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/MMC/SDHC card |
Storage slots | One | One |
Price at release | $749 | $850 |