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Pentax K-3 vs Panasonic GX8

The Pentax K-3 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in October 2013 and July 2015. The K-3 is a DSLR, while the GX8 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (K-3) and a Four Thirds (GX8) sensor. The Pentax has a resolution of 24.1 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 20.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Pentax K-3
versus
Panasonic GX8
Pentax K-3   Panasonic GX8
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Pentax K mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
24.1 MP – APS-C sensor 20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/60i Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-51,200 ISO 200-25,600
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.2" LCD – 1037k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel touchscreen
8.3 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
560 shots per battery charge330 shots per battery charge
131 x 100 x 77 mm, 800 g 133 x 78 x 63 mm, 487 g
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Check K-3 offers at
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Check GX8 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Pentax K-3 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Pentax K-3 and the Panasonic GX8 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Both cameras are available in two different colors (black, silver).

Size Pentax K-3 vs Panasonic GX8
Compare K-3 versus GX8 top
Comparison K-3 or GX8 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GX8 is notably smaller (21 percent) than the Pentax K-3. Moreover, the GX8 is substantially lighter (39 percent) than the K-3. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the K-3 gets 560 shots out of its Pentax D-LI90 battery, while the GX8 can take 330 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLC12 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GX8 133 mm 78 mm 63 mm 487 g 330 Y Jul 2015 1,199ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D7100 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 950 Y Feb 2013 1,199ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 Y Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-M5 II 124 mm 85 mm 45 mm 469 g 310 Y Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic G95 130 mm 94 mm 77 mm 536 g 290 Y Apr 2019 999ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GX7 123 mm 71 mm 55 mm 402 g 350 n Aug 2013 999ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GX9 124 mm 72 mm 47 mm 407 g 260 n Feb 2018 849ebay.com
9.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
10.
 
Pentax K-5 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2010 1,099ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax K-5 II 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-50 130 mm 97 mm 71 mm 650 g 410 Y Jun 2013 599ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-70 126 mm 93 mm 74 mm 688 g 410 Y Jun 2016 649ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax KP 132 mm 101 mm 76 mm 703 g 390 Y Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-S1 121 mm 93 mm 70 mm 558 g 410 n Aug 2014 749ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax K-S2 123 mm 91 mm 73 mm 678 g 410 Y Feb 2015 749ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A77 143 mm 104 mm 81 mm 732 g 470 Y Aug 2011 1,399ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The GX8 was somewhat cheaper (by 8 percent) than the K-3 at launch, but both cameras fall into the same price category. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Pentax K-3 features an APS-C sensor and the Panasonic GX8 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GX8 is 39 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.0. The sensor in the K-3 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GX8 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Pentax K-3 and Panasonic GX8 sensor measures

With 24.1MP, the K-3 offers a higher resolution than the GX8 (20.2MP), but the K-3 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.90μm versus 3.34μm for the GX8) due to its larger sensor. However, the GX8 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 9 months) than the K-3, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the K-3 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Pentax K-3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the K-3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.1 x 20 inches or 76.4 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.1 x 16 inches or 61.1 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.1 x 13.3 inches or 50.9 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic GX8 are 25.9 x 19.4 inches or 65.8 x 49.4 cm for good quality, 20.7 x 15.6 inches or 52.7 x 39.5 cm for very good quality, and 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Pentax K-3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

K-3 versus GX8 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the K-3 has a notably higher overall DXO score than the GX8 (overall score 5 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 0.2 bits higher color depth, 0.8 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.6 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
2.
 
Panasonic GX8 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.512.680675
3.
 
Nikon D7100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.213.7125683
4.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
5.
 
Olympus E-M5 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.012.584273
6.
 
Panasonic G95 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.213.0127375
7.
 
Panasonic GX7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.612.271870
8.
 
Panasonic GX9 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.112.8116374
9.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
10.
 
Pentax K-5 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.714.1116282
11.
 
Pentax K-5 II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.814.1123582
12.
 
Pentax K-50 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.713.0112079
13.
 
Pentax K-70 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i23.813.1163980
14.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
15.
 
Pentax K-S1 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.513.0106178
16.
 
Pentax K-S2 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.612.9151479
17.
 
Sony A77 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.280178
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the GX8 provides a better video resolution than the K-3. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/60i.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the GX8 has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the K-3 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the GX8 has a higher magnification than the one of the K-3 (0.77x vs 0.63x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Pentax K-3, the Panasonic GX8, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
2.
 
Panasonic GX82360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
3.
 
Nikon D7100optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
4.
 
Olympus E-M12360 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
5.
 
Olympus E-M5 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
6.
 
Panasonic G952360 n3.0 / 1240 swivel Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Panasonic GX72760 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Panasonic GX92760 n3.0 / 1240 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
10.
 
Pentax K-5optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Pentax K-5 IIoptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Pentax K-50optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Pentax K-70optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Pentax KPoptical n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/6000s 7.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Pentax K-S1optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/6000s 5.4/s Y Y
16.
 
Pentax K-S2optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/6000s 5.4/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony A772359 Y3.0 / 921 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The K-3 has one, while the GX8 does not. While the built-in flash of the K-3 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The GX8 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the K-3 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the GX8 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Pentax K-3 and the Panasonic GX8 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the K-3 and the GX8 write their files to SDXC cards. The K-3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the GX8 only has one slot. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Pentax K-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
2.
 
Panasonic GX8Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Nikon D7100Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0---
4.
 
Olympus E-M1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Olympus E-M5 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
6.
 
Panasonic G95Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Panasonic GX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
8.
 
Panasonic GX9Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
9.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
10.
 
Pentax K-5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Pentax K-5 IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
12.
 
Pentax K-50Ymono / mono--micro2.0---
13.
 
Pentax K-70Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
14.
 
Pentax KPYstereo / monoY--2.0Y--
15.
 
Pentax K-S1Ystereo / mono--micro2.0---
16.
 
Pentax K-S2Ymono / monoY-micro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony A77Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---

It is notable that the K-3 has a headphone jack, which is not present on the GX8 This port makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-3 (unlike the GX8) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the K-3 and the GX8 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The K-3 was replaced by the Pentax K-3 II, while the GX8 was followed by the Panasonic GX9. Further information on the features and operation of the K-3 and GX8 can be found, respectively, in the Pentax K-3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GX8 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Pentax K-3 and the Panasonic GX8? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Pentax K-3:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (24.1 vs 20.2MP) with a 11% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (5 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (0.8 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.6 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (560 versus 330) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in October 2013).

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Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60i).
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.77x vs 0.63x).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 8.3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (133x78mm vs 131x100mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 313g or 39 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 9 months) more recently.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the match-up finishes in a tie (15 points each). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

K-3 15:15 GX8

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Pentax K-3 and the Panasonic GX8 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the K-3 or the GX8. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GX85/5+..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2015 1,199ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D71005/5+ +..85/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2013 1,199ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-M5 II5/5+ +4.5/581/1005/55/5 Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic G954.5/5+4.5/583/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2019 999ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GX74/5+..79/1005/55/5 Aug 2013 999ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GX94/5+4/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 849ebay.com
9.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
10.
 
Pentax K-54/5....83/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2010 1,099ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax K-5 II5/5....80/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-505/5......5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 599ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-704.5/5..4/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2016 649ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax KP4/5..3/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-S14/5......4.5/54/5 Aug 2014 749ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax K-S24.5/5......5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 749ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A775/591/100..81/100..5/5 Aug 2011 1,399ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Pentax K-3 vs Panasonic GX8

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Pentax K-3 Panasonic GX8
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Pentax K mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date October 2013 July 2015
    Launch Price USD 1,299 USD 1,199
    Sensor Specs Pentax K-3 Panasonic GX8
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.6 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 366.6 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.2 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 24.1 Megapixels 20.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6016 x 4000 pixels 5184 x 3888 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.90 μm 3.34 μm
    Pixel Density 6.56 MP/cm2 8.96 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 200 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor PRIME III Venus
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 80 75
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.7 23.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.4 12.6
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1216 806
    Screen Specs Pentax K-3 Panasonic GX8
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.63x 0.77x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Pentax K-3 Panasonic GX8
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 8.3 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Pentax K-3 Panasonic GX8
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Body Specs Pentax K-3 Panasonic GX8
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Pentax D-LI90 Panasonic DMW-BLC12
    Battery Life (CIPA)560 shots per charge330 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 131 x 100 x 77 mm
    (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in)
    133 x 78 x 63 mm
    (5.2 x 3.1 x 2.5 in)
    Camera Weight 800 g (28.2 oz) 487 g (17.2 oz)
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