• APS-C 372.1mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Pentax K-5 advantages over Panasonic G100

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.81 vs 3.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    83 mm vs 64 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic G100 advantages over Pentax K-5

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    54 mm vs 73 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    4 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Lighter weight
    419g vs 1003g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    1840k vs 922k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-5

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic G100

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent high ISO performance, one of the best APS-C sensors yet; 6.5 fps burst mode has very good buffer depths; Weather, dust, and cold resistant; In-body Shake Reduction corrects not only horizontal / vertical, but also rotational motion.

  • Default saturation and contrast a bit high; Auto white balance too warm in tungsten light; Fewer AF points than main competitors; Only a single card slot, and no UHS-I card support (slow buffer clearing).

The Competition

Compared to Canon T3i

Pentax K-5
Canon T3i
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Panasonic G100
Canon T3i
  • $597
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D5100

Pentax K-5
Nikon D5100
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Top deck display
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoots 24p video
Panasonic G100
Nikon D5100
  • $597
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Pentax K-30

Pentax K-5
Pentax K-30
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic G100
Pentax K-30
  • $597
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Olympus E-M5 III

Pentax K-5
Olympus E-M5 III
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $950
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Panasonic G100
Olympus E-M5 III
  • $597
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $950
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite

Compared to Olympus E-M10 IV

Pentax K-5
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $666
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Panasonic G100
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $597
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $666
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
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