• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Pentax K-S1 advantages over Panasonic GX8

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 3.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,061 vs 806 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 480 vs 340 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic GX8 advantages over Pentax K-S1

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.77x vs 0.63x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.3 fps vs 5.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 20 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/6000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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

  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-S1

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GX8

Review Excerpt

  • Highest resolution Micro Four Thirds camera yet; Great high ISO performance; Very fast autofocus; Fast burst mode with deep buffers; Impressive Dual I.S. system; Great 4K video.

  • No built-in flash; Slow buffer clearing; Below average battery life; Limited I.S. for 4K video.

The Competition

Compared to Sony A58

Pentax K-S1
Sony A58
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic GX8
Sony A58
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-M1

Pentax K-S1
Olympus E-M1
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Tiltable Screen
Panasonic GX8
Olympus E-M1
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon D5500

Pentax K-S1
Nikon D5500
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic GX8
Nikon D5500
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Pentax K-S2

Pentax K-S1
Pentax K-S2
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Higher-res screen
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Panasonic GX8
Pentax K-S2
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Panasonic G7

Pentax K-S1
Panasonic G7
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $665
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
Panasonic GX8
Panasonic G7
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • NFC
  • $665
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
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