• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 12.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400

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Differences

Pentax K-r advantages over Panasonic GF5

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.53 vs 4.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 1.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    750 vs 618 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 470 vs 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.6 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    30 vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic GF5 advantages over Pentax K-r

  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Thinner
    36 mm vs 68 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    364g vs 852g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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

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Buy the Panasonic GF5

Review Excerpt

  • Small body pairs nicely with compact, retractable Power Zoom lens. Extremely fast autofocus. Worthwhile improvements in image quality. Touchscreen overlays can now be hidden.

  • LCD panel is prone to fingerprint smudges. Weak flash, and no hot shoe. Modest burst performance, and very limited buffer for raw shooting. Noise levels and dynamic range still lag competition.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3000

Pentax K-r
Nikon D3000
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
Panasonic GF5
Nikon D3000
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Pentax K-x

Pentax K-r
Pentax K-x
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • External Mic Jack
  • $702
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 24p video
Panasonic GF5
Pentax K-x
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner
  • $702
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon D3100

Pentax K-r
Nikon D3100
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
Panasonic GF5
Nikon D3100
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Olympus E-PL3

Pentax K-r
Olympus E-PL3
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
Panasonic GF5
Olympus E-PL3
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Pentax K-r
Panasonic GF3X
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner
Panasonic GF5
Panasonic GF3X
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
  • $750
  • 4/3
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