• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 14.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Pentax K20D advantages over Panasonic GM1

  • 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
    ~ 5.05 vs 3.77 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 0.9 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 530 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/180 vs 1/50 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • 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
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    38 vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Panasonic GM1 advantages over Pentax K20D

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Thinner
    30 mm vs 70 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    11 years vs 17 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    1037k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.9 fps vs 2.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

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

Common Weaknesses

  • 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
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K20D

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GM1
Kit with 12-32mm Lens
All GM1 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Large Four Thirds sensor is impressive for a camera this small; Shares sensor and processor of GX7; Excellent image quality with class-leading high ISO performance; Responsive all-around performer; AF system is fast and accurate; Easy to use and responsive touchscreen; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features; Lightweight and pocketable design makes it easy to carry everywhere.

  • Can be awkward to use with larger lenses; Rear dial is easy to accidentally press; Lacks a hot-shoe for EVF or external flash; Weak built-in flash; 1/50s flash sync; No 1080p60 video; No external headphone jack or mic input.

  • Read our Panasonic GM1 Review

The Competition

Compared to Samsung GX-20

Pentax K20D
Samsung GX-20
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Pentax K20D vs Samsung GX-20

Panasonic GM1
Samsung GX-20
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Samsung GX-20

Compared to Sony DSLR-A380

Pentax K20D
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • HDMI out

Compare Pentax K20D vs Sony DSLR-A380

Panasonic GM1
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Sony DSLR-A380

Compared to Pentax K-7

Pentax K20D
Pentax K-7
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • HDMI out

Compare Pentax K20D vs Pentax K-7

Panasonic GM1
Pentax K-7
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Pentax K-7

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Pentax K20D
Panasonic GM5
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K20D vs Panasonic GM5

Panasonic GM1
Panasonic GM5
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Panasonic GM5

Compared to Panasonic GF7

Pentax K20D
Panasonic GF7
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Pentax K20D vs Panasonic GF7

Panasonic GM1
Panasonic GF7
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Panasonic GF7

Compare Other Cameras?