Samsung GX-20 vs Pentax K-7

Cameras
Compare Cameras
Samsung GX-20 vs Pentax K-7

Leave Feedback

APS-C 369.7mm²
14.6 megapixels
ISO 100 - 3200

Go in depth with our full Samsung GX-20 Review.

APS-C 369.7mm²
14.6 megapixels
ISO 100 - 3200

Go in depth with our full Pentax K-7 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the K-7.

Succeeded by the Pentax K-5
Compare K-7 vs K-5
Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Pentax K-5

Buy From

Differences

Samsung GX-20 advantages over Pentax K-7

Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
GX-20 test data on DxO Mark K-7 test data on DxO Mark

714 vs 536 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise

Pentax K-7 advantages over Samsung GX-20

HDMI out
HDMI out vs None
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
More dots on screen
921k vs 230k dots
Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
Faster shutter
1/8000 vs 1/4000 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
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Both provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Top deck display
Both provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
Pentaprism viewfinder
Both provide
Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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
Touchscreen
Neither provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
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
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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Samsung GX-20

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-7

Review Excerpt

We haven’t reviewed the Samsung GX-20.
Read our Samsung GX-20 Preview

Read our Pentax K-7 Full Review

The Competition

Compared to Pentax K20D

Samsung GX-20

Pentax K20D

$1400
APS-C

Higher effective ISO

$800
APS-C

Less expensive

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Pentax K20D

Pentax K-7

Pentax K20D

$1300
APS-C

Longer stills battery life
HDMI out

$800
APS-C

Less expensive
Fast startup

Compare Pentax K-7 vs Pentax K20D

Compared to Canon 50D

Samsung GX-20

Canon 50D

$1400
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization

$1000
APS-C

HDMI out
More dots on screen

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Canon 50D

Pentax K-7

Canon 50D

$1300
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization

$1000
APS-C

Fast startup
Higher effective ISO

Compare Pentax K-7 vs Canon 50D

Compared to Sony DSLR-A380

Samsung GX-20

Sony DSLR-A380

$1400
APS-C

Lens selection
Higher effective ISO

$849
APS-C

Less expensive
Tiltable Screen

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Sony DSLR-A380

Pentax K-7

Sony DSLR-A380

$1300
APS-C

Lens selection
Longer stills battery life

$849
APS-C

Less expensive
Tiltable Screen

Compare Pentax K-7 vs Sony DSLR-A380

Compared to Canon T2i

Samsung GX-20

Canon T2i

$1400
APS-C

Larger sensor
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$692
APS-C

Less expensive
External Mic Jack

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Canon T2i

Pentax K-7

Canon T2i

$1300
APS-C

Larger sensor
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$692
APS-C

Less expensive
Fast startup

Compare Pentax K-7 vs Canon T2i

Compared to Sony A55

Samsung GX-20

Sony A55

$1400
APS-C

Lens selection
Top deck display

$734
APS-C

Less expensive
In-camera panoramas

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Sony A55

Pentax K-7

Sony A55

$1300
APS-C

Lens selection
Fast startup

$734
APS-C

Less expensive
In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax K-7 vs Sony A55

Compare Other Cameras?