• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400

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Differences

Samsung GX-20 advantages over Pentax K-70

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.07 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera

Pentax K-70 advantages over Samsung GX-20

  • 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
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    8 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
    922k 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
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 14.6 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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
  • 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

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • 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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Buy the Pentax K-70

Review Excerpt

  • Huge bang for the buck; Great image quality; Excellent high ISO performance; Fast autofocus; Good burst frame rate with deep buffer; Pentaprism viewfinder; Twin control dials; Articulated LCD; Comprehensive weather-sealing and freeze-proofing; Unbelievable wealth of rare to unique (yet very useful) features

  • Wi-Fi wireless communication is slow, clumsy and unintuitive; Video autofocus is prone to hunting or racking focus; Slow buffer clearing; Rather heavy for an entry-level DSLR; Autofocus and metering systems are a bit dated; Below average battery life

The Competition

Compared to Pentax K20D

Samsung GX-20
Pentax K20D
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
Pentax K-70
Pentax K20D
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup

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
Pentax K-70
Canon 50D
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup

Compared to Pentax K-7

Samsung GX-20
Pentax K-7
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen
Pentax K-70
Pentax K-7
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup

Compared to Canon T6s

Samsung GX-20
Canon T6s
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Pentax K-70
Canon T6s
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • NFC

Compared to Canon 77D

Samsung GX-20
Canon 77D
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $550
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Pentax K-70
Canon 77D
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $550
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
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