[Professor Batty]

The Online Photographer: 'The Big Beast' (aka Panasonic GX8)

K-01 doesn't look so bulky anymore, especially compared to this MFT camera.

[starbase218]

Not really a fair comparison though, since the K-01 has no EVF.

[Edgar_in_Indy]

The main body of the GX8 is thinner, so it would probably be close in terms of total displacement. The K-01 weighs about 15% more than the GX8, in case that's an indication of anything. The GX8 overall dimensions are effected by the EVF sticking off the rear, and a substantial grip on the front. I can tell you which one looks like it would be more comfortable to hold.

[Professor Batty]

Not really a fair comparison though, since the K-01 has no EVF.

My point was made in jest (partially), but the overall size of the K-01 has been one of the knocks against it ever since it came out.

The EVF also looks as if it would be prone to catching on clothing, straps and cases: Compare camera dimensions side by side (be sure to check out the comparison from above)

I'm sure the GX8 is a fine camera, but it is very large for one having a MFT sensor.

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Last edited by Professor Batty; 07-18-2015 at 08:34 AM. Reason: links

[Edgar_in_Indy]

Somebody coming from an earlier m43 will probably find it large, but anybody coming from a DSLR will not.

The larger size may actually be welcome by some m43 users. I imagine a lens like the 40-150mm f/2.8 will handle better on this body. The rugged, magnesium alloy construction will also probably help in that regard, as well as having a viewfinder.

[alexcox]

The GX8 isn't really a "big beast". It's a M43 camera with a decent grip, like the Olympus OMD EM1. As many Pentaxians have pointed out, the K-01 is an excellent camera. What it lacks (in my opinion) even more than a viewfinder is a decent grip. If only its striking design had included a larger grip (something the M43 manufacturers have also figured out is essential!)

[WildBikerBill]

K-01 vs GX8
http://camerasize.com/compare/#285,629

[WildBikerBill]

The Online Photographer: 'The Big Beast' (aka Panasonic GX8)

K-01 doesn't look so bulky anymore, especially compared to this MFT camera.

To many, the K-01 never did look bulky. It looks big enough you can get a decent grip even when the lens is bigger than a pancake.
Here's a quickie snap of the K-x with the kit 18-55mm vs. a K-01 with a Sigma 17-50mm f2.8.
So tell me again, how small do you want that body to be?

[Doundounba]

The most beastly thing about the GX8 is the price! $USD1600! Ouch!

[Edgar_in_Indy]

The most beastly thing about the GX8 is the price! $USD1600! Ouch!

Launch price is supposed to be $1199 for the body. Amazon has it $1197.99 for pre-order right now.

[Sandy Hancock]

The K-01 is a wonderful body. A bit of tweaking (second control wheel and EVF, etc) and it could have been a great one. It's a pity so many short-sighted and closed-minded haters dumped on it to ensure its early demise.

[Edgar_in_Indy]

The K-01 is a wonderful body. A bit of tweaking (second control wheel and EVF, etc) and it could have been a great one. It's a pity so many short-sighted and closed-minded haters dumped on it to ensure its early demise.

I've never noticed that Pentax pays any special attention to the comments here or elsewhere...positive or negative. I'm guessing that it was sales (or lack thereof) that colored Pentax's business decisions in regards to the K-01.

For example, every time Pentax announces a new camera with different body color options, a whole legion of haters post ugly comments on DPR, arguably the largest camera/photography site around. But all the negative comments have never stopped Pentax from offering cameras in various colors.

[Sandy Hancock]

Ah, but the most vicious K-01 haters were here in Pentax heartland, and that might have affected sales.
The CaNikOny mob at DPR are preaching to the unconvertible.

[luftfluss]

Ah, but the most vicious K-01 haters were here in Pentax heartland, and that might have affected sales.
The CaNikOny mob at DPR are preaching to the unconvertible.

Of all the hobby-oriented forums/BBS/discussion groups I've encountered in my life, the hobby with the greatest number of hidebound enthusiasts is photography. This surprises me, given the amount of creativity inherent in the pursuit of "good photos".

Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct--as irrational animals do--will destroy them. - Jude 1:10, New International Version Bible

[Doundounba]

Launch price is supposed to be $1199 for the body. Amazon has it $1197.99 for pre-order right now.

Right, sorry - I stand corrected. Still a hefty price! Compare with the NX500 currently at $700... For a stills photographer looking for a (spiritual) successor to the K-01, the NX500 currently looks like the most interesting option to me, though I have to say I'm reasonably happy with the K-3...

EDIT: Ah! Now I know where I saw the $1600 number - that's the price in Canadian dollars (from Henry's)...