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Canon 20D vs Pentax K-30

Portability
59
Imaging
46
Features
39
Overall
43
Canon EOS 20D front
 
Pentax K-30 front
Portability
63
Imaging
58
Features
66
Overall
61

Canon 20D vs Pentax K-30 Key Specs

Canon 20D
(Full Review)
  • 8MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 1.8" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 1600 (Boost to 3200)
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • No Video
  • Canon EF/EF-S Mount
  • 770g - 144 x 106 x 72mm
  • Launched November 2004
  • Earlier Model is Canon 10D
  • Refreshed by Canon 30D
Pentax K-30
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 12800 (Raise to 25600)
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1/6000s Max Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 650g - 130 x 97 x 71mm
  • Launched October 2012
  • Refreshed by Pentax K-50
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Canon 20D vs Pentax K-30 Overview

The following is a comprehensive review of the Canon 20D versus Pentax K-30, both Advanced DSLR cameras by companies Canon and Pentax. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the 20D (8MP) and K-30 (16MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor size (APS-C).

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The 20D was introduced 9 years earlier than the K-30 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summation of how the 20D grades vs the K-30 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Canon 20D over the Pentax K-30

 20D K-30 

Reasons to pick Pentax K-30 over the Canon 20D

 K-30 20D 
LaunchedOctober 2012November 2004Newer by 97 months
Screen size3"1.8"Bigger screen (+1.2")
Screen resolution921k118kClearer screen (+803k dot)

Common features in the Canon 20D and Pentax K-30

 20D K-30 
Manual focus More precise focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Selfie screen No selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Neither has Touch friendly screen

Canon 20D vs Pentax K-30 Physical Comparison

If you are planning to travel with your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon 20D has physical dimensions of 144mm x 106mm x 72mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 2.8") along with a weight of 770 grams (1.70 lbs) while the Pentax K-30 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Contrast the Canon 20D versus Pentax K-30 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use during that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the 20D against the K-30.

Canon 20D vs Pentax K-30 size comparison

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the 20D and K-30 is 59 and 63 respectively.

Canon 20D vs Pentax K-30 top view buttons comparison

Canon 20D vs Pentax K-30 Sensor Comparison

Generally, it is difficult to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions merely by viewing a spec sheet. The image below will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the 20D and K-30.

Clearly, each of these cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different resolution. You should count on the Pentax K-30 to render greater detail using its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged 20D will be behind with regard to sensor technology.

Canon 20D vs Pentax K-30 sensor size comparison

Canon 20D vs Pentax K-30 Screen and ViewFinder

Canon 20D vs Pentax K-30 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Canon 20D Portrait photography info
Pentax K-30 Portrait photography info
47
focusing manually
good sensor size (APS-C)
saves RAW files
no liveview
lack of manual exposure
MP count low (8 megapixels)
74
has manual focus
MP count decent (16MP)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
supports face detection autofocus
supports RAW formats
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Street Comparison

Canon 20D Street photography information
Pentax K-30 Street photography information
53
good sensor size (APS-C)
saves RAW files
fixed screen
does not have image stabilization
68
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW formats
environment sealing
no moving screen
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Sports Comparison

Canon 20D as a Sports photography camera
Pentax K-30 as a Sports photography camera
44
max shutter speed is good (1/8,000s)
good sensor size (APS-C)
sensor has phase detect auto focus
no liveview
painfully slow continuous shooting (5.0 frames per second)
does not have image stabilization
MP count low (8MP)
67
high shutter speed (1/6,000 seconds)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
supports tracking autofocus
environment sealing
supports phase detect autofocus
max frames per second low (6.0 fps)
low battery pack (410 shots)
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Travel Comparison

Canon 20D Travel photography advice
Pentax K-30 Travel photography advice
46
built-in flash
MP count low (8 megapixels)
screen isn't selfie friendly
60
environment sealing
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
has built in flash
low battery pack (410 shots)
does not feature selfie friendly screen
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Landscape Comparison

Canon 20D Landscape photography highlights
Pentax K-30 Landscape photography highlights
46
focusing manually
change lenses (Canon EF/EF-S mount)
good sensor size (APS-C)
saves RAW files
tiny screen (1.8")
no liveview
lack of manual exposure
does not have image stabilization
MP count low (8 megapixels)
73
has manual focus
change lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
pretty good screen size (3 inch)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW formats
environment sealing
low battery pack (410 shots)
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Vlogging Comparison

Canon 20D Vlogging info
Pentax K-30 Vlogging info
9
can't shoot video
30
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
supports face detection autofocus
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
does not feature selfie friendly screen
does not have external mic port
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Canon 20D vs Pentax K-30 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Canon 20D and Pentax K-30
 Canon EOS 20DPentax K-30
General Information
Manufacturer Canon Pentax
Model type Canon EOS 20D Pentax K-30
Class Advanced DSLR Advanced DSLR
Launched 2004-11-03 2012-10-29
Body design Mid-size SLR Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Chip - Prime M
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size APS-C APS-C
Sensor dimensions 22.5 x 15mm 23.7 x 15.7mm
Sensor area 337.5mm² 372.1mm²
Sensor resolution 8MP 16MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 3:2
Highest Possible resolution 3504 x 2336 4928 x 3264
Maximum native ISO 1600 12800
Maximum enhanced ISO 3200 25600
Minimum native ISO 100 100
RAW files
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
AF touch
Continuous AF
AF single
AF tracking
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
AF multi area
AF live view
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Total focus points 9 11
Cross type focus points - 9
Lens
Lens mount type Canon EF/EF-S Pentax KAF2
Amount of lenses 326 151
Focal length multiplier 1.6 1.5
Screen
Range of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen sizing 1.8 inches 3 inches
Screen resolution 118k dot 921k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Screen technology - TFT LCD monitor with brightness/color adjustment and AR coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage 95 percent 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.56x 0.61x
Features
Min shutter speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Max shutter speed 1/8000 seconds 1/6000 seconds
Continuous shutter speed 5.0fps 6.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation - Yes
Set WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance 12.00 m (ISO 100) 12.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash options Auto, On, Red-eye reduction, Off Auto, On, Off, Red-eye,Slow Sync, Slow Sync+ Redeye, Trailing Curtain Sync, Wireless
Hot shoe
AEB
White balance bracketing
Max flash sync - 1/180 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions - 1920 x 1080 (30,25,24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60,50,30,25,24 fps), 640 x 424 (30,25,24 fps)
Maximum video resolution None 1920x1080
Video file format - MPEG-4, H.264
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None Optional
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 770 gr (1.70 pounds) 650 gr (1.43 pounds)
Physical dimensions 144 x 106 x 72mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 2.8") 130 x 97 x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating 62 79
DXO Color Depth rating 21.9 23.7
DXO Dynamic range rating 11.0 13.0
DXO Low light rating 721 1129
Other
Battery life - 410 shots
Form of battery - Battery Pack
Battery ID - D-LI109,4 x AA
Self timer Yes (10 sec (2 sec with mirror lock-up)) Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds)
Time lapse feature
Storage media Compact Flash (Type I or II) SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots One One
Launch cost $1,300 $525