Canon 20D vs Pentax K-30
59 Imaging
45 Features
39 Overall
42


63 Imaging
57 Features
66 Overall
60
Canon 20D vs Pentax K-30 Key Specs
(Full Review)
(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

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).

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.

Canon 20D vs Pentax K-30 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon EOS 20D and Pentax K-30. The whole galleries are available at Canon 20D Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.
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 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | October 2012 | ![]() | November 2004 | Newer by 97 months |
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 1.8" | Bigger screen (+1.2") |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 118k | Clearer screen (+803k dot) |
Common features in the Canon 20D and Pentax K-30
20D | K-30 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | More precise focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | 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.
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.

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

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 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon 20D vs Pentax K-30 Specifications
Canon EOS 20D | Pentax 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 |