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Nikon Df vs Pentax K-30

Portability
59
Imaging
64
Features
62
Overall
63
Nikon Df front
 
Pentax K-30 front
Portability
63
Imaging
58
Features
66
Overall
61

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-30 Key Specs

Nikon Df
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 12800 (Raise to 204800)
  • No Video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 760g - 144 x 110 x 67mm
  • Announced December 2013
Pentax K-30
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 12800 (Boost 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
  • Renewed by Pentax K-50
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Nikon Df vs Pentax K-30 Overview

Lets take a more detailed look at the Nikon Df versus Pentax K-30, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by brands Nikon and Pentax. The image resolution of the Df (16MP) and the K-30 (16MP) is very similar but the Df (Full frame) and K-30 (APS-C) have different sensor sizing.

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The Df was introduced 14 months later than the K-30 making them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before going right into a complete comparison, here is a quick overview of how the Df matches up versus the K-30 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

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Reasons to pick Nikon Df over the Pentax K-30

 Df K-30 
LaunchedDecember 2013October 2012More recent by 14 months
Display dimensions3.2"3"Larger display (+0.2")

Reasons to pick Pentax K-30 over the Nikon Df

 K-30 Df 

Common features in the Nikon Df and Pentax K-30

 Df K-30 
Manual focus More accurate focus
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Display resolution921k921kThe same display resolution
Selfie screen Neither offers selfie screen
Touch friendly display No Touch friendly display

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-30 Physical Comparison

If you're going to lug around your camera frequently, you have to think about its weight and proportions. The Nikon Df offers exterior measurements of 144mm x 110mm x 67mm (5.7" x 4.3" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-30 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Examine the Nikon Df versus Pentax K-30 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at the time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the Df vs the K-30.

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-30 size comparison

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the Df and K-30 is 59 and 63 respectively.

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-30 top view buttons comparison

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-30 Sensor Comparison

Typically, it can be difficult to picture the difference between sensor measurements only by reading a spec sheet. The photograph here might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the Df and K-30.

Clearly, each of the cameras have the same megapixels but different sensor measurements. The Df includes the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult. The more recent Df should have an advantage in sensor tech.

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-30 sensor size comparison

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-30 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-30 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Nikon Df
Portrait photography with Pentax K-30
78
has manual focus
resolution is good (16 megapixels)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
supports face detection focusing
delivers RAW formats
74
you can focus manually
good resolution (16 megapixels)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
provides face detect focusing
delivers RAW files
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Street Comparison

Nikon Df as a Street photography camera
Pentax K-30 as a Street photography camera
60
sensor size is large (Full frame)
delivers RAW formats
environment proofing
no articulating screen
lack of image stabilization
68
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
weather proofing
fixed screen
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Sports Comparison

Nikon Df Sports photography information
Pentax K-30 Sports photography information
69
resolution is good (16MP)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
supports tracking autofocus
environment proofing
great battery life (1,400 shots)
has phase detect AF
max fps very slow (6.0 frames/s)
lack of image stabilization
67
high shutter speed (1/6,000s)
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
good resolution (16MP)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
provides tracking focus
weather proofing
supports phase detect AF
low frames per second (6.0 fps)
terrible battery life (410 CIPA)
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Travel Comparison

Nikon Df as a Travel photography camera
Pentax K-30 as a Travel photography camera
60
great battery life (1,400 CIPA)
environment proofing
resolution is good (16MP)
does not have Timelapse function
display is not selfie friendly
60
weather proofing
good resolution (16 megapixels)
has built in flash
terrible battery life (410 shots)
display isn't selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon Df Landscape photography advice
Pentax K-30 Landscape photography advice
71
has manual focus
switch lenses (Nikon F mount)
screen size is good (3.2 inches)
resolution is good (16 megapixels)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
delivers RAW formats
environment proofing
great battery life (1,400 per charge)
lack of image stabilization
does not have Timelapse function
73
you can focus manually
interchangeable lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
nice screen size (3")
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
good resolution (16 megapixels)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
weather proofing
terrible battery life (410 shots)
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Nikon Df
Vlogging with Pentax K-30
9
no video shooting
30
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
provides face detect focusing
high res video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
display isn't selfie friendly
doesn't have mic socket
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Nikon Df vs Pentax K-30 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon Df and Pentax K-30
 Nikon DfPentax K-30
General Information
Brand Nikon Pentax
Model Nikon Df Pentax K-30
Type Advanced DSLR Advanced DSLR
Announced 2013-12-20 2012-10-29
Physical type Mid-size SLR Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Processor Chip Expeed 3 Prime M
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Full frame APS-C
Sensor dimensions 36 x 23.9mm 23.7 x 15.7mm
Sensor surface area 860.4mm² 372.1mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixel 16 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 3:2
Max resolution 4928 x 3280 4928 x 3264
Max native ISO 12800 12800
Max enhanced ISO 204800 25600
Lowest native ISO 100 100
RAW support
Lowest enhanced ISO 50 -
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
AF continuous
Single AF
Tracking AF
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Number of focus points 39 11
Cross focus points 9 9
Lens
Lens mounting type Nikon F Pentax KAF2
Total lenses 309 151
Crop factor 1 1.5
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display size 3.2 inch 3 inch
Display resolution 921 thousand dots 921 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Display technology TFT-LCD TFT LCD monitor with brightness/color adjustment and AR coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.7x 0.61x
Features
Minimum shutter speed 30 secs 30 secs
Fastest shutter speed 1/4000 secs 1/6000 secs
Continuous shutter rate 6.0 frames/s 6.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range no built-in flash 12.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash options Auto FP High-speed sync, front-curtain sync, rear-curtain sync, redeye reduction, Auto, On, Off, Red-eye,Slow Sync, Slow Sync+ Redeye, Trailing Curtain Sync, Wireless
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Fastest flash synchronize 1/250 secs 1/180 secs
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
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)
Max video resolution None 1920x1080
Video data format - MPEG-4, H.264
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless Optional None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS Optional Optional
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 760 grams (1.68 lb) 650 grams (1.43 lb)
Physical dimensions 144 x 110 x 67mm (5.7" x 4.3" x 2.6") 130 x 97 x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score 89 79
DXO Color Depth score 24.6 23.7
DXO Dynamic range score 13.1 13.0
DXO Low light score 3279 1129
Other
Battery life 1400 images 410 images
Battery type Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model EN-EL14,EN-EL14a D-LI109,4 x AA
Self timer Yes (2, 5, 10, or 20 secs) Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC card SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots 1 1
Price at release $2,747 $525