Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Pentax K-30

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus SP-800 UZ versus Pentax K-30, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the K-30 (16MP) is pretty close but the SP-800 UZ (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SP-800 UZ was unveiled 3 years earlier than the K-30 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a simple summation of how the SP-800 UZ grades against the K-30 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-800 UZ and Pentax K-30. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-800 UZ has external measurements of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") and a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) while the Pentax K-30 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SP-800 UZ versus Pentax K-30 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the SP-800 UZ against the K-30.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SP-800 UZ and K-30 is 69 and 63 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions just by looking through specifications. The image below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-800 UZ and K-30.

Plainly, the two cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SP-800 UZ having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax K-30 will provide you with extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots more aggressively. The more aged SP-800 UZ will be behind in sensor tech.