Olympus VR-340 vs Pentax K-30

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus VR-340 and Pentax K-30, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the VR-340 (16MP) and the K-30 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the VR-340 (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The VR-340 was launched 9 months before the K-30 so they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VR-340 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a quick view of how the VR-340 grades versus the K-30 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VR-340 and Pentax K-30. The complete galleries are available at Olympus VR-340 Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera often, you should think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus VR-340 has got physical measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Pentax K-30 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus VR-340 and Pentax K-30 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the VR-340 against the K-30.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the VR-340 and K-30 is 96 and 63 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions merely by looking at specs. The pic below should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the VR-340 and K-30.

All in all, both of the cameras offer the same exact megapixel count albeit different sensor dimensions. The VR-340 provides the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower depth of field harder. The more aged VR-340 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.