Panasonic 3D1 vs Pentax K-30

Here, we will be contrasting the Panasonic 3D1 vs Pentax K-30, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the 3D1 (12MP) and K-30 (16MP) and the 3D1 (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

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The 3D1 was released 11 months earlier than the K-30 so they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the 3D1 grades vs the K-30 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 and Pentax K-30. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic 3D1 offers exterior dimensions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst 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).

Check out the Panasonic 3D1 vs Pentax K-30 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have during that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the 3D1 against the K-30.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 3D1 and K-30 is 93 and 63 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reading through specs. The image here will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the 3D1 and K-30.

All in all, both cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The 3D1 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF harder and the Pentax K-30 will give you greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more aged 3D1 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.