Panasonic FH1 vs Pentax K-30

The following is a detailed analysis of the Panasonic FH1 versus 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 FH1 (12MP) and K-30 (16MP) and the FH1 (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) boast different sensor dimensions.

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The FH1 was launched 3 years earlier than the K-30 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving into a detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the FH1 scores against the K-30 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Pentax K-30. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera, you should consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH1 has exterior dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Pentax K-30 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FH1 versus Pentax K-30 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the FH1 and the K-30.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH1 and K-30 is 95 and 63 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by reading through specifications. The picture below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the FH1 and K-30.

Plainly, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FH1 because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax K-30 will give greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged FH1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.