Panasonic FH20 vs Pentax K-30

Below is a extended comparison of the Panasonic FH20 vs Pentax K-30, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the FH20 (14MP) and the K-30 (16MP) is very well matched but the FH20 (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizes.

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The FH20 was released 3 years earlier than the K-30 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH20 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the FH20 scores versus the K-30 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 and Pentax K-30. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FH20 Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH20 provides outside dimensions of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Pentax K-30 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH20 vs Pentax K-30 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select during that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the FH20 against the K-30.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH20 and K-30 is 93 and 63 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to visualise the difference between sensor measurements purely by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph below will give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH20 and K-30.

As you can see, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FH20 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-30 will resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos far more aggressively. The older FH20 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.