Panasonic FX580 vs Pentax K-30

Here is a complete analysis of the Panasonic FX580 vs Pentax K-30, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the FX580 (12MP) and K-30 (16MP) and the FX580 (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) have different sensor dimensions.

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The FX580 was announced 4 years earlier than the K-30 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple view of how the FX580 matches up vs the K-30 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 and Pentax K-30. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FX580 Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FX580 provides outside dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Pentax K-30 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FX580 vs Pentax K-30 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at the time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the FX580 compared to the K-30.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the FX580 and K-30 is 95 and 63 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizing merely by checking out specs. The visual below may offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FX580 and K-30.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FX580 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K-30 will show extra detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The older FX580 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.