Panasonic FZ1000 vs Pentax K-30

Below, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FZ1000 vs Pentax K-30, former being a Large Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a substantial gap among the image resolutions of the FZ1000 (20MP) and K-30 (16MP) and the FZ1000 (1") and K-30 (APS-C) use different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FZ1000 was released 20 months later than the K-30 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ1000 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the FZ1000 scores versus the K-30 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 & Pentax K-30. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ1000 Gallery & Pentax K-30 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ1000 enjoys outside dimensions of 137mm x 99mm x 131mm (5.4" x 3.9" x 5.2") along with a weight of 831 grams (1.83 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-30 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FZ1000 vs Pentax K-30 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the FZ1000 against the K-30.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ1000 and K-30 is 55 and 63 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing only by checking out technical specs. The photograph here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ1000 and K-30.

As you can tell, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FZ1000 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic FZ1000 will show more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The younger FZ1000 should have an advantage in sensor technology.