Panasonic FZ300 vs Pentax K-30

Let's look a bit more closely at the Panasonic FZ300 and Pentax K-30, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the FZ300 (12MP) and K-30 (16MP) and the FZ300 (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

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The FZ300 was brought out 2 years after the K-30 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the FZ300 scores against the K-30 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Pentax K-30. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ300 enjoys external dimensions of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") and a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs) while the Pentax K-30 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FZ300 and Pentax K-30 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the FZ300 vs the K-30.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ300 and K-30 is 59 and 63 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizes merely by reading a spec sheet. The image below should offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ300 and K-30.

Clearly, the two cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FZ300 due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-30 will offer you greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The fresher FZ300 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.