Panasonic FZ40 vs Pentax K-30

Lets look much closer at the Panasonic FZ40 vs Pentax K-30, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FZ40 (14MP) and the K-30 (16MP) is very well matched but the FZ40 (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

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The FZ40 was revealed 3 years before the K-30 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a brief summary of how the FZ40 grades against the K-30 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 and Pentax K-30. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera often, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ40 enjoys exterior dimensions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") along with a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) while the Pentax K-30 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FZ40 vs Pentax K-30 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the FZ40 against the K-30.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ40 and K-30 is 68 and 63 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes merely by checking specifications. The pic here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ40 and K-30.

To sum up, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FZ40 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-30 will give extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged FZ40 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.