Panasonic LZ30 vs Pentax K-1

Here is a comprehensive overview of the Panasonic LZ30 and Pentax K-1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap among the resolutions of the LZ30 (16MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the LZ30 (1/2.3") and K-1 (Full frame) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The LZ30 was released 4 years prior to the K-1 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise view of how the LZ30 scores versus the K-1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 and Pentax K-1. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic LZ30 Gallery and Pentax K-1 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic LZ30 provides external dimensions of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) while the Pentax K-1 has sizing of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") having a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

See the Panasonic LZ30 and Pentax K-1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at that moment. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the LZ30 and the K-1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the LZ30 and K-1 is 66 and 55 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizing purely by seeing specs. The graphic underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the LZ30 and K-1.

All in all, both of those cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The LZ30 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax K-1 will provide greater detail as a result of its extra 20MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older LZ30 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.