Panasonic LZ30 vs Pentax K-S1

Below is a in-depth overview of the Panasonic LZ30 and Pentax K-S1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the LZ30 (16MP) and the K-S1 (20MP) is pretty similar but the LZ30 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The LZ30 was unveiled 19 months earlier than the K-S1 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple view of how the LZ30 matches up versus the K-S1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 & Pentax K-S1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic LZ30 Gallery & Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic LZ30 comes with exterior measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-S1 has specifications of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic LZ30 and Pentax K-S1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the LZ30 and the K-S1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the LZ30 and K-S1 is 66 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to visualise the difference between sensor measurements purely by reading specifications. The visual below will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the LZ30 and K-S1.

Plainly, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The LZ30 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-S1 will offer you extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older LZ30 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.