Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-30

Its time to examine more in depth at the Panasonic SZ1 versus Pentax K-30, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ1 (16MP) and the K-30 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the SZ1 (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SZ1 was revealed 9 months before the K-30 which means that they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summary of how the SZ1 grades versus the K-30 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 & Pentax K-30. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery & Pentax K-30 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ1 enjoys outer measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Pentax K-30 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic SZ1 versus Pentax K-30 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ1 vs the K-30.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ1 and K-30 is 95 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes only by going through specifications. The image here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ1 and K-30.

Plainly, the 2 cameras have got the exact same MP but not the same sensor sizes. The SZ1 offers the smaller sensor which will make getting shallow depth of field harder. The more aged SZ1 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.