Panasonic SZ7 vs Pentax K-30

Let's look more closely at the Panasonic SZ7 and Pentax K-30, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ7 (14MP) and the K-30 (16MP) is fairly close but the SZ7 (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) use different sensor measurements.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The SZ7 was brought out 9 months earlier than the K-30 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a thorough comparison, below is a concise summation of how the SZ7 scores versus the K-30 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7 and Pentax K-30. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ7 Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ7 offers physical measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-30 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic SZ7 and Pentax K-30 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ7 vs the K-30.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ7 and K-30 is 95 and 63 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to picture the difference in sensor measurements just by viewing a spec sheet. The visual underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ7 and K-30.

As you can see, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SZ7 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-30 will result in extra detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos far more aggressively. The older SZ7 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.