Panasonic TS10 vs Pentax K-30

Panasonic Lumix TS10 vs. Pentax K-30: An Expert Deep Dive into Waterproof Compact and Advanced DSLR Worlds

As seasoned photography gear testers with over 15 years’ experience, we’re accustomed to sizing up cameras across genres - from rugged compacts to sophisticated DSLRs. Today, we pit two distinctly different cameras head-to-head: the Panasonic Lumix TS10, a 2010 waterproof compact aimed at adventure seekers, and the Pentax K-30, a 2012 mid-size DSLR engineered for enthusiasts craving versatility and weather sealing.

Reading through specs alone doesn’t tell the whole story, so we’ve dug beyond marketing bullet points, subjecting both cameras to rigorous field tests across multiple genres and lighting conditions. Let’s unpack their capabilities, strengths, and limitations, then recommend who should favor each camera.

Size and Handling: Battle of a Pocketable Toughie vs. a Rugged DSLR

Right out of the gate, size and ergonomics make the divide between these two cameras. The Panasonic TS10’s compact dimensions (99 x 63 x 24 mm) and featherweight sub-200g body scream portability and adventure readiness. In contrast, the larger Pentax K-30 (130 x 97 x 71 mm, 650g) feels substantial in hand, reflecting its DSLR heritage - robust grip, multiple manual dials, and a heft that steadies your framing over longer shoots.

The Panasonic’s fixed lens and simple control layout keep things straightforward - great for quick snaps or underwater shots where fumbling controls isn’t an option. Ergonomics are basic but effective for its class, with buttons small but responsive. The Pentax K-30 boasts a fully weather-sealed body, offering solid magnesium alloy construction and tactile buttons that earn it praise in demanding outdoor scenarios.

For portrait or landscape shooters used to DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, the K-30’s physicality adds confidence and control that the TS10 can’t match. Conversely, the TS10’s pocketability wins those seeking a secondary camera or an all-weather backup.

Top-Down Controls and Design Logic

A glance at the top view reveals both design priorities and usability philosophy differences.

The K-30’s dedicated mode dial and shutter speed/priorities dials create a satisfying mechanical experience. You’ll find full manual exposure, exposure compensation, and a continuous shooting drive right at your fingertips. Meanwhile, the TS10 trims complexity, focusing on auto-centric modes and a single control dial, reflecting its casual shooter market.

The K-30’s lack of touchscreen may disappoint some modern shooters but enhances reliability under tough conditions. The TS10’s simple interface, though non-touch, benefits beginners but frustrates pros wanting granular settings.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor Size and Imaging Core

Sensor technology is a cornerstone of image quality and flexibility, and here the gulf is wide.

The TS10 uses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with a modest 14MP, common for compact cameras of its era. These sensors tend to have high noise levels above ISO 400 and limited dynamic range - a consequence of smaller photosites and older technology. This impacts low-light shooting and post-capture manipulations.

Conversely, the Pentax K-30 houses a large APS-C CMOS sensor (23.7 x 15.7 mm), delivering notable imaging advantages: higher resolution (16MP), better color depth, superior dynamic range (DXO scores confirm 79 overall with excellent color depth and impressive ISO 1129 low-light performance), and RAW file support for extensive editing latitude.

This difference translates dramatically at practical shoots: landscapes exhibit richer tonal gradations on the K-30, while TS10 photos risk highlight clipping and muddy shadows. Portraits benefit from the K-30’s sensor and superior lens options by producing crisp skin tones and creamy bokeh - quite beyond the TS10’s fixed zoom reach.

The Lens War: Zoom and Aperture Versatility

Lens versatility often defines camera appeal. The Panasonic TS10’s fixed 4x zoom lens ranges from 35–140mm equivalent with maximum apertures from f/3.5 to f/5.6. The lens covers typical walking-around focal lengths but struggles in low light with variable apertures and limited reach.

The Pentax K-30’s hallmark is its compatibility with the robust Pentax KAF2 mount, granting access to over 150 native lenses - from ultra-wide primes to super-telephoto zooms and specialist macro optics. This extensiveness provides a playground for portrait, landscape, macro, and sports photographers alike.

Pentax’s shake reduction sensor-based stabilization complements lens versatility, yielding sharper handheld shots across focal lengths. The TS10 has optical image stabilization, which helps but cannot match sensor-shift efficacy on a more substantial platform.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus performance critically impacts every photographic discipline. The Panasonic TS10 features a 9-point contrast-detection AF system with single AF and center-weight AF available. It lacks face or eye detection and continuous autofocus, making it sluggish and imprecise for moving subjects or portraits demanding eye sharpness.

The Pentax K-30 deploys an 11-point Hybrid autofocus system with nine cross-type points, combining phase-detection (for speed and tracking, key in sports/wildlife) and contrast-detection for live view. The K-30 also offers face detection, continuous AF tracking, and more intelligent zone selection.

In wildlife or sports shoots requiring rapid subject acquisition and smooth tracking under challenging light, the K-30 is a clear victor. The TS10’s AF, adequate for snapshots or static subjects, quickly shows its limits in action photography.

LCD and Viewfinder: How You Compose Matters

The TS10 sports a fixed 2.7” LCD with 230k dots - adequate for framing but tough under bright sun or detailed focusing. The absence of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) means reliance on the rear screen, which is vulnerable in bright environments and less precise for manual framing.

The Pentax K-30 carries a larger 3” LCD (921k dots) with anti-reflective coatings and brightness adjustment, delivering a crisp preview. More importantly, it features a 100% coverage pentaprism optical viewfinder with 0.61x magnification for crystal-clear, lag-free composition - a boon when tracking fast subjects or shooting in direct light.

For serious photographers prioritizing framing accuracy and eye-level shooting, the K-30’s optical viewfinder is indispensable. The TS10’s LCD-only approach caters to casual use and underwater framing.

Durability and Sealing: Adventure-Ready vs. Adventure-Inviting

The Panasonic TS10 slaughters the competition in ruggedness with full waterproofing (up to 10m), dustproofing, shockproofing, and even freezeproofing.

The K-30 offers robust weather sealing - dust and moisture resistant but not waterproof or shockproof - aimed squarely at enthusiasts willing to brave rain or dust but unlikely to submerge their cameras.

This fundamental divergence defines use cases:

• TS10: Ideal for water sports, hiking, beach days, and industrial environments where damage or water ingress is a real risk.
• K-30: Great for fieldwork, trail hikes, and outdoor portraits with moderate environmental exposure but demands more cautious handling.

Continuous Shooting and Burst Capabilities

Speed matters for wildlife, sports, and action shooters. The TS10 tops out at 2 fps burst, with no continuous autofocus during shooting. This makes it better suited to relaxed shooting styles or casual use.

The K-30 supports 6 fps continuous burst with full AF tracking, enabling capture of rapid sequences like bird flight, sports, or fast-moving kids. This advantage reflects its DSLR design for responsive shooting and potential to fill the buffer with RAW files.

ISO Range and Low-Light Usability

The Panasonic TS10 offers a maximum ISO 6400 (native max), but noise above ISO 400 rapidly degrades images due to the small CCD sensor.

Meanwhile, the Pentax K-30 native ISO ranges from 100-12800, expandable to 25600. Our test images confirm usable high ISO output well beyond 3200, with clean detail retention and balanced noise levels - essential for indoor sports, night portraits, or astrophotography.

Video Features: HD Modesty vs. DSLR Versatility

Videographers will find the TS10 limited: max 1280 x 720 at 30 fps in Motion JPEG - a file format notorious for large sizes and low compression efficiency. No external mic inputs or stabilization tweaks exist beyond optical IS.

The K-30 records Full HD 1080p at multiple frame rates (24, 25, 30 fps), with H.264 codec for efficient files. While it lacks dedicated mic/headphone jacks, the DSLR’s larger sensor and quality lenses yield cinematic video footage with shallow depth-of-field potential.

Storage, Battery, and Connectivity

Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but the K-30 includes robust battery options - either its proprietary rechargeable battery or AA batteries in a pinch, granting an impressive 410-shots per charge. The TS10’s battery life isn’t manufacturer-stated but is known to be limited, typical of compact cameras.

Neither camera offers wireless features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, though the K-30 optionally supports GPS via add-on.

Sample Images and Real-World Performance

Side-by-side sample galleries from both cameras illustrate practical outcomes of their specs and design philosophies.

Panasonic TS10 front Panasonic TS10 screen back Pentax K 30 front Pentax K 30 screen back

• The TS10’s images show bright colors and decent sharpness in daylight but struggle with shadow detail and noise in dimmer scenes.
• The K-30 produces images with richer detail, superior highlight control, and nuanced tonal gradations, especially apparent in landscapes and portrait shots.

Overall Performance Ratings

Considering sensor, autofocus, build, speed, and image quality, DXO Mark scores and our hands-on testing reflect the K-30’s superiority in core photography metrics.

The Pentax K-30’s APS-C sensor, phase-detection AF system, and physical controls secure its position as a well-rounded enthusiast DSLR. However, TS10’s ruggedness and ease of use carve out a unique niche.

Genre-Specific Performance: Who Wins Where?

Breaking down each camera’s suitability across key photography genres crystallizes their appeal.

• Portraits: K-30 - Its lens flexibility and sensor deliver superior skin tones, bokeh, and eye tracking.
• Landscape: K-30 - Dynamic range and resolution dominate; weather sealing helps but TS10’s waterproofing is niche.
• Wildlife: K-30 - AF tracking and burst rates give the edge.
• Sports: K-30 - Fast continuous shooting and tracking.
• Street: TS10 - Compactness, discreteness, and weatherproofing.
• Macro: K-30 - Precision focusing and specialized lenses.
• Night/Astro: K-30 - High ISO and long exposure capabilities.
• Video: K-30 - 1080p with better codec.
• Travel: TS10 - Lightweight, waterproof, and tough.
• Professional: K-30 - Reliable, bulk storage, and file flexibility.

Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

Go for the Panasonic Lumix TS10 if:

• You need a simple, ultra-rugged compact for travel, underwater adventures, or rugged environments.
• You prioritize portability and worry-free handling over image fidelity.
• Your budget caps near $250 and you want an all-weather capable snapshot camera.

Opt for the Pentax K-30 if:

• You desire a versatile DSLR with excellent image quality, full manual control, and a broad lens ecosystem.
• You shoot across genres requiring fast autofocus, solid burst rates, and solid low-light performance.
• Weather sealing coupled with professional-grade features matter more than weight or waterproofing.
• Your budget allows investment around $500-$600 with room for lenses.

Final Words: A Tale of Two Cameras Serving Different Masters

These cameras serve almost opposite photography philosophies: The Panasonic Lumix TS10 champions rugged simplicity with waterproof assurance, while the Pentax K-30 pursues creative control and expansive imaging capability in a semi-professional DSLR chassis. Understanding your primary shooting genre, environments, and ergonomic preferences will guide your choice.

As always, I recommend hands-on trials where possible, paying special attention to lens feel, viewfinder comfort, and AF responsiveness, since those tactile elements often influence long-term satisfaction. For anyone wanting a gateway to DSLR versatility with rock-solid image quality, the K-30 remains a commendable choice years after release. Those chasing splash-proof reliability and portability cannot go past the TS10’s tenacious charm.

Happy photographing, and may your next camera feel like it was made just for your photographic journey!