Panasonic TS30 vs Pentax K-500

Below is a complete review of the Panasonic TS30 versus Pentax K-500, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the TS30 (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the TS30 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) offer different sensor sizes.

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The TS30 was introduced 14 months later than the K-500 making them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic TS30 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going into a detailed comparison, here is a quick overview of how the TS30 matches up against the K-500 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30 & Pentax K-500. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic TS30 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic TS30 enjoys outside measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 20mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Pentax K-500 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic TS30 versus Pentax K-500 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is a front view size comparison of the TS30 compared to the K-500.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the TS30 and K-500 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements only by reading through specs. The photograph below may give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the TS30 and K-500.

All in all, the two cameras provide the same resolution but different sensor measurements. The TS30 provides the tinier sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF harder. The younger TS30 should have a benefit in sensor tech.