Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax K-30

Here, we are reviewing the Panasonic ZS1 versus Pentax K-30, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and K-30 (16MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and K-30 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor size.

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The ZS1 was introduced 4 years before the K-30 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the ZS1 scores against the K-30 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 and Pentax K-30. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS1 offers external dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax K-30 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS1 versus Pentax K-30 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the ZS1 versus the K-30.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS1 and K-30 is 91 and 63 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizes only by looking through specs. The image here will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS1 and K-30.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS1 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K-30 will provide you with greater detail using its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images way more aggressively. The more aged ZS1 will be behind in sensor tech.