Panasonic ZS20 vs Pentax K-30

Let's examine more in depth at the Panasonic ZS20 versus Pentax K-30, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the ZS20 (14MP) and the K-30 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the ZS20 (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS20 was announced 6 months before the K-30 so they are of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting in to a detailed comparison, below is a short summary of how the ZS20 matches up against the K-30 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 and Pentax K-30. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS20 has got external measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Pentax K-30 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZS20 versus Pentax K-30 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select during that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the ZS20 compared to the K-30.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS20 and K-30 is 92 and 63 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes only by going through a spec sheet. The pic underneath should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS20 and K-30.

As you can see, each of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS20 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-30 will produce more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots much more aggressively.