Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax K-3

Following is a in-depth overview of the Panasonic ZS30 versus Pentax K-3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a substantial gap between the image resolutions of the ZS30 (18MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the ZS30 (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS30 was introduced 15 months prior to the K-3 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise overview of how the ZS30 grades vs the K-3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 & Pentax K-3. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery & Pentax K-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS30 has got physical measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-3 has dimensions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS30 versus Pentax K-3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the ZS30 versus the K-3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS30 and K-3 is 92 and 59 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizes merely by reading through specs. The picture below should offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS30 and K-3.

All in all, each of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZS30 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-3 will give extra detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged ZS30 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.