Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax K-5

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic ZS30 and Pentax K-5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the ZS30 (18MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is very well matched but the ZS30 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

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The ZS30 was unveiled 2 years after the K-5 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the ZS30 scores vs the K-5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Pentax K-5. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery and Pentax K-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS30 comes with outside dimensions 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-5 has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS30 and Pentax K-5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the ZS30 versus the K-5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS30 and K-5 is 92 and 60 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions only by reading through specs. The pic here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS30 and K-5.

All in all, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS30 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic ZS30 will resolve greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images far more aggressively. The fresher ZS30 should have an edge with regard to sensor technology.