Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Below is a complete overview of the Panasonic ZS30 and Pentax K-5 IIs, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS30 (18MP) and the K-5 IIs (16MP) is relatively well matched but the ZS30 (1/2.3") and K-5 IIs (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The ZS30 was released 4 months before the K-5 IIs and they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple summary of how the ZS30 scores against the K-5 IIs in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 & Pentax K-5 IIs. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery & Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera, you'll need to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS30 has got exterior dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 IIs has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS30 and Pentax K-5 IIs in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the ZS30 against the K-5 IIs.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS30 and K-5 IIs is 92 and 60 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to imagine the difference between sensor measurements merely by looking at a spec sheet. The visual here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS30 and K-5 IIs.

Clearly, both cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZS30 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic ZS30 will resolve greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots much more aggressively.