Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax K-S1

Below is a thorough assessment of the Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax K-S1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the ZS30 (18MP) and the K-S1 (20MP) is very comparable but the ZS30 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor size.

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The ZS30 was unveiled 19 months before the K-S1 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a complete comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the ZS30 scores vs the K-S1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Pentax K-S1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery and Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS30 has got outer measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Pentax K-S1 has dimensions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") having a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax K-S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use during that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the ZS30 versus the K-S1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS30 and K-S1 is 92 and 69 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to see the difference in sensor measurements merely by going through specs. The graphic below will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS30 and K-S1.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZS30 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K-S1 will show greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older ZS30 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.