Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax K-S2

Lets look more in depth at the Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax K-S2, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the ZS30 (18MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is very comparable but the ZS30 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS30 was manufactured 3 years earlier than the K-S2 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise summary of how the ZS30 matches up against the K-S2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Pentax K-S2. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera, you will have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS30 provides outside dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) while the Pentax K-S2 has proportions of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax K-S2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the ZS30 against the K-S2.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS30 and K-S2 is 92 and 64 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizes purely by seeing specs. The picture below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS30 and K-S2.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS30 due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-S2 will show extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images more aggressively. The more aged ZS30 will be behind in sensor tech.