Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax KP

Below, we are evaluating the Panasonic ZS30 versus Pentax KP, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the ZS30 (18MP) and KP (24MP) and the ZS30 (1/2.3") and KP (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The ZS30 was unveiled 5 years earlier than the KP which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera and the Pentax KP being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the ZS30 matches up against the KP for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Pentax KP. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery and Pentax KP Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS30 has exterior measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) whilst the Pentax KP has dimensions of 132mm x 101mm x 76mm (5.2" x 4.0" x 3.0") having a weight of 703 grams (1.55 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS30 versus Pentax KP in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the ZS30 vs the KP.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS30 and KP is 92 and 61 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to picture the gap between sensor sizes only by reviewing technical specs. The image underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS30 and KP.

As you can tell, both of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS30 using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Pentax KP will offer extra detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more aged ZS30 is going to be behind in sensor tech.