Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax WS80

Let's look more in depth at the Panasonic ZS30 and Pentax WS80, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Waterproof by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the ZS30 (18MP) and WS80 (10MP) but both cameras have the same sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The ZS30 was manufactured 3 years after the WS80 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the ZS30 scores versus the WS80 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Pentax Optio WS80. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery and Pentax WS80 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS30 has outside measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Pentax WS80 has proportions of 92mm x 60mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS30 and Pentax WS80 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 use during that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the ZS30 vs the WS80.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS30 and WS80 is 92 and 95 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizes just by researching specs. The pic below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS30 and WS80.

All in all, both of those cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZS30 to render extra detail due to its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The newer ZS30 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.