Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax ist DL2

Here is a in depth assessment of the Panasonic ZS30 versus Pentax ist DL2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the ZS30 (18MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the ZS30 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS30 was unveiled 7 years later than the ist DL2 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a complete comparison, below is a concise summation of how the ZS30 grades versus the ist DL2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 and Pentax ist DL2. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery and Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS30 enjoys outer dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Pentax ist DL2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS30 versus Pentax ist DL2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the ZS30 compared to the ist DL2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS30 and ist DL2 is 92 and 69 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing just by checking a spec sheet. The graphic below might give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS30 and ist DL2.

Clearly, each of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS30 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic ZS30 will give greater detail having an extra 12MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more recent ZS30 will have an edge in sensor innovation.