Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax ist DS2

Here, we are evaluating the Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax ist DS2, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the ZS30 (18MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the ZS30 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS30 was unveiled 7 years later than the ist DS2 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the ZS30 grades vs the ist DS2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 & Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS30 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS30 features external 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) whilst the Pentax ist DS2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax ist DS2 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the ZS30 and the ist DS2.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS30 and ist DS2 is 92 and 68 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements just by going through specifications. The photograph underneath may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS30 and ist DS2.

To sum up, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZS30 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic ZS30 will produce extra detail having an extra 12MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The newer ZS30 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.