Clicky

Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax ist DS2

Portability
92
Imaging
42
Features
48
Overall
44
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 front
 
Pentax ist DS2 front
Portability
68
Imaging
45
Features
33
Overall
40

Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax ist DS2 Key Specs

Panasonic ZS30
(Full Review)
  • 18MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-480mm (F3.3-6.4) lens
  • 198g - 105 x 59 x 28mm
  • Revealed January 2013
  • Other Name is Lumix DMC-TZ40
  • Succeeded the Panasonic ZS25
  • Replacement is Panasonic ZS35
Pentax ist DS2
(Full Review)
  • 6MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Display
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • Pentax KAF Mount
  • 605g - 125 x 93 x 66mm
  • Released August 2005
Nikon Coolpix camera search on Google skyrockets by 8,500%

Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax ist DS2 Overview

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.

Fujifilm accuses Eastman Kodak of patent violation in new lawsuit

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.

Peek Behind the Lens of 'Photographer' and Their Go-To Cameras
	
	

Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS30 over the Pentax ist DS2

 ZS30 ist DS2 
ReleasedJanuary 2013August 2005More recent by 90 months
Display size3"2.5"Larger display (+0.5")
Display resolution920k210kCrisper display (+710k dot)
Touch display Easily navigate

Reasons to pick Pentax ist DS2 over the Panasonic ZS30

 ist DS2 ZS30 
Manually focus More precise focus

Common features in the Panasonic ZS30 and Pentax ist DS2

 ZS30 ist DS2 
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Selfie screen Neither includes selfie screen

Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax ist DS2 Physical Comparison

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. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

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.

Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax ist DS2 size comparison

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

Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax ist DS2 top view buttons comparison

Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax ist DS2 Sensor Comparison

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.

Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax ist DS2 sensor size comparison

Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax ist DS2 Screen and ViewFinder

Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax ist DS2 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
AI-Powered Photo Editing Tools Could Be Added to WhatsApp

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Panasonic ZS30 Portrait photography details
Pentax ist DS2 Portrait photography details
33
MP count good (18 megapixels)
manual focus not available
cannot use external flash
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
no RAW format
51
focusing manually
good sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW files
doesn't have liveview
low resolution sensor (6MP)
TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance

Street Comparison

Panasonic ZS30 Street photography advice
Pentax ist DS2 Street photography advice
66
has image stabilization (Optical)
provides focus via touch
lighter than competition (198g)
no moving screen
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
no RAW format
60
good sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW files
lighter than average (605g)
screen is fixed
does not have image stabilization
Google AI Gemini Could Enhance iPhone Experience, Talks Suggest

Sports Comparison

Panasonic ZS30 Sports photography features
Pentax ist DS2 Sports photography features
46
amazing zoom range (24-480mm 20.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
MP count good (18MP)
offers tracking autofocus
low max shutter speed (1/1,200s)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
low battery pack (260 CIPA)
no phase detect AF
39
good sensor size (APS-C)
has phase detect auto focus
doesn't have liveview
max fps low (3.0 frames per second)
does not have image stabilization
low resolution sensor (6MP)
Apple patent reveals improved iPhone camera durability

Travel Comparison

Panasonic ZS30 Travel photography factors
Pentax ist DS2 Travel photography factors
69
lighter than competition (198g)
provides focus via touch
MP count good (18 megapixels)
built-in flash
decently wide (24mm)
great zoom (480mm)
lack of Time Lapse recording
low battery pack (260 CIPA)
display isn't selfie friendly
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
52
lighter than average (605g)
has built in flash
doesn't have Timelapse mode
low resolution sensor (6 megapixels)
screen isn't selfie friendly
Leica struggles with L-Mount camera sales, tougher than Q or M

Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Panasonic ZS30
Landscape photography with Pentax ist DS2
44
decently wide (24mm)
screen is a good size (3")
has image stabilization (Optical)
MP count good (18MP)
manual focus not available
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
no RAW format
low battery pack (260 shots)
lack of Time Lapse recording
47
focusing manually
swap lenses (Pentax KAF mount)
good sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW files
tiny screen (2.5")
doesn't have liveview
does not have image stabilization
low resolution sensor (6 megapixels)
doesn't have Timelapse mode
Ulanzi's Tripod Ensures Ultra Smooth Filming

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic ZS30 Vlogging info
Pentax ist DS2 Vlogging info
35
decently wide (24mm)
screen is touchscreen
has image stabilization (Optical)
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
lighter than competition (198g)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
display isn't selfie friendly
lack of external mic jack
22
lighter than average (605 grams)
screen isn't selfie friendly
does not have image stabilization
video quality not great ( resolution)
doesn't have external microphone port
Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation

Panasonic ZS30 vs Pentax ist DS2 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic ZS30 and Pentax ist DS2
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30Pentax ist DS2
General Information
Make Panasonic Pentax
Model Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30 Pentax ist DS2
Otherwise known as Lumix DMC-TZ40 -
Class Small Sensor Superzoom Advanced DSLR
Revealed 2013-01-07 2005-08-22
Body design Compact Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Sensor type CMOS CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" APS-C
Sensor measurements 6.17 x 4.55mm 23.5 x 15.7mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 369.0mm²
Sensor resolution 18 megapixel 6 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 3:2
Highest Possible resolution 4896 x 3672 3008 x 2008
Maximum native ISO 6400 3200
Minimum native ISO 100 200
RAW format
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
Continuous AF
AF single
AF tracking
AF selectice
AF center weighted
AF multi area
Live view AF
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Number of focus points 23 11
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens Pentax KAF
Lens focal range 24-480mm (20.0x) -
Max aperture f/3.3-6.4 -
Macro focus distance 3cm -
Number of lenses - 151
Focal length multiplier 5.8 1.5
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen sizing 3 inch 2.5 inch
Screen resolution 920 thousand dot 210 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None Optical
Viewfinder coverage - 95%
Viewfinder magnification - 0.64x
Features
Min shutter speed 15s 30s
Max shutter speed 1/1200s 1/4000s
Continuous shutter speed 10.0 frames per second 3.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range 6.40 m -
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction
Hot shoe
AEB
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (220 fps) -
Maximum video resolution 1920x1080 -
Video file format MPEG-4, AVCHD -
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In No
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
GPS BuiltIn None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 198 gr (0.44 pounds) 605 gr (1.33 pounds)
Physical dimensions 105 x 59 x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") 125 x 93 x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 260 images -
Type of battery Battery Pack -
Battery model - 4 x AA
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal SD/MMC card
Storage slots 1 1
Launch cost $250 -