Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax K-30

Following is a comprehensive comparison of the Panasonic ZS40 versus Pentax K-30, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the ZS40 (18MP) and the K-30 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the ZS40 (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) posses different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS40 was launched 15 months after the K-30 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going into a full comparison, here is a short highlight of how the ZS40 matches up against the K-30 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Pentax K-30. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS40 provides exterior dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) and the Pentax K-30 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS40 versus Pentax K-30 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the ZS40 compared to the K-30.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS40 and K-30 is 90 and 63 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizes purely by checking specifications. The image below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS40 and K-30.

Plainly, each of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS40 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Panasonic ZS40 will resolve extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The fresher ZS40 provides an advantage in sensor technology.