Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-5
63 Imaging
57 Features
66 Overall
60
![Pentax K-30 front Pentax K-30 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-K-30/Pentax-K-30-front.jpg)
![Pentax K-5 front Pentax K-5 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-K-5/Pentax-K-5-front.jpg)
60 Imaging
56 Features
82 Overall
66
Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-5 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Increase to 25600)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 650g - 130 x 97 x 71mm
- Announced October 2012
- Successor is Pentax K-50
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 12800 (Expand to 51200)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 740g - 131 x 97 x 73mm
- Announced December 2010
- Superseded the Pentax K-7
- Updated by Pentax K-5 IIs
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-5 Overview
Below, we will be comparing the Pentax K-30 and Pentax K-5, both Advanced DSLR cameras and they are both designed by Pentax. The sensor resolution of the K-30 (16MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is pretty close and they enjoy the exact same sensor dimensions (APS-C).
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
The K-30 was manufactured 23 months later than the K-5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).
Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a concise summary of how the K-30 matches up against the K-5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-5 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-30 and Pentax K-5. The entire galleries are available at Pentax K-30 Gallery and Pentax K-5 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-30 over the Pentax K-5
K-30 | K-5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | October 2012 | ![]() | December 2010 | Fresher by 23 months |
Reasons to pick Pentax K-5 over the Pentax K-30
K-5 | K-30 |
---|
Common features in the Pentax K-30 and Pentax K-5
K-30 | K-5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More accurate focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen dimension | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Identical screen sizing |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 921k | Identical screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lack of selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Lack of Touch friendly screen |
Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-5 Physical Comparison
In case you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and size. The Pentax K-30 offers exterior measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).
Analyze the Pentax K-30 and Pentax K-5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the K-30 compared to the K-5.
![Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-5 size comparison Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-5 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-K-30-vs-Pentax-K-5-size-comparison.jpg)
Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the K-30 and K-5 is 63 and 60 respectively.
![Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-5 top view buttons comparison Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-5 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-K-30-vs-Pentax-K-5-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-5 Sensor Comparison
More often than not, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing merely by researching a spec sheet. The visual here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the K-30 and K-5.
Clearly, each of the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements and the identical megapixels and you should expect comparable quality of photos however you have to consider the production date of the cameras into account. The younger K-30 will have a benefit in sensor technology.
![Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-5 sensor size comparison Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-5 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Pentax-K-30-vs-Pentax-K-5-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-5 Screen and ViewFinder
![Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-5 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-5 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-K-30-vs-Pentax-K-5-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-5 Specifications
Pentax K-30 | Pentax K-5 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Pentax | Pentax |
Model type | Pentax K-30 | Pentax K-5 |
Type | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Announced | 2012-10-29 | 2010-12-18 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Prime M | Prime II |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.7 x 15.7mm | 23.7 x 15.7mm |
Sensor surface area | 372.1mm² | 372.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
Highest resolution | 4928 x 3264 | 4928 x 3264 |
Highest native ISO | 12800 | 12800 |
Highest boosted ISO | 25600 | 51200 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Total focus points | 11 | 11 |
Cross type focus points | 9 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Pentax KAF2 | Pentax KAF2 |
Total lenses | 151 | 151 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Display resolution | 921 thousand dots | 921 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Display tech | TFT LCD monitor with brightness/color adjustment and AR coating | TFT LCD monitor |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.61x | 0.61x |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/6000s | 1/8000s |
Continuous shooting rate | 6.0fps | 7.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye,Slow Sync, Slow Sync+ Redeye, Trailing Curtain Sync, Wireless | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, High speed, Rear curtain and Wireless |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Highest flash synchronize | 1/180s | 1/180s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30,25,24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60,50,30,25,24 fps), 640 x 424 (30,25,24 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (25 fps), 1280 x 720 (25, 30 fps), 640 x 424 (25, 30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 650g (1.43 pounds) | 740g (1.63 pounds) |
Dimensions | 130 x 97 x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") | 131 x 97 x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 79 | 82 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 23.7 | 23.7 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 13.0 | 14.1 |
DXO Low light rating | 1129 | 1162 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 410 images | 980 images |
Battery type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | D-LI109,4 x AA | D-LI90 |
Self timer | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at launch | $525 | $800 |