Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-S2
63 Imaging
57 Features
66 Overall
60
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64 Imaging
63 Features
82 Overall
70
Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-S2 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Raise to 25600)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 650g - 130 x 97 x 71mm
- Released October 2012
- Refreshed by Pentax K-50
(Full Review)
- 20MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 100 - 51200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/6000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 678g - 123 x 91 x 73mm
- Revealed February 2015
- Earlier Model is Pentax K-S1
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Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-S2 Overview
In this write-up, we will be looking at the Pentax K-30 and Pentax K-S2, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are manufactured by Pentax. The sensor resolution of the K-30 (16MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is relatively well matched and they use the same exact sensor sizes (APS-C).
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The K-30 was announced 3 years before the K-S2 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.
Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summary of how the K-30 matches up versus the K-S2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.
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Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-S2 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-30 and Pentax K-S2. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax K-30 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-30 over the Pentax K-S2
K-30 | K-S2 |
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Reasons to pick Pentax K-S2 over the Pentax K-30
K-S2 | K-30 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | February 2015 | ![]() | October 2012 | More recent by 27 months |
Screen type | Fully Articulated | ![]() | Fixed | Fully Articulating screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Easy selfies |
Common features in the Pentax K-30 and Pentax K-S2
K-30 | K-S2 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | More precise focus | ||
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen dimensions |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 921k | Equal screen resolution |
Touch screen | ![]() | Missing Touch screen |
Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-S2 Physical Comparison
In case you're intending to lug around your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Pentax K-30 enjoys outside dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs) while the Pentax K-S2 has specifications of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") having a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).
Take a look at the Pentax K-30 and Pentax K-S2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the K-30 vs the K-S2.
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Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the K-30 and K-S2 is 63 and 64 respectively.
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Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-S2 Sensor Comparison
Typically, it is tough to imagine the gap between sensor measurements only by looking at specifications. The visual here might provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-30 and K-S2.
To sum up, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You should count on the Pentax K-S2 to give more detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older K-30 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.
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Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-S2 Screen and ViewFinder
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Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
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Street Comparison
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Sports Comparison
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Travel Comparison
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Landscape Comparison
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Vlogging Comparison
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Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-S2 Specifications
Pentax K-30 | Pentax K-S2 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Pentax | Pentax |
Model | Pentax K-30 | Pentax K-S2 |
Category | Advanced DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Released | 2012-10-29 | 2015-02-10 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Prime M | PRIME MII |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.7 x 15.7mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 372.1mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16MP | 20MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
Peak resolution | 4928 x 3264 | 5472 x 3648 |
Highest native ISO | 12800 | 51200 |
Highest enhanced ISO | 25600 | - |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 11 | 11 |
Cross focus points | 9 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | Pentax KAF2 | Pentax KAF2 |
Amount of lenses | 151 | 151 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fully Articulated |
Screen sizing | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Screen resolution | 921 thousand dots | 921 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Screen tech | TFT LCD monitor with brightness/color adjustment and AR coating | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.61x | 0.64x |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/6000 secs | 1/6000 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 6.0fps | 5.4fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye,Slow Sync, Slow Sync+ Redeye, Trailing Curtain Sync, Wireless | Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, flash on, flash on + redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync, manual flash |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Fastest flash synchronize | 1/180 secs | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported 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 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 650 gr (1.43 pounds) | 678 gr (1.49 pounds) |
Dimensions | 130 x 97 x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") | 123 x 91 x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 79 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | 23.7 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | 13.0 | not tested |
DXO Low light score | 1129 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 410 pictures | 410 pictures |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | D-LI109,4 x AA | D-LI109 |
Self timer | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) | Yes (2 or 12 secs) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch cost | $525 | $581 |