Pentax K-30 vs Pentax ist DL2
63 Imaging
56 Features
66 Overall
60
69 Imaging
44 Features
33 Overall
39
Pentax K-30 vs Pentax ist DL2 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
- Refreshed by Pentax K-50
(Full Review)
- 6MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Screen
- ISO 200 - 3200
- Pentax KAF Mount
- 565g - 125 x 93 x 66mm
- Introduced January 2006
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month Pentax K-30 vs Pentax ist DL2 Overview
Following is a in depth comparison of the Pentax K-30 versus Pentax ist DL2, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras and they are both sold by Pentax. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the K-30 (16MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor measurements (APS-C).
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsThe K-30 was manufactured 6 years after the ist DL2 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).
Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the K-30 scores vs the ist DL2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images Pentax K-30 vs Pentax ist DL2 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-30 & Pentax ist DL2. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax K-30 Gallery & Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-30 over the Pentax ist DL2
| K-30 | ist DL2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduced | October 2012 | January 2006 | More modern by 83 months | |
| Screen size | 3" | 2.5" | Bigger screen (+0.5") | |
| Screen resolution | 921k | 210k | Clearer screen (+711k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax ist DL2 over the Pentax K-30
| ist DL2 | K-30 |
|---|
Common features in the Pentax K-30 and Pentax ist DL2
| K-30 | ist DL2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual focus | Dial accurate focusing | |||
| Screen type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed screen | |
| Selfie screen | Lacking selfie screen | |||
| Touch friendly screen | Neither contains Touch friendly screen |
Pentax K-30 vs Pentax ist DL2 Physical Comparison
For those who are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-30 has got external 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) and the Pentax ist DL2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).
Look at the Pentax K-30 versus Pentax ist DL2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the K-30 vs the ist DL2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the K-30 and ist DL2 is 63 and 69 respectively.
Pentax K-30 vs Pentax ist DL2 Sensor Comparison
Often, it is very difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizes only by reading through specs. The image underneath will give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-30 and ist DL2.
All in all, both of these cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You can count on the Pentax K-30 to give greater detail due to its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more modern K-30 will have an edge with regard to sensor technology.
Pentax K-30 vs Pentax ist DL2 Screen and ViewFinder
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or banStreet Comparison
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modesSports Comparison
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneTravel Comparison
Photography GlossaryLandscape Comparison
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a LandslideVlogging Comparison
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video
Pentax K-30 vs Pentax ist DL2 Specifications
| Pentax K-30 | Pentax ist DL2 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Company | Pentax | Pentax |
| Model type | Pentax K-30 | Pentax ist DL2 |
| Type | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
| Announced | 2012-10-29 | 2006-01-27 |
| Body design | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Powered by | Prime M | - |
| Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
| Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
| Sensor measurements | 23.7 x 15.7mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
| Sensor surface area | 372.1mm² | 369.0mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 6 megapixel |
| Anti alias filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
| Highest Possible resolution | 4928 x 3264 | 3008 x 2008 |
| Maximum native ISO | 12800 | 3200 |
| Maximum enhanced ISO | 25600 | - |
| Lowest native ISO | 100 | 200 |
| RAW images | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Focus manually | ||
| Autofocus touch | ||
| Continuous autofocus | ||
| Single autofocus | ||
| Autofocus tracking | ||
| Autofocus selectice | ||
| Autofocus center weighted | ||
| Autofocus multi area | ||
| Live view autofocus | ||
| Face detect focus | ||
| Contract detect focus | ||
| Phase detect focus | ||
| Total focus points | 11 | 5 |
| Cross type focus points | 9 | - |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount type | Pentax KAF2 | Pentax KAF |
| Number of lenses | 151 | 151 |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Screen | ||
| Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Display sizing | 3" | 2.5" |
| Resolution of display | 921 thousand dot | 210 thousand dot |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch friendly | ||
| Display tech | TFT LCD monitor with brightness/color adjustment and AR coating | - |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% | 95% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.61x | 0.57x |
| Features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
| Fastest shutter speed | 1/6000s | 1/4000s |
| Continuous shutter speed | 6.0 frames/s | 3.0 frames/s |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Expose Manually | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Set white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Integrated flash | ||
| Flash distance | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | - |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye,Slow Sync, Slow Sync+ Redeye, Trailing Curtain Sync, Wireless | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction |
| Hot shoe | ||
| AEB | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Fastest flash sync | 1/180s | - |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment exposure | ||
| Average exposure | ||
| Spot exposure | ||
| Partial exposure | ||
| AF area exposure | ||
| Center weighted exposure | ||
| 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) | - |
| Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | - |
| Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | - |
| Microphone jack | ||
| Headphone jack | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | None | No |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | Optional | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental seal | ||
| Water proofing | ||
| Dust proofing | ||
| Shock proofing | ||
| Crush proofing | ||
| Freeze proofing | ||
| Weight | 650 grams (1.43 pounds) | 565 grams (1.25 pounds) |
| Physical dimensions | 130 x 97 x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") | 125 x 93 x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO Overall rating | 79 | 65 |
| DXO Color Depth rating | 23.7 | 22.9 |
| DXO Dynamic range rating | 13.0 | 11.1 |
| DXO Low light rating | 1129 | 639 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 410 shots | - |
| Battery form | Battery Pack | - |
| Battery ID | D-LI109,4 x AA | 4 x AA |
| Self timer | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
| Time lapse shooting | ||
| Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/MMC card |
| Storage slots | One | One |
| Price at release | $525 | - |