Pentax K-30 vs Pentax ist DL2
63 Imaging
56 Features
66 Overall
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69 Imaging
44 Features
33 Overall
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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
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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).
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a LandslideThe 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.
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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
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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 | - |