Pentax K-30 vs Sony HX300

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Pentax K-30 versus Sony HX300, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the K-30 (16MP) and the HX300 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the K-30 (APS-C) and HX300 (1/2.3") feature different sensor measurements.

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The K-30 was launched 3 months prior to the HX300 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving through a detailed comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the K-30 matches up vs the HX300 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-30 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax K-30 Gallery and Sony HX300 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Pentax K-30 has got physical dimensions 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 Sony HX300 has specifications of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") having a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs).

See the Pentax K-30 versus Sony HX300 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select during that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the K-30 and the HX300.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the K-30 and HX300 is 63 and 63 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizing only by looking at specifications. The graphic below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-30 and HX300.

To sum up, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The K-30 due to its bigger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh simpler and the Sony HX300 will give extra detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively.