Pentax K-30 vs Sony HX5

Following is a extended review of the Pentax K-30 and Sony HX5, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Pentax and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the K-30 (16MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the K-30 (APS-C) and HX5 (1/2.4") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The K-30 was introduced 2 years after the HX5 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the K-30 matches up vs the HX5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-30 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax K-30 Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera, you should take into account its weight and size. The Pentax K-30 enjoys physical measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax K-30 and Sony HX5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the K-30 vs the HX5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the K-30 and HX5 is 63 and 92 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to see the contrast in sensor sizes merely by going through technical specs. The pic underneath may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the K-30 and HX5.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The K-30 with its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Pentax K-30 will produce greater detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more modern K-30 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.