Pentax K-30 vs Sony QX30

Following is a thorough assessment of the Pentax K-30 and Sony QX30, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Lens-style by rivals Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the K-30 (16MP) and the QX30 (20MP) is relatively similar but the K-30 (APS-C) and QX30 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The K-30 was announced 22 months before the QX30 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony QX30 being a Lens-style camera.

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the K-30 grades vs the QX30 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-30 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax K-30 Gallery and Sony QX30 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera often, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-30 has got exterior measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs) and the Sony QX30 has proportions of 68mm x 65mm x 58mm (2.7" x 2.6" x 2.3") with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax K-30 and Sony QX30 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use at that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the K-30 against the QX30.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the K-30 and QX30 is 63 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to see the difference between sensor sizes simply by reading technical specs. The pic below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the K-30 and QX30.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The K-30 having a bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Sony QX30 will deliver extra detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged K-30 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.