• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Pentax K-30 advantages over Nikon D5300

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.81 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Less shutter lag
    0.16 vs 0.29 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.61x vs 0.55x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.5 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon D5300 advantages over Pentax K-30

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 1.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,338 vs 1,129 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 600 vs 410 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • More AF points
    39 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 45 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-30

Review Excerpt

  • Pentaprism viewfinder is bright and accurate; Weather-sealed body can handle direct rain; Twin control dials make exposure control a snap; Solid build; Great image quality.

  • Lower resolution than some rivals; Not as small as recent Pentax entry-level and mid-range models; A couple of ergonomic and UI quirks; Shutter isn't the quietest; 18-55 kit lens isn't weather-sealed.

  • Excellent image quality similar to more expensive DSLRs (like the D7100); Great dynamic range; Responsive all-around performer; Excellent Full HD video-shooting quality; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features; Built-in GPS; Compact and lightweight size; 18-140mm kit lens performs well for its type and has a very versatile focus length range.

  • AA-filterless sensor makes it more prone to moire; Burst speed slows with highest quality 14-bit RAW images; Live View mode not as good as some competitors; No external headphone jack; GPS receiver not very sensitive.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D7000

Pentax K-30
Nikon D7000
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon D5300
Nikon D7000
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Canon T4i

Pentax K-30
Canon T4i
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Nikon D5300
Canon T4i
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Pentax K-5 II

Pentax K-30
Pentax K-5 II
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon D5300
Pentax K-5 II
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Pentax K-3

Pentax K-30
Pentax K-3
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Top deck display
Nikon D5300
Pentax K-3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Fast startup
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon T6s

Pentax K-30
Canon T6s
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Nikon D5300
Canon T6s
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • NFC
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