• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 337.5mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000

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Differences

Pentax K-30 advantages over Canon 80D

  • 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 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)

Canon 80D advantages over Pentax K-30

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 960 vs 410 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    45 vs 9
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Newer
    9 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • 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
    45 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.8 fps vs 5.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (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
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-135mm Lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
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Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-135mm Lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
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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.

  • Read our Pentax K-30 Review

  • Very good image quality; Better RAW high ISO performance than predecessor; Improved buffer depth; Very fast AF; Dual Pixel CMOS AF is excellent; f/8 AF support; 1080/60p video; Headphone jack; Very good battery life.

  • New kit lens isn't very sharp; No 4K video; No clean HDMI out; 29:59 minute video recording limit; Phase detect AF not as sensitive in low-light as expected (Dual Pixel AF is better in low-light).

  • Read our Canon 80D Review

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

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Nikon D7000

Canon 80D
Nikon D7000
  • $935
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Dual card slots

Compare Canon 80D vs Nikon D7000

Compared to Canon T4i

Pentax K-30
Canon T4i
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Canon T4i

Canon 80D
Canon T4i
  • $935
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive

Compare Canon 80D vs Canon T4i

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

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-5 II

Canon 80D
Pentax K-5 II
  • $935
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon 80D vs Pentax K-5 II

Compared to Nikon D7200

Pentax K-30
Nikon D7200
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1016
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Nikon D7200

Canon 80D
Nikon D7200
  • $935
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1016
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range

Compare Canon 80D vs Nikon D7200

Compared to Nikon D7500

Pentax K-30
Nikon D7500
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $897
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Nikon D7500

Canon 80D
Nikon D7500
  • $935
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • NFC
  • $897
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon 80D vs Nikon D7500

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