• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 1 inch 122.9mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 240.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Pentax K-30 advantages over Canon XC10

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.81 vs 3.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    71 mm vs 122 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    16.3 vs 12.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 1/2 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.5 fps vs 3.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon XC10 advantages over Pentax K-30

  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-30
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-135mm Lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All K-30 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon XC10
Canon XC10
All XC10 Deals

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

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 XC10
Nikon D7000
  • $2373
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon XC10 vs Nikon D7000

Compared to Canon T4i

Pentax K-30
Canon T4i
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Canon T4i

Canon XC10
Canon T4i
  • $2373
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Canon XC10 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 XC10
Pentax K-5 II
  • $2373
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon XC10 vs Pentax K-5 II

Compared to Leica V-LUX (Typ 114)

Pentax K-30
Leica V-LUX (Typ 114)
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Leica V-LUX (Typ 114)

Canon XC10
Leica V-LUX (Typ 114)
  • $2373
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $899
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon XC10 vs Leica V-LUX (Typ 114)

Compared to Sony RX10 II

Pentax K-30
Sony RX10 II
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $998
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Sony RX10 II

Canon XC10
Sony RX10 II
  • $2373
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $998
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Canon XC10 vs Sony RX10 II

Compare Other Cameras?