• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax K-30 advantages over Leica V-LUX 4

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.81 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    71 mm vs 110 mm
    Thinner
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    16.3 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Leica V-LUX 4 advantages over Pentax K-30

  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 540 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
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • 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
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility

User reviews

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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

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

Leica V-LUX 4
Nikon D7000
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Leica V-LUX 4 vs Nikon D7000

Compared to Leica V-LUX 3

Pentax K-30
Leica V-LUX 3
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • External Mic Jack

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Leica V-LUX 3

Leica V-LUX 4
Leica V-LUX 3
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $1700
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Leica V-LUX 4 vs Leica V-LUX 3

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

Leica V-LUX 4
Canon T4i
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compare Leica V-LUX 4 vs Canon T4i

Compared to Panasonic FZ200

Pentax K-30
Panasonic FZ200
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $890
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Panasonic FZ200

Leica V-LUX 4
Panasonic FZ200
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Headphone jack
  • $890
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Leica V-LUX 4 vs Panasonic FZ200

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

Leica V-LUX 4
Pentax K-5 II
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Leica V-LUX 4 vs Pentax K-5 II

Compare Other Cameras?