• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax K-30 advantages over Nikon Coolpix A

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Fast startup
    ~1.10 vs 1.9 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 410 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Less shutter lag
    0.16 vs 0.58 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.5 fps vs 4.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon Coolpix A advantages over Pentax K-30

  • Thinner
    40 mm vs 71 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/180 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 45 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon Coolpix A

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.

  • Solid alloy body with true twin-dial design; Smaller, lighter, and cheaper than most direct competitors; Excellent image quality, even when compared to interchangeable-lens cameras; Numerous accessories expand upon its capabilities.

  • Fixed prime lens is not for everybody; Ergonomics could be better; Performance is spotty; Built-in flash is rather weak; Battery life is quite modest.

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 Coolpix A
Nikon D7000
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Fast startup

Compared to Leica X2

Pentax K-30
Leica X2
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Thinner
  • HDMI out
Nikon Coolpix A
Leica X2
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Canon T4i

Pentax K-30
Canon T4i
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Nikon Coolpix A
Canon T4i
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder

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 Coolpix A
Pentax K-5 II
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Fujifilm X70

Pentax K-30
Fujifilm X70
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon Coolpix A
Fujifilm X70
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
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