• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

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Differences

Pentax K-30 advantages over Nikon D7100

  • 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)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    203 mm vs 158 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Less shutter lag
    0.16 vs 0.25 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    45 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Nikon D7100 advantages over Pentax K-30

  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 1.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,256 vs 1,129 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 950 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
    15 vs 9
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More pixels
    24.1 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • More AF points
    51 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

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

  • 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
  • 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 D7100

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, ergonomic body design; Stunning, highly detailed photos, thanks to 24.1MP sensor upgrade and removal of optical low-pass filter; Cool 1.3x crop mode extends reach to nearly 2x the full-frame equivalent; Records Full 1080p HD video at up to 30fps with full-time AF; Many pro-level features packed into a consumer-friendly body at reasonable price.

  • Shallow buffer that hampers continuous burst shooting; AF slightly slower than average for its class; No real-time aperture control while in Movie mode (among other quirks); More noticeable moire patterns and aliasing artifacts (but only found when shooting fabrics with strong, distinct patterns).

The Competition

Compared to Canon 70D

Pentax K-30
Canon 70D
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Nikon D7100
Canon 70D
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

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 D7100
Nikon D7000
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Canon T4i

Pentax K-30
Canon T4i
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $789
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Nikon D7100
Canon T4i
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $789
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

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 D7100
Pentax K-5 II
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $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 D7100
Pentax K-3
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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