• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Pentax K-30 advantages over Nikon Z6 II

  • More telephoto lens reach
    203 mm vs 70 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Nikon Z6 II advantages over Pentax K-30

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 4.81 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • 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
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
  • Newer
    4 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 dots on screen
    2100k vs 922k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    24.5 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    14.0 fps vs 5.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-30

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.

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 Z6 II
Nikon D7000
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash

Compared to Canon T4i

Pentax K-30
Canon T4i
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Nikon Z6 II
Canon T4i
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $579
  • 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 Z6 II
Pentax K-5 II
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash

Compared to Canon R6

Pentax K-30
Canon R6
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon Z6 II
Canon R6
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More pixels
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Nikon Z5

Pentax K-30
Nikon Z5
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon Z6 II
Nikon Z5
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
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