• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 480.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax K-30 advantages over Panasonic ZS45

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.33 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 1.33 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
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    45 vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic ZS45 advantages over Pentax K-30

  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $1199 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Thinner
    32 mm vs 71 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 5.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

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
  • 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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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

Panasonic ZS45
Nikon D7000
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Panasonic ZS45 vs Nikon D7000

Compared to Sony H90

Pentax K-30
Sony H90
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Sony H90

Panasonic ZS45
Sony H90
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Panasonic ZS45 vs Sony H90

Compared to Canon T4i

Pentax K-30
Canon T4i
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Canon T4i

Panasonic ZS45
Canon T4i
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compare Panasonic ZS45 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

Panasonic ZS45
Pentax K-5 II
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Panasonic ZS45 vs Pentax K-5 II

Compared to Panasonic ZS35

Pentax K-30
Panasonic ZS35
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Panasonic ZS35

Panasonic ZS45
Panasonic ZS35
  • $199
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • More dots on screen
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch

Compare Panasonic ZS45 vs Panasonic ZS35

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