• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Pentax K-30 advantages over Sony W830

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 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 1.20 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
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 2 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sony W830 advantages over Pentax K-30

  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 71 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

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
  • 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

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
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-30
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-135mm Lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All K-30 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony W830
Sony W830
All W830 Deals

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

Sony W830
Nikon D7000
  • $128
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony W830 vs Nikon D7000

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

Sony W830
Canon T4i
  • $128
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Sony W830 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

Sony W830
Pentax K-5 II
  • $128
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Thinner
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony W830 vs Pentax K-5 II

Compared to Sony W730

Pentax K-30
Sony W730
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $89
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Sony W730

Sony W830
Sony W730
  • $128
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • $89
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Sony W830 vs Sony W730

Compared to Canon 180

Pentax K-30
Canon 180
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $167
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Thinner
  • Newer

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Canon 180

Sony W830
Canon 180
  • $128
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $167
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer exposure

Compare Sony W830 vs Canon 180

Compare Other Cameras?