• APS-C 372.1mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Pentax K-5 advantages over Nikon Z 30

  • 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
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 740 vs 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon Z 30 advantages over Pentax K-5

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • 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
  • Newer
    2 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More pixels
    20.9 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.0 fps vs 6.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 51200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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  • Body Only
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Kit with 16-50mm Lens
All Z 30 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent high ISO performance, one of the best APS-C sensors yet; 6.5 fps burst mode has very good buffer depths; Weather, dust, and cold resistant; In-body Shake Reduction corrects not only horizontal / vertical, but also rotational motion.

  • Default saturation and contrast a bit high; Auto white balance too warm in tungsten light; Fewer AF points than main competitors; Only a single card slot, and no UHS-I card support (slow buffer clearing).

  • Read our Pentax K-5 Full Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon T3i

Pentax K-5
Canon T3i
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Pentax K-5 vs Canon T3i

Nikon Z 30
Canon T3i
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Canon T3i

Compared to Nikon D5100

Pentax K-5
Nikon D5100
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Top deck display
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoots 24p video

Compare Pentax K-5 vs Nikon D5100

Nikon Z 30
Nikon D5100
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Nikon D5100

Compared to Pentax K-30

Pentax K-5
Pentax K-30
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Pentax K-5 vs Pentax K-30

Nikon Z 30
Pentax K-30
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Pentax K-30

Compared to Canon EOS M50 II

Pentax K-5
Canon EOS M50 II
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Pentax K-5 vs Canon EOS M50 II

Nikon Z 30
Canon EOS M50 II
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Newer
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Canon EOS M50 II

Compared to Nikon Z fc

Pentax K-5
Nikon Z fc
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $957
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Pentax K-5 vs Nikon Z fc

Nikon Z 30
Nikon Z fc
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $957
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Thinner

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Nikon Z fc

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