• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 7.1 megapixels
  •  
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Pentax W30 advantages over Canon 340 HS

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.88 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)

Canon 340 HS advantages over Pentax W30

  • Less expensive
    $200 vs $300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    1/2.3 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Newer
    11 years vs 18 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
    461k vs 115k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 7.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon 340 HS

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm T550

Pentax W30
Fujifilm T550
  • $235
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Manual focus
  • $160
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
Canon 340 HS
Fujifilm T550
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Manual focus
  • $160
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compared to Nikon S5300

Pentax W30
Nikon S5300
  • $235
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Manual focus
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
Canon 340 HS
Nikon S5300
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Shoots 60p video

Compared to Canon 170 IS

Pentax W30
Canon 170 IS
  • $235
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Manual focus
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
Canon 340 HS
Canon 170 IS
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Manual focus
  • $371
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon 350 HS

Pentax W30
Canon 350 HS
  • $235
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
Canon 340 HS
Canon 350 HS
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon 360 HS

Pentax W30
Canon 360 HS
  • $235
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Canon 340 HS
Canon 360 HS
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • $284
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Compare Other Cameras?