• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 7.1 megapixels
  •  
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Pentax W30 advantages over Nikon S5300

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.88 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Nikon S5300 advantages over Pentax W30

  • Less expensive
    $180 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
    460k 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
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 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

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax W30

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S5300
Nikon S5300

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon S3600

Pentax W30
Nikon S3600
  • $235
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Manual focus
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Pentax W30 vs Nikon S3600

Nikon S5300
Nikon S3600
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S5300 vs Nikon S3600

Compared to Canon 340 HS

Pentax W30
Canon 340 HS
  • $235
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Pentax W30 vs Canon 340 HS

Nikon S5300
Canon 340 HS
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus

Compare Nikon S5300 vs Canon 340 HS

Compared to Nikon S3700

Pentax W30
Nikon S3700
  • $235
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Manual focus
  • $129
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Pentax W30 vs Nikon S3700

Nikon S5300
Nikon S3700
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • HDMI out
  • $129
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon S5300 vs Nikon S3700

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

Compare Pentax W30 vs Canon 350 HS

Nikon S5300
Canon 350 HS
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus

Compare Nikon S5300 vs Canon 350 HS

Compared to Nikon A300

Pentax W30
Nikon A300
  • $235
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Manual focus
  • $137
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Pentax W30 vs Nikon A300

Nikon S5300
Nikon A300
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • HDMI out
  • $137
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon S5300 vs Nikon A300

Compare Other Cameras?