• 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 7.1 megapixels
  •  
  • 1/2.4 inch 27.1mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 250.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax W30 advantages over Sony DSC-HX5V

  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $349 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.88 vs 1.62 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Sony DSC-HX5V advantages over Pentax W30

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 310 vs 210 shots
    Capture more photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    230k vs 115k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    10.2 vs 7.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 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

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
  • 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 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
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZS1S

Pentax W30
Panasonic DMC-ZS1S
  • $235
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Manual focus
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Pentax W30 vs Panasonic DMC-ZS1S

Sony DSC-HX5V
Panasonic DMC-ZS1S
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • HDMI out
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Sony DSC-HX5V vs Panasonic DMC-ZS1S

Compared to Sony DSC-H55

Pentax W30
Sony DSC-H55
  • $235
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Manual focus
  • $204
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Pentax W30 vs Sony DSC-H55

Sony DSC-HX5V
Sony DSC-H55
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • HDMI out
  • $204
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels

Compare Sony DSC-HX5V vs Sony DSC-H55

Compared to Canon SD4500 IS

Pentax W30
Canon SD4500 IS
  • $235
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $197
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Pentax W30 vs Canon SD4500 IS

Sony DSC-HX5V
Canon SD4500 IS
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in GPS
  • $197
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Shoots 24p video

Compare Sony DSC-HX5V vs Canon SD4500 IS

Compared to Nikon S8100

Pentax W30
Nikon S8100
  • $235
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Manual focus
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Pentax W30 vs Nikon S8100

Sony DSC-HX5V
Nikon S8100
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Sony DSC-HX5V vs Nikon S8100

Compared to Ricoh CX5

Pentax W30
Ricoh CX5
  • $235
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Pentax W30 vs Ricoh CX5

Sony DSC-HX5V
Ricoh CX5
  • $294
  • 1/2.4 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Wider angle lens
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus

Compare Sony DSC-HX5V vs Ricoh CX5

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