• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 10.5 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 111.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Samsung NV40 advantages over Pentax K-30

  • Less expensive
    $329 vs $1199 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    18 mm vs 71 mm
    Thinner

Pentax K-30 advantages over Samsung NV40

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.33 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 1.68 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • 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
  • More pixels
    16.3 vs 10.5 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 8 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 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 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
  • 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

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Buy the Samsung NV40

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Buy the Pentax K-30
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-135mm Lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All K-30 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 Samsung NV24 HD

Samsung NV40
Samsung NV24 HD
  • $329
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Samsung NV40 vs Samsung NV24 HD

Pentax K-30
Samsung NV24 HD
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Samsung NV24 HD

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX35

Samsung NV40
Panasonic DMC-FX35
  • $329
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • $350
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Wider angle lens
  • Longer exposure

Compare Samsung NV40 vs Panasonic DMC-FX35

Pentax K-30
Panasonic DMC-FX35
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $350
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Panasonic DMC-FX35

Compared to Canon SD770 IS

Samsung NV40
Canon SD770 IS
  • $329
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $212
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer exposure

Compare Samsung NV40 vs Canon SD770 IS

Pentax K-30
Canon SD770 IS
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $212
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Canon SD770 IS

Compared to Canon T4i

Samsung NV40
Canon T4i
  • $329
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Samsung NV40 vs Canon T4i

Pentax K-30
Canon T4i
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-30 vs Canon T4i

Compared to Pentax K-5 II

Samsung NV40
Pentax K-5 II
  • $329
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Samsung NV40 vs 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

Compare Other Cameras?