• 2/3 inch 58.1mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Fujifilm X30 advantages over Pentax K-S2

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/1000 vs 1/180 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 230k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.4 fps vs 5.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    9.0 fps vs 5.2 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Pentax K-S2 advantages over Fujifilm X30

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 2/3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 2.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~1.00 vs 2.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Less shutter lag
    0.12 vs 0.28 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 12.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    28 vs 15 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 12800 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
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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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Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality for its class; Very good optical performance from the bright f/2-2.8 4x lens; Quick autofocus, even in very low light; Fast burst modes; EVF fixes the flaws of optical viewfinder in X20; Tilting high-res LCD screen; Excellent feel in the hands; Very good battery life.

  • Top shutter speed is only 1/1000s when lens is wide open; No built-in ND filter; 28mm eq. may not be wide enough for some; Shallow buffer depths; Default NR processing a bit heavy-handed.

  • Read our Fujifilm X30 Review

  • Very compact for a weather-sealed DSLR; Good ergonomics and great viewfinder; Excellent image quality; Decent performance for its class; Articulated screen is great for difficult compositions; Offers features not found in other Pentax DSLRs

  • 18-50mm kit lens is fiddly and prone to jamming when retracted; Wi-Fi is slow and unintuitive; Slow startup; Limited movie mode; Poor battery life for a DSLR; Priced too close to its enthusiast-grade sibling

  • Read our Pentax K-S2 Review

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm X10

Fujifilm X30
Fujifilm X10
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $663
  • 2/3 inch

Compare Fujifilm X30 vs Fujifilm X10

Pentax K-S2
Fujifilm X10
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $663
  • 2/3 inch
  • Higher max flash sync
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Pentax K-S2 vs Fujifilm X10

Compared to Fujifilm X20

Fujifilm X30
Fujifilm X20
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch

Compare Fujifilm X30 vs Fujifilm X20

Pentax K-S2
Fujifilm X20
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Pentax K-S2 vs Fujifilm X20

Compared to Pentax K-500

Fujifilm X30
Pentax K-500
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Fujifilm X30 vs Pentax K-500

Pentax K-S2
Pentax K-500
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Higher-res screen

Compare Pentax K-S2 vs Pentax K-500

Compared to Nikon P7800

Fujifilm X30
Nikon P7800
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Focus peaking
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Fujifilm X30 vs Nikon P7800

Pentax K-S2
Nikon P7800
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Integrated ND filter

Compare Pentax K-S2 vs Nikon P7800

Compared to Pentax K-S1

Fujifilm X30
Pentax K-S1
  • $499
  • 2/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Fujifilm X30 vs Pentax K-S1

Pentax K-S2
Pentax K-S1
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Higher-res screen

Compare Pentax K-S2 vs Pentax K-S1

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