• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 2/3 inch 58.1mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax K-30 advantages over Fujifilm XQ2

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 2/3 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 2.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 410 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    16.3 vs 12.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Fujifilm XQ2 advantages over Pentax K-30

  • Less expensive
    $400 vs $1199 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 71 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-30

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Fujifilm XQ2

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.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D7000

Pentax K-30
Nikon D7000
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
Fujifilm XQ2
Nikon D7000
  • $200
  • 2/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon P300

Pentax K-30
Nikon P300
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
Fujifilm XQ2
Nikon P300
  • $200
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compared to Canon T4i

Pentax K-30
Canon T4i
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Fujifilm XQ2
Canon T4i
  • $200
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compared to 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
Fujifilm XQ2
Pentax K-5 II
  • $200
  • 2/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Olympus XZ-10

Pentax K-30
Olympus XZ-10
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Fujifilm XQ2
Olympus XZ-10
  • $200
  • 2/3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Focus peaking
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach
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