• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Pentax K-30 advantages over Olympus E-M1 Mark III

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.81 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Olympus E-M1 Mark III advantages over Pentax K-30

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    5 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More pixels
    20.4 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/6000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-30

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-M1 Mark III

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
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
Nikon D7000
  • $1649
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon T4i

Pentax K-30
Canon T4i
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
Canon T4i
  • $1649
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • 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
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
Pentax K-5 II
  • $1649
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-M1 II

Pentax K-30
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $1649
  • 4/3
  • Newer
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive

Compared to OM System OM-1

Pentax K-30
OM System OM-1
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
OM System OM-1
  • $1649
  • 4/3
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Newer
  • Higher-res screen
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