• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 27.00mm - 810.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Sony HX100V advantages over Pentax K-30

  • Less expensive
    $450 vs $1199 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 5.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Pentax K-30 advantages over Sony HX100V

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.81 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Thinner
    71 mm vs 93 mm
    Thinner
  • 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
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    45 vs 10 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
    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
  • 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
  • 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

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Pentax K-30

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 Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Sony HX100V
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $312
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Built-in GPS
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Hot shoe
Pentax K-30
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FZ40

Sony HX100V
Panasonic DMC-FZ40
  • $312
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Longer exposure
Pentax K-30
Panasonic DMC-FZ40
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Sony HX200V

Sony HX100V
Sony HX200V
  • $312
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Higher extended ISO
Pentax K-30
Sony HX200V
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Canon T4i

Sony HX100V
Canon T4i
  • $312
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in GPS
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Pentax K-30
Canon T4i
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Pentax K-5 II

Sony HX100V
Pentax K-5 II
  • $312
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Pentax K-30
Pentax K-5 II
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
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