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Pentax K-1 vs Samsung NX30

The Pentax K-1 and the Samsung NX30 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2016 and January 2014. The K-1 is a DSLR, while the NX30 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (K-1) and an APS-C (NX30) sensor. The Pentax has a resolution of 36.2 megapixels, whereas the Samsung provides 20 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Pentax K-1
versus
Samsung NX30
Pentax K-1   Samsung NX30
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Pentax K mount lenses Samsung NX mount lenses
36.2 MP – Full Frame sensor 20 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/60i Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-204,800 ISO 100-25,600
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2359k dots)
3.2" LCD – 1037k dots 3.0" LCD – 1036k dots
Fully flexible screen (no touchscreen) Swivel touchscreen
4.4 shutter flaps per second 9 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
760 shots per battery charge360 shots per battery charge
137 x 110 x 86 mm, 1010 g 127 x 96 x 58 mm, 375 g
logo
Check K-1 offers at
ebay.com
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Check NX30 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Pentax K-1 and the Samsung NX30? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Pentax K-1 and the Samsung NX30 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The K-1 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the NX30 is only available in black.

Size Pentax K-1 vs Samsung NX30
Compare K-1 versus NX30 top
Comparison K-1 or NX30 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Samsung NX30 is notably smaller (19 percent) than the Pentax K-1. Moreover, the NX30 is substantially lighter (63 percent) than the K-1. It is worth mentioning in this context that the K-1 is splash and dust resistant, while the NX30 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

The power pack in the NX30 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Pentax K-1 137 mm 110 mm 86 mm 1010 g 760 Y Feb 2016 1,799ebay.com
2.
 
Samsung NX30 127 mm 96 mm 58 mm 375 g 360 n Jan 2014 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV 151 mm 116 mm 76 mm 890 g 900 Y Aug 2016 3,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Nikon D500 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 860 g 1240 Y Jan 2016 1,999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D3300 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 430 g 700 n Jan 2014 499ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 899ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 Y Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
8.
 
Pentax K-1 II 137 mm 110 mm 86 mm 1010 g 670 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
9.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
10.
 
Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
11.
 
Sony A7R III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A850 156 mm 117 mm 82 mm 895 g 880 Y Aug 2009 1,999ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A3000 128 mm 91 mm 85 mm 411 g 470 n Aug 2013 329ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A6000 120 mm 67 mm 45 mm 344 g 360 n Feb 2014 599ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A6400 120 mm 67 mm 50 mm 403 g 410 Y Jan 2019 899 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The NX30 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 44 percent) than the K-1, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Pentax K-1 features a full frame sensor and the Samsung NX30 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the NX30 is 57 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Pentax K-1 and Samsung NX30 sensor measures

With 36.2MP, the K-1 offers a higher resolution than the NX30 (20MP), but the K-1 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.88μm versus 4.30μm for the NX30) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the K-1 is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 1 month) than the NX30, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Pentax K-1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the K-1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 36.8 x 24.6 inches or 93.5 x 62.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 29.4 x 19.6 inches or 74.8 x 49.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 24.5 x 16.4 inches or 62.3 x 41.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Samsung NX30 are 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm for good quality, 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm for very good quality, and 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The NX30 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the NX30, the K-1 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Pentax K-1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Samsung NX30 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

K-1 versus NX30 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the K-1 provides substantially higher image quality than the NX30, with an overall score that is 20 points higher. This advantage is based on 1.9 bits higher color depth, 2.2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.7 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Pentax K-1 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60i25.414.6328096
2.
 
Samsung NX30 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/60p23.512.4101476
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV Full Frame 30.1 6720 44804K/30p24.813.6299591
4.
 
Nikon D500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.014.0132483
5.
 
Nikon D3300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.8138582
6.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
7.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
8.
 
Pentax K-1 II Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60i25.114.0269893
9.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
10.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
11.
 
Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
12.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
13.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
14.
 
Sony A850 Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none23.812.2141579
15.
 
Sony A3000 APS-C 19.8 5456 36321080/60i23.712.8106878
16.
 
Sony A6000 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.113.1134782
17.
 
Sony A6400 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.013.6143183
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the NX30 provides a faster frame rate than the K-1. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/60i.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the NX30 has an electronic viewfinder (2359k dots), while the K-1 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the K-1 has a higher magnification than the one of the NX30 (0.70x vs 0.64x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Pentax K-1, the Samsung NX30, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Pentax K-1optical Y3.2 / 1037 full-flex n 1/8000s 4.4/s n Y
2.
 
Samsung NX302359 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n n
4.
 
Nikon D500optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D3300optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
8.
 
Pentax K-1 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 full-flex n 1/8000s 4.4/s n Y
9.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
10.
 
Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
11.
 
Sony A7R III3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
12.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A850optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A3000202 n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
16.
 
Sony A60001440 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
17.
 
Sony A64002359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the K-1, but is missing on the NX30 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The NX30 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the K-1 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Pentax K-1 and the Samsung NX30 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the K-1 and the NX30 write their files to SDXC cards. The K-1 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the NX30 only has one slot. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Pentax K-1 and Samsung NX30 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Pentax K-1Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y--
2.
 
Samsung NX30Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVYmono / monoYYmini3.0YY-
4.
 
Nikon D500Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
5.
 
Nikon D3300Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
7.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
8.
 
Pentax K-1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y--
9.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
10.
 
Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
11.
 
Sony A7R IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
12.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
13.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
14.
 
Sony A850Y- / ---mini2.0---
15.
 
Sony A3000Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
16.
 
Sony A6000Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony A6400Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YYY

It is notable that the K-1 has a microphone port, which is missing on the NX30. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-1 (unlike the NX30) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the K-1 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

Both the K-1 and the NX30 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The K-1 was replaced by the Pentax K-1 II, while the NX30 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the K-1 and NX30 can be found, respectively, in the Pentax K-1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Samsung NX30 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Pentax K-1 better than the Samsung NX30 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Arguments in favor of the Pentax K-1:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (36.2 vs 20MP) with a 35% higher linear resolution.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (20 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.9 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (2.2 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.7 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.64x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (760 versus 360) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 1 month of technical progress since the NX30 launch.

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Reasons to prefer the Samsung NX30:

  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/60i).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (9 vs 4.4 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More compact: Is smaller (127x96mm vs 137x110mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 635g or 63 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (44 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in January 2014).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the K-1 is the clear winner of the match-up (19 : 14 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

K-1 19:14 NX30

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Pentax K-1 and the Samsung NX30 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the K-1 or the NX30 perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Pentax K-15/5....84/1005/55/5 Feb 2016 1,799ebay.com
2.
 
Samsung NX303/5....77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV4.5/5+ +4/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2016 3,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Nikon D5005/5+ +4.7/591/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D33003/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 499ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 899ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
8.
 
Pentax K-1 II....4.5/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
9.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
10.
 
Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
11.
 
Sony A7R III..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
12.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A8503/5....75/100..4.5/5 Aug 2009 1,999ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A30003/5+....4/54/5 Aug 2013 329ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A60005/5+4.5/580/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2014 599ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A64004/5+4/585/1004.5/54/5 Jan 2019 899 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Check K-1 offers at
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Check NX30 offers at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Pentax K-1 vs Samsung NX30

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Pentax K-1 Samsung NX30
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Pentax K mount lenses Samsung NX mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2016 January 2014
    Launch Price USD 1,799 USD 999
    Sensor Specs Pentax K-1 Samsung NX30
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 24.0 mm 23.5 x 15.7 mm
    Sensor Area 861.6 mm2 368.95 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 28.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 36.2 Megapixels 20 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 7360 x 4912 pixels 5472 x 3648 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.88 μm 4.30 μm
    Pixel Density 4.20 MP/cm2 5.41 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 204,800 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor PRIME IV DRIMe IV
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 96 76
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.4 23.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.6 12.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3280 1014
    Screen Specs Pentax K-1 Samsung NX30
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.64x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2359k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 1036k dots
    LCD Attachment Fully flexible screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Pentax K-1 Samsung NX30
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 4.4 shutter flaps/s 9 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Pentax K-1 Samsung NX30
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Geotagging GPS built-in no internal GPS
    Body Specs Pentax K-1 Samsung NX30
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Pentax D-LI90 Samsung BP1410
    Battery Life (CIPA)760 shots per charge360 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 137 x 110 x 86 mm
    (5.4 x 4.3 x 3.4 in)
    127 x 96 x 58 mm
    (5.0 x 3.8 x 2.3 in)
    Camera Weight 1010 g (35.6 oz) 375 g (13.2 oz)
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    Check K-1 offers at
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    Check NX30 offers at
    ebay.com

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