Nikon D4s vs Pentax K-30

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30
      71
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      67
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D4s and the Pentax K-30, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D4s was introduced in February 2014 and Pentax K-30 was introduced in October 2012. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D4s Highlights

      • 16.2 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 25,600 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points (51 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 11.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Pentax K-30 Highlights

      • 16.3 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 6.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 25 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D4s
      4. Advantage of Pentax K-30
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D4s and Pentax K-30.

      PROS

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 89
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 3020 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Illuminated Buttons
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      •   Expensive
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1350 g (2.98 lb / 47.62 oz)
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 79
      •   Weight - 650 g (1.43 lb / 22.93 oz)

      Advantage of Nikon D4s

      Nikon D4s
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D4s over Pentax K-30.

      Nikon D4s vs Pentax K-30
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs APS-C
      Higher Native ISO 25,600 vs 12,800
      Higher Boosted ISO 409,600 vs 25,600
      Max Image Resolution 4928 x 3280 vs 4928 x 3264
      Higher Bit Depth 14-Bit vs 12-Bit
      More Focus Points 51 vs 11
      More Cross-type Focus Points 15 vs 9
      Larger Screen 3.2" vs 3.0"
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.70x vs 0.61x
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/6000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 11.0 fps vs 6.0 fps
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/250 sec vs 1/180 sec
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 3074 vs 1129
      Higher DxO Color Depth 24.4 vs 23.7
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 13.3 vs 13.0
      Higher DxO Overall Score 89 vs 79
      HDMI Output Mini vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Longer Battery Life 3020 shots vs 410 shots
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D4s.

      Nikon D4
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D3X
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Nikon D3S
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D2Xs
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D2H
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D1X
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Nikon D3
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D1H
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      2.7 MP

      Nikon D2X
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D1
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      APS-C

      2.66 MP

      Nikon D2Hs
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D6
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Advantage of Pentax K-30

      Pentax K-30
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax K-30 over Nikon D4s.

      Nikon D4s vs Pentax K-30
      Cheaper US: $6499.95, UK: £5,199.99 vs Body: US $849.95, with 18-55mm kit lens: $899.95
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixel vs 16.3 Megapixel
      Image Stabilization vs Sensor Shift
      Built-in Flash vs
      Lighter 1350 g (2.98 lb / 47.62 oz) vs 650 g (1.43 lb / 22.93 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax K-30.

      Pentax K-50
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      APS-C

      16.3 MP

      Fujifilm X-Pro2
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Nikon Z30
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Pentax K-01
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      APS-C

      16 MP

      Sony a6400
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Panasonic GH5S
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      Micro Four Thirds

      10.28 MP

      Panasonic GH1
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Canon 70D
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D4s Pentax K-30
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Environmental Sealing
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D4s Pentax K-30
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via optioanal WT-5A or WT-4A transmitters Eye-Fi connection possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D4s has a 3.2" screen with 921k dot resolution and Pentax K-30 has a 3.0" screen with 921k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. They both have 100% coverage.

      Sensor

      Nikon D4s features a 16.2 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36.0 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 860.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 25,600 and expands to 50 - 409,600 in boosted mode. Pentax K-30 features a 16.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D4s is equipped with EXPEED 4 processor and can take pictures up to 4928 x 3280 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4096 x 2720, 4096 x 3280, 3696 x 2456, 3200 x 2128, 3072 x 2456, 3072 x 2040, 2464 x 1640, 2400 x 1592, 2048 x 1360, 2048 x 1640, 1600 x 1064 with 5:4, 3:2 aspect ratios. Pentax K-30 is equipped with PRIME M processor and can take pictures up to 4928 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4224 x 2816, 3456 x 2304, 2688 x 1792 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Nikon D4s has Nikon F lens mount and Pentax K-30 has Pentax KAF2 lens mount. Due to Full Frame sensor in Nikon D4s its crop factor is equal to 1x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length. Due to APS-C sensor in Pentax K-30 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Pentax K-30

      Pentax K-30 has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D4s comes with EN-EL18a battery pack with battery life of 3020 shots and Pentax K-30 comes with D-LI109
      4 x AA battery pack with battery life of 410 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D4s has Dual CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA) or XQD card slots. Pentax K-30 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D4s has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D4s, and up to 1/6000 sec on Pentax K-30. Nikon D4s can shoot continuously up to 11.0 fps. Pentax K-30 can shoot continuously up to 6.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D4s has 51 (15 cross-type) focusing points and Pentax K-30 has 11 (9 cross-type) focusing points. Nikon D4s has detection range from -2 to +19 EV.


      Flash

      Pentax K-30 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe or Wireless connection. Nikon D4s has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Nikon D4s and 1/180 sec on Pentax K-30.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D4s body has dimensions of 160 x 157 x 91 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.58") and Pentax K-30 body has dimensions of 130 x 97 x 71 mm (5.12 x 3.82 x 2.8"). Nikon D4s weighs 1350 g (2.98 lb / 47.62 oz) and Pentax K-30 weighs 650 g (1.43 lb / 22.93 oz).

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      160 mm

      157 mm

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      130 mm

      97 mm

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      157 mm

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      97 mm

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      91 mm

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      71 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D4s and Pentax K-30

      Nikon D4s and Pentax K-30 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      GOOD
      84
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      81
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      GOOD
      76
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 3020 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      GOOD
      72
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 3020 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      GOOD
      80
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      81
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      GOOD
      72
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1350 g (2.98 lb / 47.62 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 650 g (1.43 lb / 22.93 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1350 g (2.98 lb / 47.62 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 3020 shots
      GOOD
      83
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 650 g (1.43 lb / 22.93 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D4s and Pentax K-30 and give them scores of 71 and 67 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      OVERALL
      71
      OVERALL
      67

      Sensor

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      GOOD
      74
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 89
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 79

      Photo

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      GOOD
      77
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      GOOD
      83
      •   -2 EV Min AF Detection
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      80
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      GOOD
      79
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      46
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D4s

      Pentax K-30

      GOOD
      83
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1350 g (2.98 lb / 47.62 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 3020 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 650 g (1.43 lb / 22.93 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 410 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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