For the opportunity Pentax K-30 review Many thanks to Oleg Ilesk.
Pentax K30 review
The Pentax K30 is a good amateur camera. First of all, the camera is interesting simply for its enormous capabilities, such as video shooting, good dynamic range, moisture protection, and a strong waterproof case. If you are looking for an inexpensive good SLR camera, then the Pentax K30 will be an excellent option. To be honest, I was just amazed at the capabilities of the hobbyist Pentax K30. In this review, all sample photos were taken with a lens. SMC Pentax-DA 1: 3.5-5.6 18-55mm AL WRthat comes with the camera.
Pentax K-30 sample photo
The main things to pay attention to in the Pentax K30:
- The Pentax K30 camera housing is waterproof. This is a very nice plus in the Pentax gradebook. This not only allows you to shoot in fine rain, but also indicates a good design in general.
- Pentax-K30 16.1 MP and CMOS matrix. You can find information about 16.3 and 16.5 megapixels. 16.3 is effective pixels and 16.5 is total pixels on camera. But the camera itself produces images of 4928 by 3264 pixels, which is equal to 16.1 MP. This is a good indicator, however, megapixels are not always so important, you can see for yourself in the section Battle of Megapixels. It is very important that the Pentax K30 uses a matrix from a professional Pentax K-5.
Pentax K-30 sample photo
- Pentax K30 has an ISO range of 100 to 12,800 and can expand its range to 25,600... Believe me, even 12,800 is just an excellent figure for a crop APS-C camera. My full frame Nikon D700 and it has an ISO range from 200 to 6400. The noise level at high ISO is very similar, in my opinion, to the noise level of the camera Nikon D5100.
- The Pentax K30 has a marvelous three-inch, 920,000-dot LCD display. View photos and poke around the menu is very convenient.
Pentax K-30 sample photo
- Good viewfinder with 100% coated frame and an increase of 0.92X. This is really a very good indicator. 100% coverage means that everything that is visible in the optical viewfinder will be in the picture. This indicator is very important for me.
- Pentax K-30 uses 11-point focus systemmoreover, 9 focus points are cruciform. The speed and accuracy of focusing very much depends on the lens and shooting conditions. The camera can set shooting priorities for modes and AF-S, AF-C. For example, you can set burst priority or focus priority. This is very important and useful, given that the camera has fast continuous shooting.
Pentax K-30 sample photo
- Great frame buffer: Pentax K-30 can buffer up to 8 frames in RAW format and up to 30 in jpeg format. Frame buffer – this is one of the most important things when shooting a series. RAW files have a DNG (Digital NeGative) extension and weigh from 10 to 25 MB. The camera uses memory cards SD, SDHC, SDXC. I used the camera with a 32GB SDHC class 10 card without any problems. The camera only encodes 12bit RAW file.
- The shooting speed is as much as 6 frames per second. This is just awesome speed for an amateur camera. Only advanced amateur and professional cameras can boast of such fast burst shooting.
Pentax K 30 sample photo
- The Pentax K-30's battery is pretty weak, withstands up to about 500 shots. The number of shots that the camera can take depends very much on the shooting conditions, lens, and method of working with the camera. But Pentax K-30 can use ordinary AA batteries
- The Pentax K-30 camera has a very well thought out live view. The mode has the function of highlighting the contours of objects when focusing, which helps to sight through the camera display without any problems.
Pentax K 30 sample photo
- Of course, the Pentax K-30 can shoot 1080p HD video up to 30 fps in MOV format. You can shoot in 720p at a speed of 60 fps. Also, basic settings for video are available. When shooting video, auto focus works.
- The camera menu is quite large, divided into logical sections. The menu is easy to use. In the menu you can find a huge number of useful settings.
Pentax K 30 sample photo
- Pentax K-30 works great with manual optics, the camera measures exposure and confirms focus with manual lenses. You can safely use Soviet lenses and any other old high-quality manual focus optics.
- Pentax K-30 has built-in image stabilizer. This means that with any lens, the camera will perform the function of suppressing hand shake. This is a very useful feature, with the stabilizer you can take off at relatively slow shutter speeds.
Pentax K 30 sample photo
- An interesting fact is that the Pentax K-30 supports alignment of optics. This means that if some lens has a back or front focus, then the camera can be adjusted to compensate for the lack of a lens.
- Pentax K-30 uses shutter speed from 30s to 1 \ 6000. Of course, 1 \ 6000 is not standard excerpt 1 \ 8000 on professional cameras, but still very good.
Pentax K 30 sample photo
- The camera supports interval shooting. There are GPS connectors on the camera body, etc.
- Of course, the Pentax K-30 is equipped with a screwdriver - a built-in focus motor, which allows the camera to be used with a wide range of older non-motorized autofocus lenses.
Pentax K-30 sample photo
Personal experience
The direct competitor of Pentax K-30 is Nikon D5100. I must admit that the Pentax K-30 is much better Nikon D5100 in management and feature set. I really liked the Pentax K-30 features such as:
- Ability to delete only RAW or JPEG images if shooting in RAW + JPEG
- Setting up several function keys to the desired functions
- Virtual horizonwhich has a vertical and horizontal tilt scale
- bar chart in live view and when shooting video
- A simple video editor
- Auto ISO, which takes into account lens parameters and adjusts shutter speed
- automatic distortion correction
- Automatic chromatic aberration correction
- HDR function for creating unusual shots with a large dynamic range
- Almost every function has a lot of additional settings, which allows you to very well and accurately configure the camera for any shooting conditions
- Pentax K-30 supports remote control
- Pentax K-30 has the classic noise reduction functions at slow shutter speeds and high ISO, you can adjust the noise reduction
- Pentax K-30 has an unusual green backlight auto focus
- Pentax K-30 is available in several body colors.
- Metal-based polycarbonate housing, which makes the camera very durable
- Pentax K-30 can mask dead pixels, which over time becomes very relevant
- The camera has an excellent dust removal system. Matrix cleaning function it is configured to turn the camera on or off, and cleaning can also be performed forcibly. When cleaning occurs, something feels in the hands that the camera is shaking
- In the menu, you can adjust the font size, the color of the navigation elements (adjust to the color of the case), you can configure (calibrate) the display
- There is even a wonderful autofocus trap function
Pentax K 30 sample photo
Pentax K-30 uses a matrix that Sony produces, the same matrix is available in cameras
- Nikon D5100
- Nikon D7000
- Pentax K-5
- Pentax K-01
- Sony a580
- Sony A55
- Sony NEX-5N
The only thing that remains a mystery to me is how to turn off the display when the camera is on. When you turn on the camera, with the shutter button not pressed halfway, the display with shooting information always lights up. A minor drawback of the camera is the delay at startup and the fact that the camera does not show the picture until it is written to the memory card. Also, there is no booster for the Pentax K 30.
Pentax K-30 sample photo
Prices for modern Pentax cameras in popular stores can look at this link.
In comments Can I ask you a question on the topic and you will answer, and you can also express your opinion or describe your experience. Many little things for a photo can be found on AliExpress.
Conclusions
Pentax K-30 - great camera... Most likely, Pentax K-30 - one of the best amateur crop cameras for 2012. I recommend.
Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
Alternately in the store I took pictures of Nikon 5100 and Pentax - 30. To be honest, I did not notice any advantages of one on the other. But on my home computer I saw that Nikon's pictures were still clearer. What is the reason?
He took Nikon -5100 and Pentax-30 in the store. I did not see or feel the difference in their work. But on the home computer it turned out that the sharpness of Nikon files is still higher. Why is that?
There can be a lot of reasons.
For example?
1. Different image management settings with different sharpening settings
2. The difference of lenses, the whale pentax is not the best - https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/10/obzor-smc-pentax-da-18-55-mm-al-wr/
3. Automation could set a different aperture value - that's different sharpness.
etc.
And yet the result is important. And it is better, for me, definitely, at Nikon-5100. Consequently, why would I have such a “fresh” Pentax 30 if it washes in simple conditions
It's good that you decide which camera is better.
Your soap is in your head and in your hands ...
I guys without ads and all that. K30 is a good camera with a lot of pros and cons, the appearance is of course a rocket, but this factor does not affect the photos :)
What can I say as an owner. Pentax is a system that opens with its own lenses, the kit is good, as many say, I will say it is not bad, after a couple of weeks I paid a decent amount for * Star lens of the Pentax and I just fell in love with this camera. A couple of weeks later I took 43 Lim from a friend and wanted to buy it, since the lenses and glasses in the pentax are the main thing and not the carcass (unfortunately) I shot on the D60 from the Canon, I didn't like it at all, all I liked was the autofocus speed, yes he is cool! But the picture ?! She has no soul ... my opinion, I do not want to offend anyone ... I know one thing as for an amateur and start in photography this camera is the very thing, for this money there are no competitors! I have a lot of respect for all manufacturers, and I think that I will buy a second Nikon carcass with good autofocus just for everyday photography, Pentax is for thoughtful photography ...
Arkady, I have such a question for you? Is it true that the K-30 has a too noisy shutter and the mirror pops like Zenit?
The shutter is like a shutter, I had no problems with that. The noise level for each person is individual.
Hello! I choose the first SLR between pentax K-30 18-55 and nikon d5100 18-55vr, which is more convenient than your point of view for an inexperienced photographer? Pentax reviews are great, but Nikon is a bit cheaper.
D5100 due to the fact that 18-55 can be taken with VR, in general, the functionality is similar.
Do not forget that with Nikon DK you can slowly crawl to the FF with the same lenses.
Pentax is a dead-end branch, only crop (we don't touch the medium format).
So in Pentax, after all, the built-in image stabilizer
Arkady, and yet why R-K30 does not belong to the advanced loves. cameras? Or is this division conditional? And another question: is there a prof. Are the cameras (matrix - close to FF or FF) not mirror-like? Simply, the design of DSLRs determines the complexity of their design, and hence their reliability.
The division is conditional - there is no additional display and the ergonomics are different. If you count the crop close to FF, then there are a dime a dozen such, for example Sony NEX. Eats even FF Sony RX1
Thank you, Arkady, I'm just looking at the devices, so there is a lot of questions. Fortunately, there are enthusiasts - professionals like you - reading your articles and comments I find answers to my own, sometimes rather difficult questions. By the way, I want to note your sociability and endurance - you react calmly and peacefully to sometimes harsh and biased remarks, or openly amateurish questions.
Thank you :)
Arkady, I am leaning towards P-5 or P-30, although my feelings are still “platonic”. And I would also like to know - what can be done with the fm “Universal - Amateur 166”? I got it in the early 90s, but then due to the lack of film on the market, I had to hang it on a carnation.
I think you can sell it. K-5 is a great machine.
Thank you, good shots!
And why, then, K-5 is scolded for braked autofocus?
What about the flaws?
I would like to know about problems with autofocus in various modes? And with different types of lighting?
K-5 and K-r have such problems ... to visit with incandescent lamps - dance with a tambourine ...
A huge plus for me is the flange distance like the M42 ... And a very “natural” color transmission ...
But over a year of work, I got the impression that Pentax is a technique that constantly requires a “brain”, I didn't bring it up and clicked, these sledges won't go up the hill by themselves ...
I looked at the prices of Pentax optics and was unpleasantly surprised ..
Which lens can I take to replace the whale? and in general, what lenses fit this camera?
18-135WR
16-50/2.8 50-135/2.8
DA Lim: 21 40 70
FA Lim: 31 43 77
50 / 1.4 50 / 1.8
...
Arkady, good afternoon.
I am an amateur in photography.
Could you recommend a lens for the K30. I rent: sports, landscapes, a child. Like when the picture has dynamics and would like great opportunities in low light.
Thank you in advance.
55 * / 1.4
Turning off the Pentax K-30 display: press INFO, you can admire it, press INFO again. The position to the right (three of them) is the display turn off.
Tell me please! How to manually fix the aperture and shutter speed on the Pentax K-30?
M mode
Hello!
I ask you to tell the amateur, but with a look at the future.
Buy Pentax K-30 better bodi? And with what lenses?
To unleash the potential of the camera (color rendition, aperture), so that all sorts of little things (flowers, herbs, leaves), for portrait and landscape photography?
And you want a luminosity ..
I would be grateful for the advice.
It is better for an amateur to buy a KIT in order to understand in which direction (meaning lenses) to move. Otherwise it can be “excruciatingly painful” for the money spent on an unused lens :)
Arkady, please, I would like to know your opinion on how the K30 works in low light mode (not in complete darkness, capturing illuminated objects, namely in mixed lighting), I mean color rendition, autofocusing. I read an article on comparative testing of cameras of major manufacturers in low light conditions in the magazine “About mendo da fotografia digital” for March 2013, then k30 on a 5-point scale received only 3 points less than other brands. In test shots, the color rendering is so cold (green blue tones instead of warm) and in my opinion is far from real. I would like to see test shots of different shooting options in the reviews. According to the K30 review, it is not clear how the portrait is cut in different light conditions. The flowers and leaves, of course, are good because mostly the future owners of the k30 were probably interested in the photo with the participation of people. In general, your reviews are interesting to read with pleasure and always with interest. Good luck to you.
All of the above mostly depends on the lens. For 18-55 people it is better not to shoot.
Awesome phot, much better in terms of color rendering of any “new products” from K and N ...
I use Yuzu a little more than two weeks and I like him more and more.
The problem with autofocus in the latest Pentax models is solved at 5+
I advise everyone, you will not regret it.
http://www.pentax.ru/ru/digital-slr/k-30.html official page
Arkady, good afternoon!
Thank you so much for the interesting and insightful tech reviews! I am choosing my first mirror device. Choose between Pentax K30, Pentax K5ii, Nikon D7000, Canon 60D and Canon 7D. Shooting: family, nature, a little extreme. I understand that everywhere there are pluses and minuses, and in terms of class, the devices differ. I like Pentax, but I'm afraid that due to the small army of users of this company, it will be more difficult to get information (advice) on further upgrade or a problem that has arisen. Apart from the question of price, which device do you think is more preferable in terms of functionality and practicality (of the above)? So to speak "golden mean".
Thank you in advance.
Pentax K5ii is a very functional device :)
Thanks! I will be guided by it. Zenith and 3 lenses remained from my father. Industar 61 LZ MS, Mir - 1 v and Jupiter 37a. I also want to try them in practice.
IMHO, Nikon D7000
Do not forget that with Nikon DK you can slowly crawl to the FF with the same lenses.
Pentax is a dead-end branch, only crop (we don't touch the medium format).
Hello! Please advise with a choice of camera. I used the Kenon SX210. I decided to buy a SLR. I choose between the Canon 650D and Pentax K30. I give preference to the Canon 650D or it's better to buy a Pentax K30. I will shoot loved ones, landscapes for myself. Is Pentax K30 shooting a lot worse than Canon 650D? Thank.
After SX220, I switched to pentax, because in fact he is doing kenon in everything, okromya video (which I do not need at all) and the presence of a touchscreen. The ergonomics, functionality and matrix (the canon is outdated, the lag in quality is visible to the naked eye, especially in noise), the pentax is better. If you are not going to buy kilotons of optics and make money with a photograph, you can take a pentax, with optics and quirks there is not such Canadians as lovers of other systems say (relevant for Ukraine).
+1
After a month and 7 days, the camera broke down. The service has replaced the shutter. Assembling the carcass of the Philippines, and the lens of Vietnam. Draw conclusions about quality. Automatic focus point selection is a lottery game. It is better to use manual focus point selection. Sometimes the camera can change the green color to blue (20 shots, and one green pot turned blue) HORROR support. DO NOT BUY. Good luck.
Give the fool a glass x ... ..
If it breaks down for you, it does not mean that it breaks down for others ...