finally a review of this amazing DSLR! thank you so much! Nice to see a tempting object in action and looks like this review made me want this cam even more!
The Pentax 18-135 WR. It's one of the kit lenses in Canada and it is totally weather sealed. So is the Pentax 18-55 WR, another kit lens option. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Pentax may not have as many lenses as some other brands, but they are excellent quality, especially the Limited prime lenses. I love using the 15mm F4, 31mm F1.8, and 55mm F1.4 DA*. Check out the lens line-up first and make sure your favourite focal lengths are covered. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
I really like my K30. Image quality is fantastic, and the camera extremely intuitive and fun to shoot with. I have a D800 that I use on jobs, but when I want to have fun or want to travel light, I almost always bring my K-30. I do hope that Pentax starts putting SDM in all their lenses, and I'd also love to see some more wide and super wide primes or even zooms. For example if Pentax made a version of the Tokina 11-16 2.8 I'd buy it in flash. I watch your reviews all the time. Thanks.
The 18-55 & 55-200 Combo is comparably priced, but the Pentax option is weathersealed. The new Canon 18-135 is sharper than the Pentax option, so I would factor that if you want a great all in one. Remember though, no Canon options in this price range are weather sealed, and the K-30 gives significantly better image quality. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Wow! I really like your reviews. It's much better than reading specs and personal opinions. There's nothing like viewing the camera in action. Hope you'll be able to do more and more reviews. By the way, that Pentax K30 is really impressive, I want one :p
Moire can be an issue, though we didn't see it on any footage from this shoot. One thing I would recommend that I forgot to do is turn sharpening and contrast down before recording video. That helps reduce the amount of moire. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
A word on the shadow details. If the sensor is anything like the one in K-5, or better, it will do fantastic. I keep getting surprised still, after having owned the K-5 since it came in late 2010, over how much you can pull the shadows. It's amazing, and the noise does not kill the image.
Yes you can. ALL PENTAX LENSES even from 20-30 years back can directly be used on a Pentax DSLR. Except the Pentax screwmount (M42) lenses (Takumar lenses) which you will need to buy the M42 to PK mount adapter before you can use them~
Hey, wanted to say thanks for the review. On my journey to get my first DSLR, I was only considering what is more available out there ie. Canikon cameras. Your review caught my attention and even at the price point that it was at the time I saw the review, which it was close to the other brands offering, I was thinking of photography alone. Comparing the K-30 with the T4i, D5100 (at the time D5200 wasn't here yet) I got my moneys worth. 629.00 at the end of January. Having fun, Thanks a bunch.
I would only go for the Rebel if video is a serious priority. Otherwise, the K-30 is a better camera in almost every way, for less money. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Notice that different textures will let you feel where your fingers are on the camera - for example, notice the buttons above and below the fins. This could make it easier to switch options when your eye is at the viewfinder and you need to switch some options quickly. So this could be more utility than looks, just a thought.
That grip looks really meaty, like a 7D or 5D. Good to see Pentax is churning out some competitive cameras again, I was worried they'd fade away into photographic history.
camera looks promising and you guys did a solid review. The 6fps buffer isn't all that good since it's an incamera limitation and not a card specific fault.
We said the best Live view AF of any traditional DSLR. We also mentioned immediately after that we weren't including Sony in that comparison. You can see the first example at 4:33. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
You can find the 10-17 used on one of the auction sites for around $460. As mentioned also look at the Samyang 8 3.5, which is manual focus, but extremely easy for focus because DOF is so great.
Away from the brochures.. If you go K-30, you'll miss: The "Tiltable Screen" The stereo "External Mic Jack" If you go either D5100 or 600D, you'll be missing: The "Extra Control Dial" The "Full Coverage, Brighter, Bigger Viewfinder" The "Weather Sealing & Better Built".. & The availability of a 18-135mm lens that is "Stablized, WR, Silent Focus, Most Compact" and one of the sharpest in its range by the way. I was asking myself the same question a week ago :) Good Luck !
Hey, I just got my Pentax K-50 today (I know it's not the k-30), but so far, I am VERY happy with it. Lots of features, and very responsive, as you said. I also am starting to like the white color, so...win win. I highly recommend any of the two cameras. I also didn't know it had the "extract color" filter which was a very pleasant surprise. I wanted this (which I saw on the Nikon camera), but didn't think the Pentax had it. Thanks for your review. It was pretty much the only review that REALLY sold me on the Pentax.
Maybe I am going to buy Pentax too. For that price it´s best choice. Resistance, stabilization, option keys.. :) I am really looking forward to photoshooting without fear of dust/rain/wet hands :) But K-30, I haven´t money for K-50, which is even better :) Enjoy it man! I think its really good choice
NasInter Been enjoying it so far...next step for me is buying the 55-300mm zoom lens. Was debating about getting the WR or not, but I think given the peace of mind I'd get, It's worth the extra money to get the WR lens.
Hi Herlen, Well so far it's running fine, although I did have an issue with it last spring, where I had to send it in for repair, after just one year of having it. I was VERY disappointed about that, but thank goodness the warranty was for 2 years on the camera, so It cost me nothing (except shipping). The problem was the "aperture motor", and it's apparently quite common with the K-50. I just hope the repair will solve the issue for a long time, however the experience (unfortunately), is making me not take as many photos, as I'm afraid to "overwork" it. If it wasn't for that I'm VERY SATISFIED with choosing the k-50.
+Bertminator Mmm that's the problem I'm worrying about K-50. I've been searching about aperture issue over internet for 2 weeks. If aperture fails, using manual aperture lenses might be solution. But still confused to buy K-50. If I buy, it will be shipped from Japan. Even with warranty for 2 or 3 years, it is difficult to contact and send it back to Japan from Mongolia (I am from Mongolia). And no service or support here. Anyway, thanks for reply Bert.
We certainly did notice that the K30 video looked choppy even at appropriate shutter speeds. Quite contrasty too. I'd probably still go for the T4i for video but the Pentax certainly handles better. Chris @ The Camera Store
wow like the way you do your review specially the rugged test for the Pentax K-30... i'm a beginner and is still scouting for my very 1st dslr and i think im really considering the K-30 over Canon 60D and Nikon D7000... my problem is i'm scouting on where i could buy the K-30 with the 18-135mm WR lens... do you know where i could get the kit with a good value?? (btw are you a Filipino?).. overall great review! definitely a thumbs up!!
Thanks for the reply. I was worried about the poor reviews of the Pentax 18-135, but now saw that the 17-70 STM is considered very good (and fast and quiet), so am leaning that way. I now saw that the high level K-5 is down to the same price though. This is my first DSLR and I understand that once invested in a system, changing is hard. I plan to learn and grow with whatever camera I get. What would you choose?
You must also remember, that because of the in body image stabilization, you don't need to pay extra for that in a lens like you would in the canon version.
Although I am a Nikon user, I have always had a soft spot for Pentax, since the days I worked in a camera shop in the 80s. What I was wondering though is that the K5 and the K30 are now at a similar price point, pretty much exactly the same in the UK. So which would be best for a person wanting to buy a Pentax to own?
I've watched this a few times in trying to make up my mind on the K-30. I love the review. I wish they had an 18-200 WR lens so you don't have to swap in the middle of adventures but that is pushing it :)
Hey guys from TheCameraStore. Just wanna let you know that the K-30 doesn't hold 6 frames in 6 fps burst as said in this video, it actually holds 30 JPEGS at 6 fps and then slows down to like 2 or 3 fps :)
Are you familiar with thw white Pentax K-30? If yes, does it look cheap or something, or as well built like the black one? I want to buy one and I'm not sure with color I should take. Great review!
RGB zebras, waveform, spotmeter, false colors, stack focus, trap focus, peaking, zoom box, headphone monitoring, hdr bracketing, Motion detection, audio trigger shutter, built-in intervalometer, bulb ramping, ISO 25600, custom grids, cropmarks, and much much more.. so what has more functions?
I was looking for a new camera to replace my trusty K100D and I considered the 3200, but the lack of bracketing killed the deal for me. The K30 has bracketing, weather seals (i shoot in all types of weather), 100% field of view, 6 FPS, I can use non motorized lenses and still get image stabilization and the sensor is a very good one.
With the K-30 being what it is at that price, I'm really anxious to see how the K-5 replacement will be, which I believe should be coming this fall. K-3 maybe?
While there are certainly benefits to the SLT system, the lack of an optical view finder is a considerable change. I wouldn't say currently one is better than the other. OVFs for example can be run without power, and provides an instant image, and Dynamic range is still a concern. I think EVFs will become more popular as time goes on, however I'm not convinced they've completely replaced OVFs yet.
I saw one video test footage that the k-30 seems to be prone to moire... is that an issue you saw during your tests? :o Still, I'm digging that Pentax a lot! Super durable, has real nice DoF and the autofocus speed is delicious. Canon's Rebel T series has got some serious competition.
The thing that's pushing me towards the D3200 is the sensor, that's it really although I am still open to options I shoot aircraft so I too picture in all weathers.
Best landscape camera around 1000$ would be which? If you consider the options for good wide-angle lenses as well that are not too expinsive (they should not be another grand for example). Using converters is fine, as long as they function well.
I am owning a classic K5 and it works great, so far I love it. i do use it overall for sports (motorsport) and it has a good AF even tho I'd like it to be faster. Have seen the review on the K3 and just loved it! Also heard that you can use the battery grip and batteries from the K5 on the K3 (not sure about that). And also heard that the K30 is quite close to the K3 in performance, so I am wondering if this would be more capable than my K5 in producing great motorsport photos, what are your thought, would it be a good idea to get one? Thanks!
Awesome review. By the way when you're shooting in RAW you can take 8 continuous pictures but if you shoot in jpeg you can take 30 continuous pictures.
Great review - i alternate between TheCameraStore and Kai..we have choice people :)) i get what you're saying about the design but in fairness the k-30 looks great in the other colours. For once i prefer a DSLR in any other colour but black.
hi, a k-5 user here. its quite surprising to hear that, its actually safe to say plentiful of pentax fans are in due to the fact of backward compatible resulting in a massive choices of cheap used quality lenses. if you don't mind used lens, there are top notch lenses just under 500 bucks. it is actually possible to find great manual lenses at even below 200. anyway the k-30 is a whole different league from the rebel. the k-30 had similar if not better iq than k-5
Both cameras take really great photos, but if you're looking for the better camera body which can operate in almost any weather condition, the Pentax is where your money should go. However, if you've already invested in Nikon lenses and flashes, that is something to consider. You should check out other reviews because there are other features that the K-30 has which aren't mentioned here.
It really does depend a lot on the lens you use. Aftermarket lenses you can buy online from Tamron or SIGMA (Don't recommend SIGMA for Pentax cameras) will be superb in focusing speed, the lenses that come with the Pentax kits are decent, better than most DSLRs for this rice.
"Oh, he's using such a cute pair of water guns. I know the k-30 will survive that" "Oh" "Why is it sitting on the edge of the boat like that..?" "DAMMIT CHRIS"
What do you think about the "white" K-30? Unfortunately Airmiles only offers thiis camera in white....BARF!!! I don't know if I can live with a white SLR. I love the traditional GREY OR alternative black. What's your take on color?
There's different kits available, some shops (even Amazon) sell not-waterresistant lenses. Check for the "WR" in the lense name (in this case 18-135 WR)
Ive been using a highspeed camera with a 10 FPS, and about 30 shot buffer, I have never used that to its fullest for any real world reason. Its almost a silly feature, even shooting sports. I use it in small bursts and care much more about the accuracy of the shots rather than the amount and speed. Although I would like more than 6 frames, I think its a very reasonable camera in many ways, a perfect fit for a mid level photographer wanting a good solid investment.
We never use scripts, I spew this all out directly from my brain so I just picked D4 out of the air as a high speed camera. However as far as the D800 vs 5DMK3 I think the Canon is a better designed camera, focuses quicker and more accurately, and has enough megapixels for almost anybody. I think the D800 is a medium format camera in disguise. The Nikons image quality is better but I still think overall a 5DMK3 is a nicer photographic tool. Your wish has come true. Chris @ The Camera Store
Hello. I'm wanting to get into DSLR photography and I'm kinda sold on this camera. But I have one question: How *good* are the lenses that are available for Pentax cameras? I don't care how many are available, just that there are good lenses available...
@Sammike87 I've shot street photography for two years with film slr's and I can assure you this camera will do it lots faster than you can with your hand and eye, I wouldn't worry about that, it's especially hard to focus with hand and eye in the dark anyway, you will probably move off auto and shoot manual anyway
Although the K-30 body might be better overall than the T4i, how about as a system, say with 2-3 lenses? I am stuck between the two because I suspect that as a package, say the 18-135mm (Canon vs Pentax) or the kit 18-55 plus a 55-250mm, I may be better served with Canon. The good lenses I saw for Pentax were far more expensive. Is this concern misplaced?
I came here to watch this review of the K30, because I thought about to replace my still working K10D. Now I´m Thinking about to buy a Sony Nex-Vg20. Never heard something about camcorder with APS-C Sensor and the possibilty to change the lenses. Do you know if there is a lens-adapter to use pentax lenses on the vg-20?
So thats what they did to make it less competitive to the K5, they removed the large buffer for continuous shooting. Can it still shoot till memory card is full?
@ 3:45 the k30 footage seems to have artefacting/ rolling shutter effect , is there any place i can find the raw video files??... i really was looking forward to buying this cam, but am put off by the video mode... seems like slta77 is the way to go.
Chris and Jordan... like the videos... always nice to see a sense of humour in a review. Chris... your comments on the K-30 styling are good... it's a bit... discordant (?). Then again, as someone who has had a Pentax since the early 80s, I would argue that function takes precedence over form. Having said that, I think the K-01 in canary yellow is just plain ugly! Keep the videos coming guys!
if you need few lenses in your kit, nikon has the "holy trinity" of 14-24, 24-70, 70-200 f2.8 that covers a huge range... while in pentax, you have to buy many primes as they do not offer many zooms. so if you want less lens, its still better to go with good zooms. (canon does not yet have a 14-24 equivilant, but they have a 16-35 f2.8)
Its about time Pentax offered different frame rates for video. The only downside to this Pentax K-30 might the codec for video. Canon DSLR record at 43mbps that broadcast TV needs. Other then that this is a great cameras.
Thanks for the reply. I was forced to drop the Pentax as a choice, because Pentax does not exist in Brazil. Not only do they have no representatives, but no one even sells them here. In fact, the Brazilian Pentax Facebook community has exactly 46 members, compared to over 30 thousand for Canon, or 14 thousand for Nikon.
This vid convinced me to buy a k30 a year/two back. We've had so many great adventures together since =) love it!
Chris, As usual, you have the best camera reviews on the web. Thanks for your work.
I really appreciate how you did that review! You showed everything - the good and bad sides of this camera.
Thank you!
finally a review of this amazing DSLR! thank you so much!
Nice to see a tempting object in action and looks like this review made me want this cam even more!
The Pentax 18-135 WR. It's one of the kit lenses in Canada and it is totally weather sealed. So is the Pentax 18-55 WR, another kit lens option.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Excellent review. You guys do some of the best, most worth-while reviews on the web, always learn a lot by watching them. Thank you.
I run to this guy for reliable reviews. Great balance between info and off topic fun. Good job sir.
I was waiting for digitalreview's test, but you did such a great job on this ! Thank you so much :)
Pentax may not have as many lenses as some other brands, but they are excellent quality, especially the Limited prime lenses. I love using the 15mm F4, 31mm F1.8, and 55mm F1.4 DA*. Check out the lens line-up first and make sure your favourite focal lengths are covered.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Yes that would be great! Can't wait for the Pentax K-5 IIs full hands on review
I really like my K30. Image quality is fantastic, and the camera extremely intuitive and fun to shoot with. I have a D800 that I use on jobs, but when I want to have fun or want to travel light, I almost always bring my K-30. I do hope that Pentax starts putting SDM in all their lenses, and I'd also love to see some more wide and super wide primes or even zooms. For example if Pentax made a version of the Tokina 11-16 2.8 I'd buy it in flash.
I watch your reviews all the time. Thanks.
Manual sensor shift is still there. It's a cool feature, especially for macro.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
The 18-55 & 55-200 Combo is comparably priced, but the Pentax option is weathersealed. The new Canon 18-135 is sharper than the Pentax option, so I would factor that if you want a great all in one. Remember though, no Canon options in this price range are weather sealed, and the K-30 gives significantly better image quality.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Video on pentax looks better than main video.
I'm voting this video for favorite review, if it can make the difference of a purchase. Great review @ The Camera Store TV
You guys are quick! I am loving you a bit more every day.
Wow!
I really like your reviews. It's much better than reading specs and personal opinions.
There's nothing like viewing the camera in action.
Hope you'll be able to do more and more reviews.
By the way, that Pentax K30 is really impressive, I want one :p
Moire can be an issue, though we didn't see it on any footage from this shoot. One thing I would recommend that I forgot to do is turn sharpening and contrast down before recording video. That helps reduce the amount of moire.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
A word on the shadow details. If the sensor is anything like the one in K-5, or better, it will do fantastic. I keep getting surprised still, after having owned the K-5 since it came in late 2010, over how much you can pull the shadows. It's amazing, and the noise does not kill the image.
Yes you can. ALL PENTAX LENSES even from 20-30 years back can directly be used on a Pentax DSLR.
Except the Pentax screwmount (M42) lenses (Takumar lenses) which you will need to buy the M42 to PK mount adapter before you can use them~
nice vid, I'm doing some research about that camera and the canon T4i, the k-30 looks very capable. Great channel, keep the good work!
Hey, wanted to say thanks for the review. On my journey to get my first DSLR, I was only considering what is more available out there ie. Canikon cameras. Your review caught my attention and even at the price point that it was at the time I saw the review, which it was close to the other brands offering, I was thinking of photography alone. Comparing the K-30 with the T4i, D5100 (at the time D5200 wasn't here yet) I got my moneys worth. 629.00 at the end of January. Having fun, Thanks a bunch.
Soon, hopefully this month.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Great work guys!!! Please do a review for the K-5 IIs, no one has done it yet and i hope you guys do it first!
I would only go for the Rebel if video is a serious priority. Otherwise, the K-30 is a better camera in almost every way, for less money.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
This is the only review of the K30 thats actually worth watching
Notice that different textures will let you feel where your fingers are on the camera - for example, notice the buttons above and below the fins. This could make it easier to switch options when your eye is at the viewfinder and you need to switch some options quickly. So this could be more utility than looks, just a thought.
I love how quick it focus.
That grip looks really meaty, like a 7D or 5D. Good to see Pentax is churning out some competitive cameras again, I was worried they'd fade away into photographic history.
camera looks promising and you guys did a solid review. The 6fps buffer isn't all that good since it's an incamera limitation and not a card specific fault.
We said the best Live view AF of any traditional DSLR. We also mentioned immediately after that we weren't including Sony in that comparison. You can see the first example at 4:33.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
I like that calm shutter sound.
You can find the 10-17 used on one of the auction sites for around $460. As mentioned also look at the Samyang 8 3.5, which is manual focus, but extremely easy for focus because DOF is so great.
Away from the brochures..
If you go K-30, you'll miss:
The "Tiltable Screen"
The stereo "External Mic Jack"
If you go either D5100 or 600D, you'll be missing:
The "Extra Control Dial"
The "Full Coverage, Brighter, Bigger Viewfinder"
The "Weather Sealing & Better Built".. &
The availability of a 18-135mm lens that is "Stablized, WR, Silent Focus, Most Compact" and one of the sharpest in its range by the way.
I was asking myself the same question a week ago :)
Good Luck !
Hey, I just got my Pentax K-50 today (I know it's not the k-30), but so far, I am VERY happy with it. Lots of features, and very responsive, as you said. I also am starting to like the white color, so...win win. I highly recommend any of the two cameras. I also didn't know it had the "extract color" filter which was a very pleasant surprise. I wanted this (which I saw on the Nikon camera), but didn't think the Pentax had it. Thanks for your review. It was pretty much the only review that REALLY sold me on the Pentax.
Maybe I am going to buy Pentax too. For that price it´s best choice. Resistance, stabilization, option keys.. :) I am really looking forward to photoshooting without fear of dust/rain/wet hands :)
But K-30, I haven´t money for K-50, which is even better :)
Enjoy it man! I think its really good choice
NasInter
Been enjoying it so far...next step for me is buying the 55-300mm zoom lens. Was debating about getting the WR or not, but I think given the peace of mind I'd get, It's worth the extra money to get the WR lens.
+Bertminator Hello Bert. How is your K-50 doing after 1 year?
Hi Herlen, Well so far it's running fine, although I did have an issue with it last spring, where I had to send it in for repair, after just one year of having it. I was VERY disappointed about that, but thank goodness the warranty was for 2 years on the camera, so It cost me nothing (except shipping). The problem was the "aperture motor", and it's apparently quite common with the K-50. I just hope the repair will solve the issue for a long time, however the experience (unfortunately), is making me not take as many photos, as I'm afraid to "overwork" it. If it wasn't for that I'm VERY SATISFIED with choosing the k-50.
+Bertminator Mmm that's the problem I'm worrying about K-50. I've been searching about aperture issue over internet for 2 weeks. If aperture fails, using manual aperture lenses might be solution. But still confused to buy K-50.
If I buy, it will be shipped from Japan. Even with warranty for 2 or 3 years, it is difficult to contact and send it back to Japan from Mongolia (I am from Mongolia). And no service or support here.
Anyway, thanks for reply Bert.
A Sony VG20 with the Pentax 16-50 F2.8.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
We certainly did notice that the K30 video looked choppy even at appropriate shutter speeds. Quite contrasty too. I'd probably still go for the T4i for video but the Pentax certainly handles better.
Chris @ The Camera Store
wow like the way you do your review specially the rugged test for the Pentax K-30... i'm a beginner and is still scouting for my very 1st dslr and i think im really considering the K-30 over Canon 60D and Nikon D7000... my problem is i'm scouting on where i could buy the K-30 with the 18-135mm WR lens... do you know where i could get the kit with a good value?? (btw are you a Filipino?)..
overall great review! definitely a thumbs up!!
Thanks for the reply. I was worried about the poor reviews of the Pentax 18-135, but now saw that the 17-70 STM is considered very good (and fast and quiet), so am leaning that way. I now saw that the high level K-5 is down to the same price though. This is my first DSLR and I understand that once invested in a system, changing is hard. I plan to learn and grow with whatever camera I get. What would you choose?
Love the colors ;) video mode as well...but is live view really that fast??
You must also remember, that because of the in body image stabilization, you don't need to pay extra for that in a lens like you would in the canon version.
Although I am a Nikon user, I have always had a soft spot for Pentax, since the days I worked in a camera shop in the 80s. What I was wondering though is that the K5 and the K30 are now at a similar price point, pretty much exactly the same in the UK. So which would be best for a person wanting to buy a Pentax to own?
Could you guys do a quick video on how aperture and shutter speeds work for all the beginners like me out there?
I've watched this a few times in trying to make up my mind on the K-30. I love the review. I wish they had an 18-200 WR lens so you don't have to swap in the middle of adventures but that is pushing it :)
Hey guys from TheCameraStore.
Just wanna let you know that the K-30 doesn't hold 6 frames in 6 fps burst as said in this video, it actually holds 30 JPEGS at 6 fps and then slows down to like 2 or 3 fps :)
Are you familiar with thw white Pentax K-30? If yes, does it look cheap or something, or as well built like the black one? I want to buy one and I'm not sure with color I should take.
Great review!
Should be fixed now. Sorry about that!
RGB zebras, waveform, spotmeter, false colors, stack focus, trap focus, peaking, zoom box, headphone monitoring, hdr bracketing, Motion detection, audio trigger shutter, built-in intervalometer, bulb ramping, ISO 25600, custom grids, cropmarks, and much much more.. so what has more functions?
I was looking for a new camera to replace my trusty K100D and I considered the 3200, but the lack of bracketing killed the deal for me. The K30 has bracketing, weather seals (i shoot in all types of weather), 100% field of view, 6 FPS, I can use non motorized lenses and still get image stabilization and the sensor is a very good one.
haha very cool idea with the float! Also excellent review = )
Thx! If I have enough money I will hopefully buy this
Great entertaining video! thank you! going to get my hands on one this week!
You guys + DigitalRev. This needs to be a thing.
hmmm...something to think about. Thanks. Love your review by the way.
Please review K-5 II v K-5 IIs .. there is no mention for those fine cameras on the whole YT yet !!
With the K-30 being what it is at that price, I'm really anxious to see how the K-5 replacement will be, which I believe should be coming this fall. K-3 maybe?
While there are certainly benefits to the SLT system, the lack of an optical view finder is a considerable change. I wouldn't say currently one is better than the other. OVFs for example can be run without power, and provides an instant image, and Dynamic range is still a concern. I think EVFs will become more popular as time goes on, however I'm not convinced they've completely replaced OVFs yet.
Very nice and detailed review!
I saw one video test footage that the k-30 seems to be prone to moire... is that an issue you saw during your tests? :o Still, I'm digging that Pentax a lot! Super durable, has real nice DoF and the autofocus speed is delicious. Canon's Rebel T series has got some serious competition.
For stills, this. For video, the 650D.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
excellent review - field test
Love your channel. How do you think it compares to the k5 or d7000. I know there a bit out of range in class but there also a bit older.
The thing that's pushing me towards the D3200 is the sensor, that's it really
although I am still open to options I shoot aircraft so I too picture in all weathers.
Best landscape camera around 1000$ would be which? If you consider the options for good wide-angle lenses as well that are not too expinsive (they should not be another grand for example). Using converters is fine, as long as they function well.
What filter did Jordan put on his camera, colors are so nice...
I am owning a classic K5 and it works great, so far I love it. i do use it overall for sports (motorsport) and it has a good AF even tho I'd like it to be faster.
Have seen the review on the K3 and just loved it! Also heard that you can use the battery grip and batteries from the K5 on the K3 (not sure about that). And also heard that the K30 is quite close to the K3 in performance, so I am wondering if this would be more capable than my K5 in producing great motorsport photos, what are your thought, would it be a good idea to get one? Thanks!
Awesome review. By the way when you're shooting in RAW you can take 8 continuous pictures but if you shoot in jpeg you can take 30 continuous pictures.
Great review - i alternate between TheCameraStore and Kai..we have choice people :)) i get what you're saying about the design but in fairness the k-30 looks great in the other colours. For once i prefer a DSLR in any other colour but black.
hi, a k-5 user here. its quite surprising to hear that, its actually safe to say plentiful of pentax fans are in due to the fact of backward compatible resulting in a massive choices of cheap used quality lenses. if you don't mind used lens, there are top notch lenses just under 500 bucks. it is actually possible to find great manual lenses at even below 200.
anyway the k-30 is a whole different league from the rebel. the k-30 had similar if not better iq than k-5
Canon T3i, Sony A57, or Panasonic GH2. I'd say the GH2 personally.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
A fantastic camera
Both cameras take really great photos, but if you're looking for the better camera body which can operate in almost any weather condition, the Pentax is where your money should go. However, if you've already invested in Nikon lenses and flashes, that is something to consider. You should check out other reviews because there are other features that the K-30 has which aren't mentioned here.
It really does depend a lot on the lens you use. Aftermarket lenses you can buy online from Tamron or SIGMA (Don't recommend SIGMA for Pentax cameras) will be superb in focusing speed, the lenses that come with the Pentax kits are decent, better than most DSLRs for this rice.
"Oh, he's using such a cute pair of water guns. I know the k-30 will survive that"
"Oh"
"Why is it sitting on the edge of the boat like that..?"
"DAMMIT CHRIS"
What do you think about the "white" K-30? Unfortunately Airmiles only offers thiis camera in white....BARF!!! I don't know if I can live with a white SLR. I love the traditional GREY OR alternative black. What's your take on color?
Any chance you're going to do a review of a k5-II ? I'd really love to see how it fairs against this in a rough environment.
GREAT presentation!!
The K-R uses an KAF2 mount. This means that your SLR can use KAF2, KAF1 and KAF mount lenses. thats around 150 lenses, sounds pretty good to me..
Nicely done!
There's different kits available, some shops (even Amazon) sell not-waterresistant lenses. Check for the "WR" in the lense name (in this case 18-135 WR)
Ive been using a highspeed camera with a 10 FPS, and about 30 shot buffer, I have never used that to its fullest for any real world reason. Its almost a silly feature, even shooting sports. I use it in small bursts and care much more about the accuracy of the shots rather than the amount and speed. Although I would like more than 6 frames, I think its a very reasonable camera in many ways, a perfect fit for a mid level photographer wanting a good solid investment.
We never use scripts, I spew this all out directly from my brain so I just picked D4 out of the air as a high speed camera. However as far as the D800 vs 5DMK3 I think the Canon is a better designed camera, focuses quicker and more accurately, and has enough megapixels for almost anybody. I think the D800 is a medium format camera in disguise. The Nikons image quality is better but I still think overall a 5DMK3 is a nicer photographic tool. Your wish has come true.
Chris @ The Camera Store
Hello. I'm wanting to get into DSLR photography and I'm kinda sold on this camera. But I have one question: How *good* are the lenses that are available for Pentax cameras? I don't care how many are available, just that there are good lenses available...
@Sammike87 I've shot street photography for two years with film slr's and I can assure you this camera will do it lots faster than you can with your hand and eye, I wouldn't worry about that, it's especially hard to focus with hand and eye in the dark anyway, you will probably move off auto and shoot manual anyway
Wonderful review!
Although the K-30 body might be better overall than the T4i, how about as a system, say with 2-3 lenses? I am stuck between the two because I suspect that as a package, say the 18-135mm (Canon vs Pentax) or the kit 18-55 plus a 55-250mm, I may be better served with Canon. The good lenses I saw for Pentax were far more expensive. Is this concern misplaced?
I came here to watch this review of the K30, because I thought about to replace my still working K10D. Now I´m Thinking about to buy a Sony Nex-Vg20. Never heard something about camcorder with APS-C Sensor and the possibilty to change the lenses. Do you know if there is a lens-adapter to use pentax lenses on the vg-20?
So thats what they did to make it less competitive to the K5, they removed the large buffer for continuous shooting. Can it still shoot till memory card is full?
thanks for the review, very helpful
@ 3:45 the k30 footage seems to have artefacting/ rolling shutter effect , is there any place i can find the raw video files??... i really was looking forward to buying this cam, but am put off by the video mode... seems like slta77 is the way to go.
I have ordered the pentax k30 18-55mm wr kit YES
Chris and Jordan... like the videos... always nice to see a sense of humour in a review.
Chris... your comments on the K-30 styling are good... it's a bit... discordant (?). Then again, as someone who has had a Pentax since the early 80s, I would argue that function takes precedence over form.
Having said that, I think the K-01 in canary yellow is just plain ugly!
Keep the videos coming guys!
if you need few lenses in your kit, nikon has the "holy trinity" of 14-24, 24-70, 70-200 f2.8
that covers a huge range...
while in pentax, you have to buy many primes as they do not offer many zooms.
so if you want less lens, its still better to go with good zooms.
(canon does not yet have a 14-24 equivilant, but they have a 16-35 f2.8)
Its about time Pentax offered different frame rates for video. The only downside to this Pentax K-30 might the codec for video. Canon DSLR record at 43mbps that broadcast TV needs. Other then that this is a great cameras.
Amazing review really really helpful.
Thanks for the reply. I was forced to drop the Pentax as a choice, because Pentax does not exist in Brazil. Not only do they have no representatives, but no one even sells them here. In fact, the Brazilian Pentax Facebook community has exactly 46 members, compared to over 30 thousand for Canon, or 14 thousand for Nikon.
Hello guys, would be great if you make a review of the Pentax K-5IIs. Have you considered?
Regards
very nice camera indeed. Even though I love canon I agree this camera is better than the 650d, and great review :)
That look a hell of a fast river!
Im looking to get a dslr for beginners. I was looking at the d5100. Do you have any reviews for that camera?