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Pentax K-30

Ergonomics 
 9.2
Build Quality 
 9.3
User Interface 
 9.0
Autofocus 
 8.4
Features 
 9.1
Value 
 9.5
Image Quality 
 9.4
Noise 
 8.7
Reviews Views Date of last review
91 154,973 Wed January 3, 2024
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
98% of reviewers $604.91 9.19
Pentax K-30

Pentax K-30
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Pentax K-30
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Pentax K-30
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Pentax K-30
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Pentax K-30
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Pentax K-30
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Description:

The Pentax K-30 introduced in 2012 is a 16-megapixel mid-level DSLR from Pentax.  It features weather sealing, a large 3-inch back LCD, and extra external buttons compared to the K-r to make it faster to use in the field for the demanding photographer.

Read the PentaxForums.com In-Depth Pentax K-30 Review

The K30 will be available in black, blue, and white.

Some of the key features are:

  • Cold proof to -10 degrees C/14 degrees F
  • Weather sealed
  • A focusing screen optimized for manual focusing is available
  • Two User Modes for saving/recalling user settings
  • RAW/Fx customizable button
  • Wireless control of external flash
  • Automatic horizon correction
  • Composition adjustment
  • Astrotracer mode (with optional O-GPS1 GPS unit)
  • Electronic level and horizon correction
  • Wired and wireless remote control
  • 11 custom Images
  • 19 digital filters
  • Embed copyright information in EXIF
  • Image plane indicator
  • In-camera RAW development
  • Save last JPG as RAW
  • Optional hand strap O-ST128
  • Optional AC adapter K-AC128

Read our in-depth review of the K-30 here.

Major features subsequently added through firmware updates:

  • Version 1.06: Added compatibility with HD Pentax-DA Rear Converter 1.4X AW
  • Version 1.05: AF assist light function made compatible with the new flashes, AF360FGZ II and AF540FGZ II

Camera Manual:


Pentax K-30
© www.pentaxforums.com, sharable with attribution
Year Introduced
2012
In Production
No (Discontinued 2013)
Current US Price
N/A
In-Depth Review
Click to Read
Sensor
Sensor Format
APS-C
Sensor Type
CMOS
Megapixels
16.28
Resolution
3264 x 4928 pixels
AA Filter
Yes
Super Resolution
No
Bit Depth
12
Minimum ISO
100
Maximum ISO
25600
ISO Range
100 - 12,800 (100 - 25,600)
Imaging
Exposure Modes
Auto (green), Scene, HyP, Sv, Av, Tv, TAv, M, B
Program Modes
Normal
Maximum FPS
6
Continuous Shooting
Hi: 6 fps up to 30 frames (JPG), 8 frames (RAW) Lo: 3 fps until card is full (JPG), 10 frames (RAW)
Shutter Speeds (Auto)
30s - 1/6000s (stepless)
Shutter Speeds (Manual)
B, 30s - 1/6000s. Up to 300s in Astrotracer mode
Shutter Life
100000
Exposure compensation
+/-5 EV (+/-2 EV in movie mode)
Auto bracketing
Exposure (3 frames), one-push EV bracketing
Expanded dynamic range
Highlight (auto, on, off), Shadow (auto, high, medium, low, off)
Exposure lock
Yes
Self timer
2 s with mirror lock-up, 12 s
Metering Sensor
77-Segment
Meter range
0 to 22 EV
Meter pattern
Multi-Segment,Center Weighted,Spot
Mirror lock-up
Yes
Interval shooting
Up to 999 frames, up to 24 hours between frames
HDR mode
Yes
Multiple exposures
Yes, average and additive, 2 to 9 shots
Pixel mapping
Yes
Scene Modes
19: Night Scene, Surf and Snow, Food, Sunset, Stage Lighting, Night Snap, Night Scene HDR, Night Scene Portrait, Backlit Portrait, Kids, Pet, Candlelight, Portrait, Landscape, Moving Object, and more
Restrictions
Exposure modes with M and K lenses are restricted to Av (with aperture always wide open) and M (with stop-down metering)
Lens Mount
Mount
KAF2 (no aperture coupler)
Composition Adjustment
Yes
Stabilization
Yes (sensor-shift SR)
Power zoom
Not supported
Supported Lenses
All Pentax K-mount lenses except for lenses with the KAF4 mount variant. Manual focus only with K-, M-, and A-series lenses. Stop down metering only with K- and M-series lenses. M42, Pentax 645 and Pentax 6x7 lenses with the appropriate adapters (stop down metering and manual focus only).
Lens correction
Distortion,Lateral Chromatic Aberration
Focusing
Autofocus (viewfinder)
Yes (SAFOX IXi+, 11 focus points (9 cross type), diffraction lens)
AF Points
11
Autofocus sensitivity
-1 EV
Front/back focus correction
Yes (adjustments for up to 20 lenses)
Autofocus with SDM
Yes
Autofocus assist
Dedicated LED
Viewfinder/LCD
Viewfinder
0.92x, 100%
Viewfinder type
Pentaprism
Diopter adjustment
-2.5 to +1.5
AF Points in viewfinder
Yes
Exchangeable screen
Yes
Depth of field preview
Yes
Digital preview
Yes (with image magnificaion)
Live View
Yes
Top LCD
No
Focus Peaking
Yes
Back LCD
3 in. 921,000 pix
Body
Weather resistant
Yes
Control wheels
2
Battery grip
No
Card slots
1
Dust removal
Yes, Sensor Shake DR
Dust alert
No
Memory card type
SD, SDHC (max. 32GB), SDXC
Size (W x H x D)
130 x 97 x 71 mm (5.1 x 3.8 x 2.8 in.)
Weight
650 g (23 oz)
File format
DNG (RAW),JPG,MOV
Battery life
410 images with Li-Ion battery
Battery
D-LI109 lithium-ion rechargeable or 4 x AA with optional battery holder D-BH109
Flash
Built-in flash
Yes, GN 12 (ISO 100/m)
Sync speed
1/180s
P-TTL flash
Yes
Flash functions
Auto discharge, On (leading curtain sync), Redeye reduction, Slow-speed sync, Trailing curtain sync, High-speed sync*, Manual*, Wireless*, Contrast control* * Available when combined with external flash
TTL flash
No
Flash exposure comp
-2 to 1 EV
Video
Resolution / Framerates
1920x1080 (16:9 Full HD) at 30, 25, and 24 fps,
1280x720 (16:9) at 60, 50, 30, 25, and 24 fps,
640x480 (4:3) at 30, 25, and 24 fps,
MPEG4 AVC/H.264,
Recording time up to 25 minutes,
Interval movie,
No HDMI out
Exposure Modes
P, Av and M exposure control
Movie mode restrictions
In Av and M mode: Aperture must be set prior to shooting (unless using a lens with manual aperture setting)
AF During Recording
No
Sound in Movie mode
Mono Adjustable sound level
Interfacing
GPS
Via Accessory
Tethering
None
Connectivity
USB 2.0, AV out, cable release
Latest Firmware
Version 1.06
Notes
User reviews
In-depth review
Astrotracer compatible, Electronic level, Embed copyright information in EXIF, High ISO NR can be customized for each major ISO value, In-camera RAW development, Image plane indicator, Save last JPG as RAW, The RAW button is customizable and can perform a variety of functions, hereunder exposure bracketing
Special Editions

Black, blue, and white

Megapixels: 16.28
ISO Range: 100-25,600
Weight: 650 g (23 oz)
FPS: 6
LCD: 3-inch
In Production: Buy the Pentax K-30
Type: Mid-Range DSLR
Weather Sealed: Yes
In-Depth Review: Read our Pentax K-30 in-depth review!
Manual: http://c758710.r10.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/support/manual/1340052607_Manual_K-30_EN.pdf
Price History:



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New Member

Registered: August, 2017
Location: Ronneburg
Posts: 1
Review Date: January 3, 2024 Recommended | Price: $130.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: very high IQ, Excellent handling, solid build Quality, WR, bright optical viewfinder
Cons: non for me after changing the broken solenoid
Years Owned: 1    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 9    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 9    Features: 10    Value: 10    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 9    New or Used: Used   

Very good build quality for the class, weather-sealed body
Excellent, sharp and clean image results when shooting RAW
Larges and bright Pentaprism Viewfinder
Intuitive menus and displays
can be operated with AA batteryholder

reliable after changing the solenoid (aperture control)
   
New Member

Registered: July, 2021
Posts: 7
Review Date: July 24, 2021 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: WR, lightweight,IQ
Cons: solenoid (repaired)
Years Owned: 8    Ergonomics: 9    Build Quality: 9    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 8    Features: 8    Value: 9    Image Quality: 9    Noise: 8    New or Used: New   

I bought Pentax K-30 kit 18-135 on ebay japan in 2013 for less than from a local dealer. Solenoid was repaired in 2016. Since then, it has been working without problems. Fits well in the hand, WR, light weight. IQ is good ISO 100-1600. I highly recommend it.
   
Site Supporter

Registered: April, 2015
Posts: 3,505

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: February 10, 2020 Recommended | Price: $420.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Image-Quality, WR, Handling, Reliability (see later)
Cons: Reliability only if solenoid has been exchanged!
Years Owned: 7    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 9    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 9    Features: 10    Value: 10    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 10    New or Used: New   

I think it is about time that I write a review about the venerable K-30 as well, having written the tutorial for exchanging the solenoid. I also write this review taking the price in 2020 in acount, which makes this DSLR a steal, being able to drive modern PLM lenses and its very stylish design.

But one thing is utmost important: This review, particular regarding reliability, is only for a K-30 with repaired/exchanged solenoid! I mean the Japan made solenoid. Or for those who feel they can repair the K-30 themselves but not apply the foolish grinding/sanding method!

I had my first K-30 in Dec.2012 next to my K5 (and many other Pentax bodies before).

Being used to it I first missed the top-LCD a bit but the K30 is WR and has the 2 dials which are very comfortable when you use Av, Tv, Tav or P-Mode. P-Mode is anyway something even those beginners who would just use Auto or Scene-mode get aquainted with because without using the dials it is just Auto, but as soon as you use the dials, you can learn very quickly how to change either aperture or exposure time and see what wonderful results you can achieve.

AF-S is very good, AF-C is good (both a little bit better than the K5, the K5II is a step further!).
Handling is wonderful, as good and to some even better than the K5 series. Better than the later K-S2/K70 IMO and also more stable due to not having a swivel LCD. The body is made out of polycarbonat on a stainless steel mainbody and WR. To motor for the screwdrive mechanism is strong enough to take on long difficult lenses and if you update to firmware 1.10 which is now used even by the official Pentax repairplaces,

you can drive KAF4 (PLM) lenses, the AF is faster, you have ISO 51200 and Eye Fi!

Its reliable Sony IMX071 CMOS-Sensor with its 16MP is a great sensor and IMO still very up-to-date!

The very high ISO is just for fun, don't expect great image quality even at 25600, this is more fun to be able to have it. I don't even take the high ISO qualities of my KP or K70 really serious.

Very useful: You can use Eneloop NiMH AA batteries if you buy the D-BH109 adapter, very good in freezing cold days.

The Pentax K-50 (and with a few restrictions the K-500) are almost identical.
But I prefer the design of the K-30, it is more Pentax, the K-50 design reminds me of a boring Canon.


Of couse we have the onboard Anti-shake, something very typical for Pentax and fantastic because there are amazing vintage old lenses, manual, A-Ring and of course the great Tamukar and other M-42 lenses. If you know how to use the green-button (which is pretty easy) you might be astonished of what amazing quality many of those lenses are, particular primes!

Again, good to know the P-Mode and Green-Button mode!

Lenses:

- The Kit-Lens: Well, it is a kind of give-away, so you take photos.
Alright for the beginning, but really: You won't get those results this camera is able to!
If you need a cheap good zoom, find a good sample of the

- DA16-45, it is a real gem!
- DA primes: DA50 and DA35 are great and cheap.

- 55-300PLM: There is nothing better for the money if you can afford it.
A wonderful A-Lens (so no AF) is the SMC A50/f2,8 macro! Light, small and fantastic quality.


The K-30 was a masterpiece. It brougth Ricoh into some difficulties because the green China-made Solenoid happened to produce problems, here you can read in more detail about it.

I love other Pentax consumer cameras, the small K-S1 is another special one either for travelling or for those with really small hands.
But the K-30 is particular special!
   
New Member

Registered: September, 2019
Posts: 4

5 users found this helpful
Review Date: December 10, 2019 Recommended | Price: $600.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Handling, buttons, switches, COLOR QUALITY
Cons: Autofocus when shooting videos
Years Owned: 5    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 10    Autofocus: 9    Features: 10    Value: 10    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 5    New or Used: New   

Dear K-30 users, I think I found a workaround to the famous aperture problem (you get dark shots) that I learned from a Japanese site!
Please try using the AA battery holder with AA batteries, I used both Duracell and Panasonic Eneloop. According to the site, using the battery holder instead of the original rectangular rechargable battery slows the camera just a bit , giving the aperture motor enough time to adjust! I have now taken over a hundred photos on multiple days and have not gotten the dark photo problem!
   
New Member

Registered: December, 2013
Posts: 7

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: January 23, 2018 Recommended | Price: $380.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Comfortable, stylish, uncluttered operation, image quality, value
Cons: WB
Years Owned: 4    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 8    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 7    Features: 9    Value: 10    Image Quality: 9    Noise: 8    New or Used: New   

First off, after approximately 40,000 actuations, the aperture control has never faltered. The camera has been completely reliable and a joy to use. I haven't tested the weather sealing to extremes but it's a nice feature for this price.

I find the sculpted thumb grip perfectly shaped, working well with the twin dial set up, and the feel the design is bolder and more stylish than the k50. Mine is a white one, which always attracts admiring glances, although personally I wouldn't be so keen on a coloured one. I believe there is a version of the latest k50 firmware adapted for the k30, which allows KAF4 compatibility.

The image quality is excellent. Dynamic range was an enormous step up from my k100d. Pulling detail from shadows works a treat, so I will tend to underexpose for highlight detail. I'll admit I find the noise on my k70 nicer and more film like, and in hindsight, I have avoided high ISO and visible noise on the k30. Added to the fact that the White Balance can be slightly suspect, I think the more up to date bodies are much much better for indoor shooting in particular. However shooting in raw with some old school off camera flash works a treat.

I have used this quite often with a DA40mm limited, and it feels light and easy to handle. I find that combination produces gorgeous colours.
   
New Member

Registered: October, 2013
Location: Manchester
Posts: 9

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: June 4, 2017 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: A trusty workhouse that just 'feels right'
Cons: Very few
Years Owned: 4.5    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 7    Features: 9    Value: 9    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 9    New or Used: New   

I was a keen amateur photographer when I was a teen MANY years ago. I was brought up on cheap Russian (Leica39 & M42 mount) rangefinder/SLR cameras in the 1970's & cheap Japanese (K mount) cameras in in the 80's. So after bringing up my kids I finally had enough cash for a world tour to visit family in New Zealand.
So in 2011 a Pentax Kr arrived - & my old K mount glass was dragged from the back of the cupboard. The Kr served well & my passion and enjoyment for photography returned. Although the Kr is a competent camera it was relegated to spare in 2012 when I could afford a K30.
The K30 is in a different league & has been my 'go to' camera for the last 4 and a half years. I can pick it up & instantly feel comfortable & in control shooting away. It has been a faithful workhorse which has been lugged to harsh hot/ cold/ wet/ dusty locations both in the UK & further afield. It has producing stunning pictures that flatter my modest abilities. The only time it stays at home is when I need something smaller and more discrete (That's when the Q10 comes out to play - but that's another story).
Today I have ordered a refurbished K1 so the K30 is relegated to most awesome spare. My Kr & a some lenses are being donated to an enthusiastic youngster in the hope it ignites the lifelong passion for photography Pentax products has given me. I don't tut at smartphone pictures. A great picture is a great picture - end of, but what the K30 & all modern Pentax digital kit do is give the user a better chance of getting that killer photo in a wider range of conditions than a phone can. The K30 is a great bit of kit - and I hope the K1 lives up to the very high standard the K30 has set.
The K30 - A great value rugged, reliable, quality camera that is a dream to use 5 years after it appeared.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lesraisbeck/albums
   
Veteran Member

Registered: August, 2012
Posts: 678

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: February 11, 2017 Recommended | Price: $200.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Lightweight, good ergonomics, weather resistant
Cons: wimpy battery pack, no top deck LCD screen
New or Used: New   

I actually paid $245 for this camera with a DAL 18-55mm lens but I'm selling that lens off with another camera, so subtracting the average eBay selling price for the lens, my net cost for the camera alone would likely be closer to the $200 shown above. This camera is a little more 'used' than I would ideally like, with a shutter count just shy of 26,000, but It does not appear to have been abused in any way so I'm pleased.

I generally like this camera. It's comfortable in my hands and the controls are laid out logically. The feature set seems to blend the best of higher end cameras with the convenience of entry level DSLRs and point-n-shoot bridge cameras. I like the fact that it is weather sealed, even though it doesn't have that 'built like a tank' feel of my K10D and Samsung GX-20. That said, it doesn't weigh as much as either of those cameras, which is a good thing. The menus, although a little different from my other cameras, are pretty intuitive and the picture quality is pretty good, although shots taken in bright sunlight tend to look a little washed out as though it isn't stopping the lens down far enough. I suppose in time I'll figure out how to compensate for that in the future.

My two biggest gripes about the K30 are that it lacks a top deck LCD screen, which would save battery power over having to use the battery-sucking 3-inch rear screen for status information and the supplied D-Li109 battery pack is simply insufficient for the camera. The battery compartment itself is a bit of an oddity in that it is designed to accept two entirely different types of batteries. In addition to the D-Li109 battery, it can take four AA cells using a proprietary AA adapter which inexplicably was not supplied with the camera. Okay, I guess I shouldn't complain too much about the adapter, since I bought the camera used and it would be a total crap-shoot as to whether the camera and the battery adapter would still be together at this point. As it is, I found a generic one online for less than $3. The flexibility of being able to use two different types of batteries in this camera comes in very handy. A fully charged set of Eneloops last much better than the D-Li109 battery but do add extra weight to the package. But that isn't a totally bad thing as the extra heft in the grip can help counterbalance a heavier lens. Still, I would have been just as happy if they had stuck with the tried and true D-Li50 battery pack used in the K10D and K20D that would have offered better battery life than the D-Li109.

Those irritations aside, the K30 is a great little camera, albeit not perfect. I can see why it was so popular when it was first introduced and still has a good following today.

UPDATE: By the time I'd had this camera a year, I had given up on the D-Li109 battery and now exclusively use rechargeable AA batteries in it. They're simply less expensive and more reliable.
   
Forum Member

Registered: January, 2008
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 61

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: February 3, 2017 Not Recommended | Price: $700.00 | Rating: 3 

 
Pros: Compact, great handling
Cons: Aperture failure
Years Owned: 3    Ergonomics: 9    Build Quality: 9    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 7    Features: 9    Value: 3    Image Quality: 9    Noise: 9    New or Used: New   

I would agree with the other reviewers about the quality of this camera and the value - when it's working. But I am adding this review because I feel that any potential buyer of a used K30 should be aware of the significant failure rate of the "aperture block" resulting in "black frames." The failure rate is not insignificant. It happened also to my KS2 after it sat for awhile. (That to me is the trigger - disuse of the camera seems to place it at risk of black frames when it is picked up again after a hiatus). My K30 is in with precision camera, no idea how long it will take to fix but it has been three weeks already. Read their reviews and research your other options for repair because if you get a good deal on a used K30 you need to factor in the higher than normal failure rate compared to what one would expect.
   
New Member

Registered: September, 2016
Posts: 3
Review Date: September 4, 2016 Recommended | Price: $250.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Value for money
Cons: Battery life
Years Owned: 1    Ergonomics: 8    Build Quality: 7    User Interface: 8    Autofocus: 8    Features: 9    Value: 10    Image Quality: 9    Noise: 9    New or Used: Used   

Let my share my experience with the K-30 as compared to the K-5, as I own both cameras. Owned a K-30 from the start. Then I also got a pretty beat up but perfectly working K-5 body very cheap, since I was interested in trying out a camera with more external controls

After extensive use, I've made a list of pros for either camera, ranking each feature with one to five stars in accordance how important it is in MY shooting (which may differ from yours...)

In my use as an amateur, IQ (*****), viewfinder (*****) and autofocus (*****) differences are academic at best between these two cameras (I know the K5 is 14 bit compared to 12 bit for the K-30 but for me that isn't an issue).

K-30 Pros:
***** Much more responsive software, better info pane layouts.
**** Markedly brighter, sharper and clearer LCD
*** Faster write speed to SD card.
** Better layout of play/trash/liveview buttons minimizing risk of hitting the wrong ones during operation.
** No lock button on the shooting mode wheel makes it easy to operate one-handed with the right thumb

K-5 Pros:
**** About twice the battery life
*** Battery grip can be added
*** Better placed green button making for faster action when stop down metering manual lenses
** Metal body as compared to plastic (My K-30 actually creaks a little when the grip is pressed firmly!)
** Better placed loops for the camera strap makes the whole camera very well balanced, especially with longer/heavier lenses
** Dedicated well placed ae-lock button
** Pretty quiet shutter
* Electronic level in the viewfinder
* easier to access stop down switch to check dof (this can be set to the raw button on the K-30)
* Top panel LCD
* Dedicated physical controls for af-mode and metering mode
* control wheels have a bit larger diameter making their haptics more enjoyable.

Actually I was a bit surprised after getting the K-5, I thought I'd be shooting it exclusively leaving the K-30 at home. As it turned out I actually prefer the K-30 in daily use. Much boils down to software: Before getting the K-5 I hadn't reflected on how much you interact with the cameras playback and menu system: and how annoying it is when these aren't as responsive as you're used to. The duller screen was a turn off as well. Before getting the K-5 I also thought I'd be using the external controls more but as it turned out it didn't save much time compared to changing settings in the info pane.

Conclusion: In amateur use It's hard to find a better bang for the buck these past years than the K-x0 series. K-7/5/3 are nice bodies but you pay a very high premium for a metal body, a few extra knobs and switches and the ability to use a battery grip. I tried a cheap chinese grip which worked fine, but also made me realise I don't need one in my shooting. The K-5 will soon be up for sale, sticking with the K-30. Cheapskate as I am I will be very interested in picking up a lightly used K-70 a couple of years down the line when I feel it's time to upgrade.
   
Forum Member

Registered: February, 2012
Location: Hobart TAS
Posts: 87
Review Date: February 14, 2016 Recommended | Price: $800.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Ergonomics, Build Quality, IQ
Cons: Battery Life
Years Owned: 4    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 8    Autofocus: 8    Features: 9    Value: 10    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 9    New or Used: New   

I bought this camera new when it first launched in 2012, the K5 had just been decommissioned and the K-30 was the best of the new bunch
I upgraded from a K10d (Still an excellent camera)
The extra 6 megapixels were immediately noticeable. Everything worked perfectly and still does.
I shoot in RAW almost exclusively, so the write speed to cards can be a challenge
and RAW pictures always have to be Post Production worked on as they come out soft and lowish in contrast. But because of this there's tremendous room to recover extremes of contrast
I have used it in all weather types from Snow to Desert dust - one lens let me down (an SDM one) but the camera keeps on going.
It's nearing the end of it's life now after many shutter releases, so I'll probably upgrade to the FF when it's released later this month.
It has been a reliable workhorse for years, I'd recommend one to anybody.
EASY to use
EASY to build a system on
A battery handgrip would have been wonderful.
The Astrotracer function is something I have always wanted to try but just never got around to
   
Pentaxian

Registered: May, 2008
Location: London, UK
Posts: 1,697
Review Date: August 5, 2015 Recommended | Price: $500.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Pretty much everything for what it is
Cons: Missing a few things from higher in the range
Years Owned: 2    Ergonomics: 8    Build Quality: 8    User Interface: 7    Autofocus: 7    Features: 7    Value: 8    Image Quality: 9    Noise: 8    New or Used: New   

Bought as a lighter and water-resistant travel body in place of my K-5, and to replace a K-r, for a fairly long touring trip to the Far East - and since often used for holidays and day-trips where I don't want the weight of the K-5 /or K-3 (which I use for airshows and the like and there is thus not too much walking/carrying to do as a bad back & bad knee can make walking quite uncomfortable sometimes, so weight V distance can be important.).

Been absolutely delighted with it, for what it is, and very impressed with the "out of the box" jpegs it produces in a variety of non-ideal conditions.

Not a critical or detailed review by any means - just a way of saying that this is probably my most used body overall when I'm out and about!
   
Veteran Member

Registered: July, 2014
Posts: 520

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: July 30, 2015 Recommended | Price: $100.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Small, Fast accurate AF, WR,
Cons: None yet
Years Owned: <1    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 10    Features: 10    Value: 10    Image Quality: 9    Noise: 9    New or Used: Used   

I had wanted a k-30 ever since the were announced and even tried to make my brother get one but he got a k-5iis now so he is better off I think. I finally found a cheap one that I couldn't pass up! Has met all expectations so far. Great little camera.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: January, 2015
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,677

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: May 27, 2015 Recommended | Price: $240.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: WR, High ISO, Affordable, Beastly Build Quality, Easy Operation
Cons: Video? also a little small for my hands, but that's not the camera's fault!
Ergonomics: 8    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 8    Features: 8    Value: 10    Image Quality: 9    Noise: 9    New or Used: Used   

I'm thinking about moving up to the K-3 now... But honestly, my K-30 was my first ever DSLR. I had used my friends' rebel t3 and d5300... They just felt cheap to me.

I bought the K-30 from a member here on a whim and am extremely happy with my decision!
This is the camera that got me hooked in photography. This was my first Pentax, and like my first Subaru, has made an impression that will last a lifetime.
I am sold on this brand!
   
Junior Member

Registered: May, 2015
Location: Paris
Posts: 49
Review Date: May 26, 2015 Recommended | Price: $300.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Low light performance, Solidity, Everything
Cons: Video, Battery life
Years Owned: 1    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 10    Autofocus: 9    Features: 10    Value: 10    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 10    New or Used: Used   

Excellent camera overall, bought it after a K200, so I let you imagine the improvement I felt. My usage is totally amateur, to shoot landscapes, buildings, portraits mainly. I am not at all interested in shooting sports, or birds so super fast autofocus is totally optional.

I bought it mainly to improve the ISO performance as I felt was the big problem of the K200 especially for inside shooting. The high ISO performance is, believe it or not, even better than that of the K3 !!

I do not know other brands but I read a lot about the K30 and comparisons to other DSLR's, and I didn't regret at all my choice. The image quality is excellent. Conbined with my Sigma 17-70, it delivers amazing quality photos (you can see examples in my flickr).

Using is very easy, feels impressively solid. Honestly, given my usage, I couldn't find any cons aside of the battery life (400-500 shots), but you can simply buy a backup battery for 10 bucks.

I do not hesitate to recommend this DSLR to anyone that wants good ISO performance, image quality without beeing very AF demanding.
   
Senior Member

Registered: December, 2012
Location: Wild-Nord-East Hungary
Posts: 149

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: November 6, 2014 Recommended | Price: $125.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Me is handy; two command dials; light, clear viewfinder; good auto focus; excellent image quality.
Cons: Battery life
Years Owned: 6    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 8    Autofocus: 10    Features: 10    Value: 10    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 9    New or Used: Used   

This is my 6th Pentax (Film SLR: S1; MX-ME; P30n; Digital: K-x; K-30)
16 Mpx. sensor worth buy good glass.
Pleasantly lies in hands. Viewfinder very nice.
Battery low, but 4 Eneloop batteries are good.
IMHO it's the camera that's the best for it's price.
AF superb for all me screwdriver lenses. (The except for DA 50/1,8 - low light)
Since the old manual lenses are only use the center focus point; mostly I use also autofocus lens.
The image quality is very good in Raw. But, in the machine .jpg compression not so much.
Fine prints A2 size (cca. 40 × 60 cm.) can be made.
I did not use video.

2021. 12. 02.
I bought it in December 2012 and used it satisfactorily until June 2018. We got soaked twice in a downpour twice, after the second I couldn’t turn it on.
I needed a camera back then, I bought a used K-3 II, which I have been using with satisfaction ever since.
Now I came across a used but good looking cheap K-30 I bought out of nostalgia.
Your battery isn't worth much, but it works great with my existing Eneloop batteries - it's an experience to take photos with!
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