Pentax K30: New Mid-Range DSLR

Photo and specifications leaked by member

By PF Staff in Pentax Rumors on May 16, 2012

One of our forum members recently posted a leak from a French Pentax forum about the Pentax K30, which is rumored to be the new intro-level DSLR replacement for the Pentax K-r, or a mid-range camera succeeding the K200D.  This would seem to be the first rumor which is more than just plain speculation, as a credible photo of the camera has appeared in a French catalogue that has not yet been published.  Our sources indicate that the K30 will be officially announced early next week.

Update: the official announcement has now been posted.

The camera's name change may suggest a departure from convention, as this new Pentax is weather sealed, has additional external buttons, and has two e-dials: a first in an intro-level Pentax DSLR.  On top of that, it seems to have been redesigned quite significantly, meaning that this camera will be much less of a derivative than its two predecessors. Like the K-m/K-x/K-r, however, the Pentax K30 will not have a top LCD.

The launch price is rumored to be higher than that of the K-r: 799 euros for the kit, or some $900 in the US ($700-800 body-only).

The preliminary Pentax K30 specifications are as follows:

• 16.28 Megapixel sensor (likely inherited from the K-5)
• Full HD video recording (framerate unknown, likely same as the K-01)
• Weather sealed body
• 3-inch LCD
• Uses AA or rechargeable batteries
• 6FPS shutter
• Prime M processor
• ISO range: 100-25,600
• 11-point autofocus
• 100% viewfinder coverage
• 3 available colors

The introduction of weather sealing in a budget DSLR body may make this camera a success.  We remain hopeful that it will launch sooner rather than later!

Discuss the Pentax K30 on our forum

Here is the original leaked photo of the K30: