| Author: | | New Member Registered: August, 2011 Posts: 20
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: July 17, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $849.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Fit, finish, speed, auto focus, image quality | | Cons: | None yet | | Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 9
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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Stepped up from the K-X to the K-30. I have only had my hands on the K-30 for 5 days now and I am in love with it. I'm not a sophisticated photographer (the K-X was my first ever SLR), but I took fantastic photos with it. I haven't been anywhere worth noting or taken any photos worth sharing with the K-30 yet, but I can't wait for my upcoming trips to Cape Cod this week, and Alaska in September.
I can not elaborate on anything beyond what the the "hands on review" hasn't already. I can however; tell anyone who may be interested in ordering a blue camera that the glossy finish made the camera feel cheap to me. I loved the look, but the gloss felt to slick, and I could only imagine being in a humid environment and it getting slimy and/or grimy. The salesman also noted that it took away from the "ruggedness" of the camera that Pentax tried so hard to relay with this camera. After handling both cameras in the store I couldn't agree with him more. The black is sleek and sexy.
Also worth noting- I picked up the the 18-135 which works flawlessly (so far) on the K-30. Imagine quality is amazing and this will probably be my go to/walk around lens for years to come.
| | | | | | | Junior Member Registered: January, 2010 Location: Md Posts: 33
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 13, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $900.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | AF, Image Quality, Hi-ISO, LCD Screen, Handling, Dual Control Wheels, Build Quality, Speed, Interface, Lithium Battery, Features | | Cons: | Access to Memory Card, No Grip Option | | Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 9
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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I recently upgraded from a k-x/k2000 kit. The k-x is excellent but lacks a couple of features that I could no longer live without. The lack of visible focus points in the viewfinder and low-light AF performance (especially without a flash in the hotshoe) are unacceptable. I shoot events and portraits. Events are mostly indoors with relatively low or very low lighting. Portraits are done on location with off-camera flash. The k-x really struggled and I missed important shots or it took a while to lock focus. Sometimes I resorted to manual focus which was more difficult without a visible focus point.
Enter the brilliant K30. It is a significant upgrade over the k-x in all aspects except ease of use primarily due to fewer features. In addition to the "pros" mentioned above, I like the faster frames and focus peaking. In Live View, it outlines the subject with white lines that gradually get brighter until correct focus is achieved - seems to work very well.
I wanted the K5 mainly for the grip option and long battery life and the K30 for everything else. Last night I learned I don't really need it. The Pentax li-ion battery lasted for hours of shooting before the wedding and halfway through the reception. You will need a backup, of course. I did when it started to expire and had trouble focusing in near darkness. I bought a good aftermarket battery for about $20.
My initial impression is that overall Image quality is better than the k-x, but not a lot. Detail is very good. I expected more based on the DXOMark scores. However, I can easily shoot at 1600-3200 ISO. My limit with the k-x was 800-1600. The difference is significant in low light with slowish lenses. With the best glass, I'd put it up against anything in it's class.
The memory card is a little difficult to access due to the weather sealing. A small number of images have a blue color cast with the flash; I never noticed that with the k-x. I didn't mention it as a con because it could be an issue with the aftermarket flash.
If you don't mind manual flash, A K30 and Yongnuo 560 duo are very capable in the right hands. I've grown to hate direct flash indoors and use my AF360 FGZ when I don't feel like thinking. It's nice, but doesn't swivel and is a little underpowered. I tried the AF540 FGZ, which worked well till it died. I replaced it with two Yongs and haven't looked back.
I looked at my options from Pentax, Canon and Nikon comparing costs and features. I kept coming back to the K30 mainly for the feature set, thoughtful interface, ergonomics, and build.
| | | | | New Member Registered: November, 2012 Posts: 9 | | Review Date: November 5, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $749.95
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | fast, feels good in your hand, many battery options | | Cons: | built in autofocus could be quiter, no battery grip | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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I love the camera due to its super night performance, and speed, I took super photos of planes flying over 1000mph and 200 feet away, impossible with my old Pentax ist*DS which also is a super camera. 
It just does its erveryday jobs for school and my hobbies.
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: June, 2012 Posts: 49
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 15, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $950.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Focus accuracy, AF-C tracking feature, Image Quality, Hi-ISO, LCD Screen, Handling, Dual Control Wheels, Build quality, Speed in picture mode, Features | | Cons: | nothing | | Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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It is a good upgrade over the K-r in all aspects like additional WR environment and two dials metering. I picked up the DA 18-55 WR which works flawlessly on the K-30. Image quality is amazing good. I can easily shoot at 1600-3200 ISO. ISO 6400 is also not a problem, the autofocus every times find his target in low colored tungsten light. The FA 28-105 F3.2-4.5 [IF] AL performs very well on K-30, no autofocus issues detectable.
I love the camera due to its awesome night performance and autofocus accuracy. I took nice photos of trains and cars over 100mph and 100 feet away.
| | | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: August, 2011 Location: Niagara Posts: 793
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 24, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $649.99
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Auto focus, image quality, grip | | Cons: | no top LCD, no HDMI | | Years Owned: <1
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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I normally shoot a K5 but had a chance to use the K30 for 2 weeks while on vacation. My lens choice was the FA*24, FA31 Ltd, FA43 Ltd, and D-FA 100 WR, and I cal honestly say that each lens auto focused faster and more accurately with the K30 than on my K5.The grip is fantastic, but the build quality is not on par with the K5. The SD card position is a tighter fit than the K5, so harder to remove. Image quality is on par with K5, most of the bells and whistles are included as well. I did miss the HDMI as I never remove my SD card from my K5. I did not use the latest firmware as I read a few negatives about the upgrade. After nearly 900 shots I must say the K30 is an amazing camera... for $649. Probably the best deal in DSLR's period. I did return it though, as my K5 is due back from a CLA and auto focus calibration with my 50-135. This K30 is a no brainer upgrade from any previous mid range Pentax camera, and for anyone looking for great image quality, weather resistant build, and advanced features like TAV, virtual horizon, customizable user settings...well the list goes on and on.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: November, 2012 Posts: 60
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 9, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $650.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Handling, image quality, weather resistance, autofocus, low light performance | | Cons: | Viewfinder is a little bit dim | | Years Owned: 1 mounth
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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Over all i think this is the best camera at this price point. The image quality i would say is even or better than a Nikon d5100 and it blows a Canon Eos 600d out of the water. The low light performance especially is very good. The fact is WR is brilliant as it means i can combine my other hobbies with less worry than my old camera (my other hobbies are mountain biking sea kayking etc). The two command dials are brilliant and so is the grip.
The auto focus is fast and accurate in bright light and although it slows down in low light is is still faster than my old camera so i can't really complain. With the 18-55 WR lens auto focus is a little noisy though. The only disappointment is the view finder. The 100% coverage is brilliant but it is very dim on my camera
Overall i would highly recommend this camera, It simply takes a wonderful photo.
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: November, 2010 Location: Greater area of Frankfurt/Main Posts: 46
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 10, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $830.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | lightweight, IQ, quick display (read/write speed) | | Cons: | more menu look up instead of direct buttons, shutter noise | | Years Owned: 0,5
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 9
Features: 8
Value: 9
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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First K30 was bought before K5II/s came out and it was a similar miracle like the K-x (at that time compared to K7). Bright, sharp and correctly colored shots OOC in standard settings already.
When K5II/s were launched and first reviews appeared (short before Xmas period) I decided to go for the next K30 (in blue).
I still own two K5's but the "upgrade" to a K30 is simply less costly...
Significant downsides compared to working with the K5 for me are only the menu (not all features are directly accessable by levers or knobs) and the louder "clacking" noise of the shutter.
I'm mostly out in nature to take fotos of birds and wildlife.
I want to see the result (display) of a shot as quick as possible in order to be able to correct/adjust settings immediately before the "target" escapes... the K5 is much slower in this comparison and I don't know why Pentax did not take over that quick processing/reading of the K30 into the enhanced K5II/s...
There would be only these reasons to go for the K5IIs: Greatest sharpness and resolution ever along with perfect noise reduction - the K30 provides only great sharpness (better vs K5), good resolution (similar to K5) and perfect noise reduction (better vs K5)....  | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: May, 2010 Location: Hong Kong / Irvine, CA Posts: 636 | | Review Date: January 18, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $800.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | focus peaking, WR, and too many to list | | Cons: | no mic input, third party Flash not working good. | | Years Owned: 0.5
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 10
Features: 8
Value: 8
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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This is one of the best "camera".
It you want it to take video, there are some other camera serves better.
I upgraded from my Kx. Sold my K7.
Fastest live view compared to other DSLR, canon, nikon, OM. (Sony is no longer DSLR IMO)
Focusing peaking in liveview, I can focus very quick with my MF lens, no one now complains my focus speed.
Focusing in dark is improved a lot. Pentax can now focus, think for 1-2seconds, and then confirmed and focus correct. It does not/rarely focus hurt now.
Very good ISO performance, more than enough for me.
WR, front dial | | | | | Junior Member Registered: January, 2009 Location: Soual, France Posts: 37 | | Review Date: January 23, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $700.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | IQ, handling, bang for the buck | | Cons: | no mic input for video fans | | Years Owned: 0.2
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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Hello dear folks, I'm' very impressed by the k30's capabilities, especially in low light. One very welcome addition is the per lens fine AF adjust, up to 20 lenses. That's definitely a must with luminous lenses. I'm very happy with it, also the make look nice and sturdy, hope it will last. The size is very handy, even being so reduced, the front grip is very efficient for holding it even with big lenses. I've been very happy with it yet with Pentax fa primes and sigma ex zooms. I got fa 2 35, fa 1.4 50, dfa 100 wr and hopefully soon completed by a sigma AF mini 24 and later a fa 77 or sigma 1.4 85...
Get it, you won't be disappointed, best regards from France :-)
| | | | | New Member Registered: June, 2011 Location: Pavia- Italy Posts: 1 | | Review Date: January 24, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $800.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sensor fantastic-WR-and others 1500 | | Cons: | noisy shutter | | Years Owned: 1 mese
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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Made k10 upgrade after 40000 releases
We are on another planet, having jumped k20-k7 - ek5 difference is notable
Regards from the North Italy | | | | | Inactive Account Registered: January, 2013 Location: Prudhoe Northumberland Posts: 4 | | Review Date: February 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Good sturdy body, lense easily interchangable, | | Cons: | time needed to absorb all the functions/ new to digital photography | | Years Owned: 3 months
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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Bought the camera recently and this is my first DSLR having used the K 100 35mm for many years and still intend to shoot with the 35mm, however this will be used sparingly due to film/processing costs. Remained with Pentax K as I have several K mount lenses and would be unable to replace them due to cost. Have taken a short course on the use of the different aspects of the camera and look forward to all aspects of photography.
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2013 Location: Stoke-on-Trent Posts: 13 | | Review Date: March 5, 2013 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Size Weight weather sealing Continuous frame rate DNG RAW files | | Cons: | slow flash sync speed | | Years Owned: 4 months
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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I have shot over 5000 images on it now and I love it .I use the limited primes and the quality I get puts my friends Canon Full Frame to shame , The best camera I've had in 20 years .More features and facilities than I'll ever use , fantastic quality really well built especially for the British weather .Like any sophisticated and advanced tool it takes awhile to get to know it well but it's worth the effort .
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: January, 2010 Location: Gothenburg, aka Göteborg Posts: 234
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 28, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $700.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Speedy AF, light weight | | Cons: | Plastic feel | | Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 10
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 5
New or Used: New
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I had a K-5 before the wife bought her K-30, I must say it is a great surprise that the k-30 is better in many respects: The processor is faster, the AF is faster, and its picture quality is better in high ISO. In short, the whole experience is surprisingly good, considering the camera's low price (less than half of what I paid for my K-5)!
As I had a K-x (still got it!) the way the K-30 handles is very familiar, from the plastic shell, to the noisy shutter (the AF makes noise as well).
The K-5 had a few more options and settings, and a metal feel to it. but struggled a lot if you tried BIF (birds in flight) photography, not least if the lens had screw drive - this baby handles the 55-300 with ease.
Hard to find a better low-cost DSLR, irrespective of brand!
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: August, 2012 Posts: 33 | | Review Date: March 30, 2013 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Small, light, rugged, weather sealed | | Cons: | The stupid lip under the flash and above the bayonet | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 9
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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I've used my K-30 for about 9 months now so I guess it's time to write something about it. I bought mine for 750€ with the 18-55mm WR kit lens.
Pros:- It's rugged and weather sealed. This is the reason I bought it. I've used mine in rain, splashing salt water, -15 degree Celsius snow storms - you name it. Just remember to use a weather sealed lens in these conditions...
- Best value at this price point. There are no weather sealed alternatives at this price range that offer the same kinds of functionality
- Decent autofocus when needed but I usually use old manual lenses anyway (weather permitting). That said, the autofocus has never failed to lock on when using my DA* 50-135mm, even when targeting birds etc.
- Excellent image quality and surprisingly good dynamic range, despite only 12-bit RAW capture.
Cons:- Let's be honest, it's not the prettiest camera ever made, though thankfully not as godawful as the K-01.
- The flash-lip above the lens is just plain stupid. It serves no purpose other than to make it harder to switch lenses.
- It's been said before, but if you're into videos, best look somewhere else. Yes, you CAN take good Full HD videos with this camera but you will get much better results much easier using a mirrorless camera such as the excellent Panasonic GH2 or similar m4/3 cameras (which, btw, can use Pentax lenses using an adaptor).
- Sensor dust removal is pathetic and I think just forces more dust ON to the sensor than it actually removes it. After a few months I simply turned it off. I clean my sensor with a Lenspen SensorKlear whenever needed.
Neutral:- No top LCD. Personally, I don't mind. I moved over to Pentax from an Olympus PEN EP-1 mirroless, so I'm used to life without one.
- Battery life could be better. Yes, you can buy an adapter to use normal AA-batteries with this camera, but I would rather have taken a better rechargable battery. That, or Pentax could atleast have had the decency to bundle the AA-battery adapter with the camera. As it stands, it costs a ridiculous 30€ to buy one. It's just a piece of plastic..
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: October, 2009 Location: North Posts: 4,706
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 11, 2013 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Advanced amateur features and handling for a low price | | Cons: | very average low light AF ability -but commensurate with price and such cameras | | Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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Here is my detailed user review of the K30.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-30/218715-pentax-k30-out-about-user-review.html
A joy to use, and certainly the best camera I've used at this price point.
An emphasis in all the right features and handling that helps the photographer in making photos.
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