Definitive Ruling on K-30 Shutter Sound?

JinDesu · 07-17-2012, 07:09 AM

Originally posted by Edgar_in_Indy

In the video, it sounds like the k-30, while nowhere near as quiet as the K-5, is still a little bit quieter than the K-x. Was that your impression?

I believe that the k-30 is quieter (and higher pitched, so its sound will travel less) than the k-x. However, it is not such a difference in volume that would make a difference to 99% of the users, in my opinion.

For example, recently I came across a deer at night and was taking pictures of it from about 30-40 feet with my k-x. After about 4 shots, it ran away specifically from the shutter sound. At each click, it would perk up. I do not think the k-30 would have made a difference, but I do think the k-5 would.

Another example would be in a concert hall - I used my k-x in a concert hall and you can definitely hear it a few rows away. I don't think anyone would hear the k-5 from more than 1 row away.

Edgar_in_Indy · 07-17-2012, 07:13 AM

That's too bad...I was hoping for a quieter camera, but I'm not willing to go above the price of the K-30. Oh well, I've put up with the sound of the K-x, so I guess I can deal with the K-30.

JinDesu · 07-17-2012, 07:15 AM

In consideration though, I do not think it is any louder than the CaNikon equivalents. The k-x is loudest (compared to the k-r, and now the k-30), but again, it's such a minor magnitude that is also dependent on the lenses.

The k-5 is just a different league altogether.

audiobomber · 07-17-2012, 07:41 AM

Originally posted by JinDesu

For example, recently I came across a deer at night and was taking pictures of it from about 30-40 feet with my k-x. After about 4 shots, it ran away specifically from the shutter sound. At each click, it would perk up. I do not think the k-30 would have made a difference, but I do think the k-5 would.

That reminds me of an old American Indian saying:
A leaf fell in the forest; the eagle saw it, the deer heard it, the bear smelled it.

Sorry, back to regular programming now.

Unsinkable II · 07-18-2012, 03:42 AM

Originally posted by Edgar_in_Indy

That's too bad...I was hoping for a quieter camera, but I'm not willing to go above the price of the K-30. Oh well, I've put up with the sound of the K-x, so I guess I can deal with the K-30.

Ditto. Ordered it two nights ago.

Hurry up Mr. Postman!

SteveB · 07-19-2012, 11:09 AM

Found this video of K-x vs K-30 vs K-5 shutter sound..........

You Tube

writerman · 07-25-2012, 10:41 AM

I understand the K-30 shutter sound is noiser than that of the K-5, but is it quieter than that of the K-100D?

Urkeldaedalus · 07-25-2012, 11:29 AM

Originally posted by writerman

I understand the K-30 shutter sound is noiser than that of the K-5, but is it quieter than that of the K-100D?

It's been awhile since I used the K100D Super, but I believe so yes.

Marc Sabatella · 07-25-2012, 02:41 PM

If you read the rest of the posts in this thread, you'll find enough comparative to info to say it would be slightly quieter than the K100DS.

thehiko · 11-05-2012, 01:22 PM

Hello, hate to revive an old thread as my first post, but I think I'm pretty much set on buying the K30. The only thing keeping me from committing 100% is the possible loud shutter. I've searched, read, watched, and listened to many different inputs from various sources, but since most comparisons are to older Pentax cameras (often not in stores), I have a hard time judging. Can anyone comment on the sound compared to the likes of Canon or Nikon sold at best buy or something?

Appreciate it very much!

JinDesu · 11-05-2012, 01:27 PM

Originally posted by thehiko

Hello, hate to revive an old thread as my first post, but I think I'm pretty much set on buying the K30. The only thing keeping me from committing 100% is the possible loud shutter. I've searched, read, watched, and listened to many different inputs from various sources, but since most comparisons are to older Pentax cameras (often not in stores), I have a hard time judging. Can anyone comment on the sound compared to the likes of Canon or Nikon sold at best buy or something?

Appreciate it very much!

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

Which Canon and Nikon sold at best buy?

When I was playing with the D3200, D5100, and T4i, I didn't think the k-30 was louder.

However, I can definitely say the D7000 was louder than the k-5, so none of the Canon and Nikons you find at Best Buy will be as quiet as the k-5.

thehiko · 11-05-2012, 01:33 PM

Thanks for such a quick reply. I guess if I had to pick out they would be d5100 and t3/4i. I know the K5 seems to be extremely quiet, but I think I am leaning towards the k30 at this time. Thanks!

exwintech · 11-05-2012, 06:19 PM

Strange that the K30 is so loud - compared with the K5 and other sealed body versions... I've only used 2 DSLRs - the K30 and a borrowed-for-weekends K200D - and the K30 startled me - it's "more modern" than the K200 - but the 'clack-chunk' is sharper, less "sealed-inside" sounding, and louder.

Perhaps the lower models in the range have to have louder shutters to make the top-of-range models sound more 'Rolls-Royce silent'.

Or it promotes sales of longer lenses to get the camera clear of anything that would be startled by the sound...

And in any crowd or gathering, where most are waving their P&S devices - it certainly announces to anyone within 10-metres / 33-ft - in quieter areas, that you have a 'clack-chunky' DSLR - not always to the amusement of Security, perhaps.

Perhaps some padded "camera-armour" around the K30 would suit those who'd prefer it to be quieter.

Regards, Dave.

SpecialK · 11-05-2012, 09:20 PM

Originally posted by SteveB

My K100D is the loudest DSLR I've ever heard if that helps.

Yeah, that.

Everyone's opinion of loud and tolerable is meaningless. (Except the K100D).

Someone with a DB meter should pop the cameras and post the numbers. But, people will still not know what they relate to :-)

bibz · 11-05-2012, 09:57 PM

Originally posted by SpecialK

Someone with a DB meter should pop the cameras and post the numbers. But, people will still not know what they relate to :-)

Absolutely! I find the k30's shutter to be very subdued compared to my kx, which I didn't find loud either.

07-25-2012, 10:41 AM	#52
writerman New Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 9	Compared to K100D I understand the K-30 shutter sound is noiser than that of the K-5, but is it quieter than that of the K-100D?

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07-17-2012, 07:09 AM	#46
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by Edgar_in_Indy In the video, it sounds like the k-30, while nowhere near as quiet as the K-5, is still a little bit quieter than the K-x. Was that your impression? I believe that the k-30 is quieter (and higher pitched, so its sound will travel less) than the k-x. However, it is not such a difference in volume that would make a difference to 99% of the users, in my opinion. For example, recently I came across a deer at night and was taking pictures of it from about 30-40 feet with my k-x. After about 4 shots, it ran away specifically from the shutter sound. At each click, it would perk up. I do not think the k-30 would have made a difference, but I do think the k-5 would. Another example would be in a concert hall - I used my k-x in a concert hall and you can definitely hear it a few rows away. I don't think anyone would hear the k-5 from more than 1 row away.

07-17-2012, 07:13 AM	#47
Edgar_in_Indy Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Indiana, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,685	That's too bad...I was hoping for a quieter camera, but I'm not willing to go above the price of the K-30. Oh well, I've put up with the sound of the K-x, so I guess I can deal with the K-30.

07-17-2012, 07:15 AM	#48
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	In consideration though, I do not think it is any louder than the CaNikon equivalents. The k-x is loudest (compared to the k-r, and now the k-30), but again, it's such a minor magnitude that is also dependent on the lenses. The k-5 is just a different league altogether.

07-17-2012, 07:41 AM	#49
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by JinDesu For example, recently I came across a deer at night and was taking pictures of it from about 30-40 feet with my k-x. After about 4 shots, it ran away specifically from the shutter sound. At each click, it would perk up. I do not think the k-30 would have made a difference, but I do think the k-5 would. That reminds me of an old American Indian saying: A leaf fell in the forest; the eagle saw it, the deer heard it, the bear smelled it. Sorry, back to regular programming now.

07-18-2012, 03:42 AM	#50
Unsinkable II Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,352	Originally posted by Edgar_in_Indy That's too bad...I was hoping for a quieter camera, but I'm not willing to go above the price of the K-30. Oh well, I've put up with the sound of the K-x, so I guess I can deal with the K-30. Ditto. Ordered it two nights ago. Hurry up Mr. Postman!

07-25-2012, 11:29 AM	#53
Urkeldaedalus Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Iowa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,369	Originally posted by writerman I understand the K-30 shutter sound is noiser than that of the K-5, but is it quieter than that of the K-100D? It's been awhile since I used the K100D Super, but I believe so yes.

07-25-2012, 02:41 PM	#54
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	If you read the rest of the posts in this thread, you'll find enough comparative to info to say it would be slightly quieter than the K100DS.

11-05-2012, 01:22 PM	#55
thehiko Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 38	Hello, hate to revive an old thread as my first post, but I think I'm pretty much set on buying the K30. The only thing keeping me from committing 100% is the possible loud shutter. I've searched, read, watched, and listened to many different inputs from various sources, but since most comparisons are to older Pentax cameras (often not in stores), I have a hard time judging. Can anyone comment on the sound compared to the likes of Canon or Nikon sold at best buy or something? Appreciate it very much!

11-05-2012, 01:27 PM	#56
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by thehiko Hello, hate to revive an old thread as my first post, but I think I'm pretty much set on buying the K30. The only thing keeping me from committing 100% is the possible loud shutter. I've searched, read, watched, and listened to many different inputs from various sources, but since most comparisons are to older Pentax cameras (often not in stores), I have a hard time judging. Can anyone comment on the sound compared to the likes of Canon or Nikon sold at best buy or something? Appreciate it very much! Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2 Which Canon and Nikon sold at best buy? When I was playing with the D3200, D5100, and T4i, I didn't think the k-30 was louder. However, I can definitely say the D7000 was louder than the k-5, so none of the Canon and Nikons you find at Best Buy will be as quiet as the k-5.

11-05-2012, 01:33 PM	#57
thehiko Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 38	Thanks for such a quick reply. I guess if I had to pick out they would be d5100 and t3/4i. I know the K5 seems to be extremely quiet, but I think I am leaning towards the k30 at this time. Thanks!

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11-05-2012, 06:19 PM	#58
exwintech Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Croydon Park, Sydney, Australia Posts: 161	Strange that the K30 is so loud - compared with the K5 and other sealed body versions... I've only used 2 DSLRs - the K30 and a borrowed-for-weekends K200D - and the K30 startled me - it's "more modern" than the K200 - but the 'clack-chunk' is sharper, less "sealed-inside" sounding, and louder. Perhaps the lower models in the range have to have louder shutters to make the top-of-range models sound more 'Rolls-Royce silent'. Or it promotes sales of longer lenses to get the camera clear of anything that would be startled by the sound... And in any crowd or gathering, where most are waving their P&S devices - it certainly announces to anyone within 10-metres / 33-ft - in quieter areas, that you have a 'clack-chunky' DSLR - not always to the amusement of Security, perhaps. Perhaps some padded "camera-armour" around the K30 would suit those who'd prefer it to be quieter. Regards, Dave.

11-05-2012, 09:20 PM	#59
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	Originally posted by SteveB My K100D is the loudest DSLR I've ever heard if that helps. Yeah, that. Everyone's opinion of loud and tolerable is meaningless. (Except the K100D). Someone with a DB meter should pop the cameras and post the numbers. But, people will still not know what they relate to :-)

11-05-2012, 09:57 PM	#60
bibz Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Newcastle, AU! Posts: 276	Originally posted by SpecialK Someone with a DB meter should pop the cameras and post the numbers. But, people will still not know what they relate to :-) Absolutely! I find the k30's shutter to be very subdued compared to my kx, which I didn't find loud either.