K30 Field Review - Topples Canon T4i

gorski · 07-20-2012, 02:36 PM

Nice video.

Originally posted by TCSJordan

The focus peaking ..., peaking during the video function description

So, K-30 DOES have focus peaking during video. I thought peaking option was available only during live view.

deadwolfbones · 07-20-2012, 02:39 PM

Originally posted by gorski

Nice video.

So, K-30 DOES have focus peaking during video. I thought peaking option was available only during live view.

No, it doesn't. There's peaking when you're initially framing the video, but as soon as you start recording it goes away.

SteveB · 07-20-2012, 02:40 PM

Originally posted by gorski

Nice video.

So, K-30 DOES have focus peaking during video. I thought peaking option was available only during live view.

He never showed peaking working in video though did he.

TCSJordan · 07-20-2012, 02:44 PM

Originally posted by SteveB

He never showed peaking working in video though did he.

The peaking conks out as soon as you start recording. We didn't show this out of deliberate negligence.

gorski · 07-20-2012, 02:45 PM

Originally posted by SteveB

He never showed peaking working in video though did he.

Well, I guess I misinterpret the statement about focus peaking. I am still surprised that it does NOT allow focus peaking during video.

ihasa · 07-20-2012, 03:03 PM

Great video! Informative and cheesily watchable! Have put a link on the UK forum.

eddie1960 · 07-20-2012, 05:23 PM

mentioned this to one of the salespeople i talked to today when hunting for a da 50, his comment was doesn't everything beat a canon

madbrain · 07-20-2012, 06:06 PM

Wish there was a transcript, I am not going to watch an 11:42 video review.

I have a K-30 . I don't have the T4i but do have a T3i which is very similar.
I don't agree that the K-30 blows away the T3i in every way.

There are some important aspects in which the T3i, and by extension the T4i, are superior to the K-30, especially in video mode.

1) The T3i has an articulated which is sorely missed on the K-30.

2) You have full manual controls on the T3i in video mode. Almost, but not quite on the K-30 - you cannot adjust the aperture, unless you use a lens with an aperture ring.

3) The built-in audio on the K-30 is mono, 32 khz, and there is an awful background noise every time. The T3i built-in mic is also mono, but it records at 48 khz, and the quality is decent. Furthermore, the T3i has a mic input jack, and the T3i can record in stereo from that jack.

4) T3i supports Magic Lantern, which has some very useful additional functions, including the ability to automatically resume video recording after you hit the maximum file size (there is a pause of a few seconds). This is not possible on the K-30, you have to manually start recording again.

5) The T3i/T4i have an optional battery grip, the K-30 does not. The grip is always on my T3i so I can use 6 AAs. On the other hand, the K-30 can use 4 AAs without grip, but it requires an adapter.

The K-30 of course has many advantages over the T3i. It does have better picture quality, SR works with all lenses, less noise at high ISO, much higher fps (though fps are higher on the T4i).

I am keeping both cameras until one exists that is truly better in every way.

audiobomber · 07-20-2012, 06:10 PM

Originally posted by TCSJordan

The focus peaking and 100% viewfinder were both mentioned in the video, peaking during the video function description and the viewfinder during the wrap-up. We tried to focus on what was new with this camera, instead of reiterating great features that Pentax cameras have had for years, like the green button, and unique exposure modes. Also, we will never be as detailed as a written review, as I try to keep to our videos short and entertaining. My main goal with this video was to emphasize how much camera you get for the price, not specifically to push the benefits of Pentax DSLRs.

I enjoyed the video. It's always nice to see Pentax get some well-deserved praise. Maybe less fishing next time.

audiobomber · 07-20-2012, 06:27 PM

Originally posted by madbrain

The K-30 of course has many advantages over the T3i. It does have better picture quality, SR works with all lenses, less noise at high ISO, much higher fps (though fps are higher on the T4i).

I have no interest in video, so the K-30 makes the right choices for me. Dual wheels is a HUGE advantage, no competitor offers this in a mid-level body. You've missed other significant K-30 advantages too; focus peaking, WR, 100% pentaprism. IMO, at this price, Pentax has knocked it out of the park.

madbrain · 07-20-2012, 06:33 PM

Originally posted by audiobomber

I have no interest in video, so the K-30 makes the right choices for me. Dual wheels is a HUGE advantage, no competitor offers this in a mid-level body. You've missed other significant K-30 advantages too; focus peaking, WR, 100% pentaprism. IMO, at this price, Pentax has knocked it out of the park.

Yes, you are right, I didn't list all those K-30 advantages.
I am not saying the K-30 is a bad camera, I did buy it after all, and I am keeping it.

But to say it topples the T3i/T4i in every way is simply incorrect.

Video may not matter for you but it obviously matters to a lot of people who are buying the K-30, including myself. Pentax has been playing catchup in that area on their cameras for many years.
They are definitely improving the video features with the K-30, but still playing catchup with Canon somewhat IMO.

audiobomber · 07-20-2012, 06:39 PM

Originally posted by madbrain

Video may not matter for you but it obviously matters to a lot of people who are buying the K-30, including myself. Pentax has been playing catchup in that area on their cameras for many years.
They are definitely improving the video features with the K-30, but still playing catchup with Canon somewhat IMO.

I completely agree. But these cameras are designed to meet a price point. Canon puts more resources into the video section. Pentax has chosen remarkable still photography features. Given that no one can offer everything at this price level, I prefer the choices Pentax made.

TCSJordan · 07-20-2012, 07:04 PM

Originally posted by madbrain

Wish there was a transcript, I am not going to watch an 11:42 video review.

I have a K-30 . I don't have the T4i but do have a T3i which is very similar.
I don't agree that the K-30 blows away the T3i in every way.

There are some important aspects in which the T3i, and by extension the T4i, are superior to the K-30, especially in video mode.

1) The T3i has an articulated which is sorely missed on the K-30.

2) You have full manual controls on the T3i in video mode. Almost, but not quite on the K-30 - you cannot adjust the aperture, unless you use a lens with an aperture ring.

3) The built-in audio on the K-30 is mono, 32 khz, and there is an awful background noise every time. The T3i built-in mic is also mono, but it records at 48 khz, and the quality is decent. Furthermore, the T3i has a mic input jack, and the T3i can record in stereo from that jack.

4) T3i supports Magic Lantern, which has some very useful additional functions, including the ability to automatically resume video recording after you hit the maximum file size (there is a pause of a few seconds). This is not possible on the K-30, you have to manually start recording again.

5) The T3i/T4i have an optional battery grip, the K-30 does not. The grip is always on my T3i so I can use 6 AAs. On the other hand, the K-30 can use 4 AAs without grip, but it requires an adapter.

The K-30 of course has many advantages over the T3i. It does have better picture quality, SR works with all lenses, less noise at high ISO, much higher fps (though fps are higher on the T4i).

I am keeping both cameras until one exists that is truly better in every way.

A couple thoughts on this post:
On (2) you state that aperture cannot be controlled in video mode. The aperture is fully adjustable in video mode UNTIL you start recording. I never adjust aperture during a shot as DSLR lenses tend to only adjust in 1/3 stop increments. I use a fader if exposure needs to be adjusted during a shot.

Also, the Rebel Rebel T4i shoots at up to five fps, but only for three shots as we show here:

You Tube

The K30 shoots six fps for 6 shots as shown in the video.

JinDesu · 07-20-2012, 07:09 PM

I am slightly confused - why would people want to adjust aperture while a video is recording? Would the change in depth of field not be distracting?

madbrain · 07-20-2012, 07:20 PM

Originally posted by TCSJordan

A couple thoughts on this post:
On (2) you state that aperture cannot be controlled in video mode. The aperture is fully adjustable in video mode UNTIL you start recording.

Right, I meant during the reccording, not before. I don't really see why the Canon can do it, and the K-30 cannot.

Quote:

I use a fader if exposure needs to be adjusted during a shot.

What do you mean by that.

Quote:

Also, the Rebel Rebel T4i shoots at up to five fps, but only for three shots as we show here:
Canon Rebel T4i (650D) Hands-On Field Test - YouTube
The K30 shoots six fps for 6 shots as shown in the video.

Yes, the T3i is even slower in fps (strange, as the T2i is faster).
Of course, these T2/3/4i series have 18 MP and the K-30 has 16. But the fps are definitely not their forte.

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07-20-2012, 02:36 PM	#16
gorski Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 34	Nice video. Originally posted by TCSJordan The focus peaking ..., peaking during the video function description So, K-30 DOES have focus peaking during video. I thought peaking option was available only during live view.

07-20-2012, 02:39 PM	#17
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	Originally posted by gorski Nice video. So, K-30 DOES have focus peaking during video. I thought peaking option was available only during live view. No, it doesn't. There's peaking when you're initially framing the video, but as soon as you start recording it goes away.

07-20-2012, 02:40 PM	#18
SteveB Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: U.K. Posts: 685	Originally posted by gorski Nice video. So, K-30 DOES have focus peaking during video. I thought peaking option was available only during live view. He never showed peaking working in video though did he.

07-20-2012, 02:44 PM	#19
TCSJordan Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 98	Originally posted by SteveB He never showed peaking working in video though did he. The peaking conks out as soon as you start recording. We didn't show this out of deliberate negligence.

07-20-2012, 02:45 PM	#20
gorski Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 34	Originally posted by SteveB He never showed peaking working in video though did he. Well, I guess I misinterpret the statement about focus peaking. I am still surprised that it does NOT allow focus peaking during video.

07-20-2012, 03:03 PM	#21
ihasa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: West Midlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,066	Great video! Informative and cheesily watchable! Have put a link on the UK forum.

07-20-2012, 05:23 PM	#22
eddie1960 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,667	mentioned this to one of the salespeople i talked to today when hunting for a da 50, his comment was doesn't everything beat a canon

07-20-2012, 06:06 PM	#23
madbrain Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 1,341	Wish there was a transcript, I am not going to watch an 11:42 video review. I have a K-30 . I don't have the T4i but do have a T3i which is very similar. I don't agree that the K-30 blows away the T3i in every way. There are some important aspects in which the T3i, and by extension the T4i, are superior to the K-30, especially in video mode. 1) The T3i has an articulated which is sorely missed on the K-30. 2) You have full manual controls on the T3i in video mode. Almost, but not quite on the K-30 - you cannot adjust the aperture, unless you use a lens with an aperture ring. 3) The built-in audio on the K-30 is mono, 32 khz, and there is an awful background noise every time. The T3i built-in mic is also mono, but it records at 48 khz, and the quality is decent. Furthermore, the T3i has a mic input jack, and the T3i can record in stereo from that jack. 4) T3i supports Magic Lantern, which has some very useful additional functions, including the ability to automatically resume video recording after you hit the maximum file size (there is a pause of a few seconds). This is not possible on the K-30, you have to manually start recording again. 5) The T3i/T4i have an optional battery grip, the K-30 does not. The grip is always on my T3i so I can use 6 AAs. On the other hand, the K-30 can use 4 AAs without grip, but it requires an adapter. The K-30 of course has many advantages over the T3i. It does have better picture quality, SR works with all lenses, less noise at high ISO, much higher fps (though fps are higher on the T4i). I am keeping both cameras until one exists that is truly better in every way.

07-20-2012, 06:10 PM	#24
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by TCSJordan The focus peaking and 100% viewfinder were both mentioned in the video, peaking during the video function description and the viewfinder during the wrap-up. We tried to focus on what was new with this camera, instead of reiterating great features that Pentax cameras have had for years, like the green button, and unique exposure modes. Also, we will never be as detailed as a written review, as I try to keep to our videos short and entertaining. My main goal with this video was to emphasize how much camera you get for the price, not specifically to push the benefits of Pentax DSLRs. I enjoyed the video. It's always nice to see Pentax get some well-deserved praise. Maybe less fishing next time.

07-20-2012, 06:27 PM	#25
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by madbrain The K-30 of course has many advantages over the T3i. It does have better picture quality, SR works with all lenses, less noise at high ISO, much higher fps (though fps are higher on the T4i). I have no interest in video, so the K-30 makes the right choices for me. Dual wheels is a HUGE advantage, no competitor offers this in a mid-level body. You've missed other significant K-30 advantages too; focus peaking, WR, 100% pentaprism. IMO, at this price, Pentax has knocked it out of the park.

07-20-2012, 06:33 PM	#26
madbrain Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 1,341	Originally posted by audiobomber I have no interest in video, so the K-30 makes the right choices for me. Dual wheels is a HUGE advantage, no competitor offers this in a mid-level body. You've missed other significant K-30 advantages too; focus peaking, WR, 100% pentaprism. IMO, at this price, Pentax has knocked it out of the park. Yes, you are right, I didn't list all those K-30 advantages. I am not saying the K-30 is a bad camera, I did buy it after all, and I am keeping it. But to say it topples the T3i/T4i in every way is simply incorrect. Video may not matter for you but it obviously matters to a lot of people who are buying the K-30, including myself. Pentax has been playing catchup in that area on their cameras for many years. They are definitely improving the video features with the K-30, but still playing catchup with Canon somewhat IMO.

07-20-2012, 06:39 PM	#27
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by madbrain Video may not matter for you but it obviously matters to a lot of people who are buying the K-30, including myself. Pentax has been playing catchup in that area on their cameras for many years. They are definitely improving the video features with the K-30, but still playing catchup with Canon somewhat IMO. I completely agree. But these cameras are designed to meet a price point. Canon puts more resources into the video section. Pentax has chosen remarkable still photography features. Given that no one can offer everything at this price level, I prefer the choices Pentax made.

07-20-2012, 07:09 PM	#29
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	I am slightly confused - why would people want to adjust aperture while a video is recording? Would the change in depth of field not be distracting?

07-20-2012, 07:20 PM	#30
madbrain Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 1,341	Originally posted by TCSJordan A couple thoughts on this post: On (2) you state that aperture cannot be controlled in video mode. The aperture is fully adjustable in video mode UNTIL you start recording. Right, I meant during the reccording, not before. I don't really see why the Canon can do it, and the K-30 cannot. Quote: I use a fader if exposure needs to be adjusted during a shot. What do you mean by that. Quote: Also, the Rebel Rebel T4i shoots at up to five fps, but only for three shots as we show here: Canon Rebel T4i (650D) Hands-On Field Test - YouTube The K30 shoots six fps for 6 shots as shown in the video. Yes, the T3i is even slower in fps (strange, as the T2i is faster). Of course, these T2/3/4i series have 18 MP and the K-30 has 16. But the fps are definitely not their forte.