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lil red dot · 02-05-2013, 09:31 AM

Hi,

I would like to know what information is displayed in the K-30 viewfinder. How does this compare to the information you would find on the K-5 top LCD screen.

I ask as I am looking for a new Pentax camera and the additional LCD screen is one reason that leans me towards the K-5. I know information is displayed on the back LCD screen, but I am likely to have this turned off to preserve battery, which ever camera I use.

Thanks in advance

Adam · 02-05-2013, 12:50 PM

The info in the VF is basically the same as on the K-5, and it includes exposure info (shutter speed, aperture, ISO), af status, a light meter (m mode), af points, remaining photos, and confirmation, and indication of flash usage and exposure compensation. Some items, such as ISO and remaining photos, can't be displayed simultaneously.

IMO the top LCD is nice to have, but it isn't a must-have. The 2 e-dials that the K-30 already offers are far more important.

SteveB · 02-05-2013, 01:17 PM

And a horizon level meter.

lil red dot · 02-05-2013, 01:30 PM

Many thanks Adam and Steve. That's good to know that all the important information is available plus having the level meter. I certainly would like a top LCD screen, but having the information in the viewfinder is a good compromise. I may still hold out for a K-5 if I can get the right deal (price and warranty), though that is getting difficult in the UK now the newer models are out. Though I do like the funky colours of the K-30.

sup3rm2n · 02-07-2013, 08:42 PM

I am new to the pentax system, i thought the horizonal level meter is on the LCD screen not the viewfinder ?

NickLarsson · 02-08-2013, 02:00 AM

Originally posted by sup3rm2n

I am new to the pentax system, i thought the horizonal level meter is on the LCD screen not the viewfinder ?

Both actually (at least for the K-30).

sup3rm2n · 02-08-2013, 02:07 AM

I never notice a horizontal level meter on my k30, do I have to do anything to activate it? Sorry for asking such a noobish question, it's my first time using Pentax.

altopiet · 02-08-2013, 03:10 AM

Menu, camera,3, electronic level

02-05-2013, 09:31 AM	#1
lil red dot New Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 4	K-30 Viewfinder Information Hi, I would like to know what information is displayed in the K-30 viewfinder. How does this compare to the information you would find on the K-5 top LCD screen. I ask as I am looking for a new Pentax camera and the additional LCD screen is one reason that leans me towards the K-5. I know information is displayed on the back LCD screen, but I am likely to have this turned off to preserve battery, which ever camera I use. Thanks in advance

02-05-2013, 12:50 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	The info in the VF is basically the same as on the K-5, and it includes exposure info (shutter speed, aperture, ISO), af status, a light meter (m mode), af points, remaining photos, and confirmation, and indication of flash usage and exposure compensation. Some items, such as ISO and remaining photos, can't be displayed simultaneously. IMO the top LCD is nice to have, but it isn't a must-have. The 2 e-dials that the K-30 already offers are far more important. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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02-05-2013, 01:17 PM	#3
SteveB Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: U.K. Posts: 685	And a horizon level meter.

02-05-2013, 01:30 PM	#4
lil red dot New Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 4 Original Poster	Many thanks Adam and Steve. That's good to know that all the important information is available plus having the level meter. I certainly would like a top LCD screen, but having the information in the viewfinder is a good compromise. I may still hold out for a K-5 if I can get the right deal (price and warranty), though that is getting difficult in the UK now the newer models are out. Though I do like the funky colours of the K-30.

02-07-2013, 08:42 PM	#5
sup3rm2n New Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 5	I am new to the pentax system, i thought the horizonal level meter is on the LCD screen not the viewfinder ?

02-08-2013, 02:00 AM	#6
NickLarsson Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Paris, France Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,390	Originally posted by sup3rm2n I am new to the pentax system, i thought the horizonal level meter is on the LCD screen not the viewfinder ? Both actually (at least for the K-30).

02-08-2013, 02:07 AM	#7
sup3rm2n New Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 5	I never notice a horizontal level meter on my k30, do I have to do anything to activate it? Sorry for asking such a noobish question, it's my first time using Pentax.

02-08-2013, 03:10 AM	#8
altopiet Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: The Gem of the Karoo, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,307	Menu, camera,3, electronic level

K-30 Viewfinder Information

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