Thinking about upgrading to the K30 from the K20

neostyles · 07-18-2013, 09:42 PM

Hey all, thinking about making the switch to the K30 like the title says.

Would this be a worthy upgrade in terms of things like image quality, noise performance, etc? Are the menus better?

Adam · 07-18-2013, 09:51 PM

Yes and yes, it would be a pretty big upgrade. The k30 has a proper live view mode also.

2her0ck · 07-19-2013, 12:23 AM

Yup, I have a K-30 myself and I can say you wont be disappointed.

Al_Kahollick · 07-19-2013, 07:57 PM

Originally posted by neostyles

Hey all, thinking about making the switch to the K30 like the title says.

Would this be a worthy upgrade in terms of things like image quality, noise performance, etc? Are the menus better?

I added the K30 earlier this year and it quickly became my favorite (K20 has a crack and is no longer WR, but still functions fine). It's a bit smaller, but comfortable to hold. The button arrangement is different, there's no SR switch (it's now a menu item), and the Live View button also doubles as the delete button. There's a slight learning curve to the new layout, but it's fairly intuitive. The biggest problem I had after switching was where my thumb would rest on the rear e-dial on the 20, it would rest on the mode dial of the 30, so instead of changing f-stops I'd be changing shooting modes! I soon learned to alter my grip a bit so it's no longer a problem. I have, I'd guess, average / medium sized hands, so if your hands are larger you may want to try one on for size before buying.

**felixkh** · 07-20-2013, 06:40 AM

I have 2 K30s

ybo1 · 07-20-2013, 07:16 AM

just got mine a week ago, coming from k10. A world apart in terms of IQ in ISO higher than 200 ! Also, the AF in low light is superb. When my K10 keeps on hunting, my K30 locks focus almost instantly.

The only annoyance I have with the k30 is the LCD screen that I can't turn off definitely. ( even after selecting that option in the menu system, it is back on after camera is turned off and then on ).

Other than that, great handling. Fits just right in the hand, great VF, and lighter than k10!

neostyles · 07-22-2013, 09:32 PM

Im wondering if it is possible to connect the camera to a monitor.

ScooterMaxi Jim · 07-23-2013, 08:45 AM

No, tethering is not an option, and no HDMI. Actually, the K-01 does have mini-HDMI to allow you to do slideshows or video-out but not tethering.

For quite some time I supplemented the K20D with the K-01 - as both have marked strengths and weaknesses. K-01 - much better in low light, good video, more compact, great for live view, quiet shutter, works well with MF using focus peaking, better with external flash (when matched properly); K20D - weather sealed and rugged, traditional optical VF, much better for action and overall AF (but not nearly as good as the K-30).

neostyles · 09-06-2013, 04:28 AM

So im wondering about the noise performance on the two cameras. I just went out around my campus and tried to take pics of some deer. The problem with the K20 is that if you go above ISO 800, you tend to lose quite a bit of detail. So, I had to set the shutter speed to 6 seconds, now as you can imagine most of the deer weren't willing to stand still for that long, so by the time the shutter closed, the deer would be long gone.

If someone could post a noise comparison of the two cameras, that would be awesome

EDIT: Also does the color extraction work with video too?

Al_Kahollick · 09-06-2013, 07:08 PM

Pentax K-30 Review - Image Quality - PentaxForums.com

neostyles · 09-06-2013, 11:06 PM

Thanks, but the review compares the K30 with the k5. Any comparisons with the k20?

Al_Kahollick · 09-07-2013, 05:57 AM

Originally posted by neostyles

Thanks, but the review compares the K30 with the k5. Any comparisons with the k20?

Since you have the K20, can't you do your own comparisons???? Myself, I hesitate to go beyond iso800 on the K20, but have no problem using up to 3200 on the K30, even 6400 is quite usable IMO.

neostyles · 09-07-2013, 12:37 PM

Would you say the metering is better?

lister6520 · 09-07-2013, 01:50 PM

Originally posted by ScooterMaxi Jim

No, tethering is not an option, and no HDMI. Actually, the K-01 does have mini-HDMI to allow you to do slideshows or video-out but not tethering.

For quite some time I supplemented the K20D with the K-01 - as both have marked strengths and weaknesses. K-01 - much better in low light, good video, more compact, great for live view, quiet shutter, works well with MF using focus peaking, better with external flash (when matched properly); K20D - weather sealed and rugged, traditional optical VF, much better for action and overall AF (but not nearly as good as the K-30).

The K-30 does also have a video out but its the older PAL/NTSC rather than HDMI. I sometimes use it with a small LCD monitor as a substitute to a tilting LCD. You need an adapter cable which plugs into the USB connector, The K-30 didn't come with it included but I have one which was included with the K-r,

Al_Kahollick · 09-07-2013, 02:27 PM

Originally posted by neostyles

Would you say the metering is better?

Never thought there was a problem with the metering of the K20 or *ist DL, so I really couldn't say. I think it's consistent with all my Pentax cameras, film or digital. I will say however, Pentax has a reputation for slight underexposure so highlights don't get blown out, this is not a bad thing. As long as you understand how your camera is "seeing" a scene, experience will tell you if you need + / - compensation.

07-18-2013, 09:42 PM	#1
neostyles Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 445	Thinking about upgrading to the K30 from the K20 Hey all, thinking about making the switch to the K30 like the title says. Would this be a worthy upgrade in terms of things like image quality, noise performance, etc? Are the menus better?

07-18-2013, 09:51 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Yes and yes, it would be a pretty big upgrade. The k30 has a proper live view mode also. 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:

09-06-2013, 04:28 AM	#9
neostyles Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 445 Original Poster	So im wondering about the noise performance on the two cameras. I just went out around my campus and tried to take pics of some deer. The problem with the K20 is that if you go above ISO 800, you tend to lose quite a bit of detail. So, I had to set the shutter speed to 6 seconds, now as you can imagine most of the deer weren't willing to stand still for that long, so by the time the shutter closed, the deer would be long gone. If someone could post a noise comparison of the two cameras, that would be awesome EDIT: Also does the color extraction work with video too? Last edited by neostyles; 01-12-2015 at 01:15 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Is it madness to be thinking about a K30 or K5 (as a K7 owner)	Conqueror	Pentax DSLR Discussion	28	07-07-2013 05:22 PM
Wondering about which lens to get for the K30	Towelie	Pentax K-30 & K-50	3	03-11-2013 10:27 AM
Upgrading from K20 to newer model	jlaubza	Pentax DSLR Discussion	7	04-05-2011 11:53 AM
Thinking of upgrading from DS2 to K7	CarpetPhoto	Pentax DSLR Discussion	7	05-04-2010 10:28 PM
Thinking of upgrading from K100d to K-x....	Brian Wahl	Pentax DSLR Discussion	3	12-28-2009 12:03 AM

07-19-2013, 12:23 AM	#3
2her0ck Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Oamaru Photos: Albums Posts: 49	Yup, I have a K-30 myself and I can say you wont be disappointed.

07-19-2013, 07:57 PM	#4
Al_Kahollick Banned Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 390	Originally posted by neostyles Hey all, thinking about making the switch to the K30 like the title says. Would this be a worthy upgrade in terms of things like image quality, noise performance, etc? Are the menus better? I added the K30 earlier this year and it quickly became my favorite (K20 has a crack and is no longer WR, but still functions fine). It's a bit smaller, but comfortable to hold. The button arrangement is different, there's no SR switch (it's now a menu item), and the Live View button also doubles as the delete button. There's a slight learning curve to the new layout, but it's fairly intuitive. The biggest problem I had after switching was where my thumb would rest on the rear e-dial on the 20, it would rest on the mode dial of the 30, so instead of changing f-stops I'd be changing shooting modes! I soon learned to alter my grip a bit so it's no longer a problem. I have, I'd guess, average / medium sized hands, so if your hands are larger you may want to try one on for size before buying.

07-20-2013, 06:40 AM	#5
felixkh Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,201	I have 2 K30s

07-20-2013, 07:16 AM	#6
ybo1 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 135	just got mine a week ago, coming from k10. A world apart in terms of IQ in ISO higher than 200 ! Also, the AF in low light is superb. When my K10 keeps on hunting, my K30 locks focus almost instantly. The only annoyance I have with the k30 is the LCD screen that I can't turn off definitely. ( even after selecting that option in the menu system, it is back on after camera is turned off and then on ). Other than that, great handling. Fits just right in the hand, great VF, and lighter than k10!

07-22-2013, 09:32 PM	#7
neostyles Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 445 Original Poster	Im wondering if it is possible to connect the camera to a monitor.

07-23-2013, 08:45 AM	#8
ScooterMaxi Jim Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,520	No, tethering is not an option, and no HDMI. Actually, the K-01 does have mini-HDMI to allow you to do slideshows or video-out but not tethering. For quite some time I supplemented the K20D with the K-01 - as both have marked strengths and weaknesses. K-01 - much better in low light, good video, more compact, great for live view, quiet shutter, works well with MF using focus peaking, better with external flash (when matched properly); K20D - weather sealed and rugged, traditional optical VF, much better for action and overall AF (but not nearly as good as the K-30).

09-06-2013, 07:08 PM	#10
Al_Kahollick Banned Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 390	Pentax K-30 Review - Image Quality - PentaxForums.com

09-06-2013, 11:06 PM	#11
neostyles Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 445 Original Poster	Thanks, but the review compares the K30 with the k5. Any comparisons with the k20?

09-07-2013, 05:57 AM	#12
Al_Kahollick Banned Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 390	Originally posted by neostyles Thanks, but the review compares the K30 with the k5. Any comparisons with the k20? Since you have the K20, can't you do your own comparisons???? Myself, I hesitate to go beyond iso800 on the K20, but have no problem using up to 3200 on the K30, even 6400 is quite usable IMO.

09-07-2013, 12:37 PM	#13
neostyles Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 445 Original Poster	Would you say the metering is better?

09-07-2013, 01:50 PM	#14
lister6520 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 733	Originally posted by ScooterMaxi Jim No, tethering is not an option, and no HDMI. Actually, the K-01 does have mini-HDMI to allow you to do slideshows or video-out but not tethering. For quite some time I supplemented the K20D with the K-01 - as both have marked strengths and weaknesses. K-01 - much better in low light, good video, more compact, great for live view, quiet shutter, works well with MF using focus peaking, better with external flash (when matched properly); K20D - weather sealed and rugged, traditional optical VF, much better for action and overall AF (but not nearly as good as the K-30). The K-30 does also have a video out but its the older PAL/NTSC rather than HDMI. I sometimes use it with a small LCD monitor as a substitute to a tilting LCD. You need an adapter cable which plugs into the USB connector, The K-30 didn't come with it included but I have one which was included with the K-r,

09-07-2013, 02:27 PM	#15
Al_Kahollick Banned Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 390	Originally posted by neostyles Would you say the metering is better? Never thought there was a problem with the metering of the K20 or *ist DL, so I really couldn't say. I think it's consistent with all my Pentax cameras, film or digital. I will say however, Pentax has a reputation for slight underexposure so highlights don't get blown out, this is not a bad thing. As long as you understand how your camera is "seeing" a scene, experience will tell you if you need + / - compensation.