New to Pentax - K30 or K500 ?

haviet · 05-27-2014, 01:29 PM

Hi everyone. I am new to DSLR, and even newer to Pentax. I had been looking at several Pentax entry level DSLRs (K50, K30, K500) and It comes down to either the K30 or the K500.

My primary usage would be family and kids with a little bit of travel, sports, and landscape mix in. The K500 kit is $400, the K30 body is $440. I do intend to grab 1 or 2 decent primes glass so the kit lens is not that important. Besides the weather sealing advantage, what key features do the K30 have over the K500? Does it shoot better in low light? Does it have better AF or CAF?

Again, I shoot primarily kids and indoor/outdoor family activities. If the K30 is better in both those areas, then it probably make sense for me. If not, I'll grab the K500 and save some $.

Thanks all

jb09ss · 05-27-2014, 01:58 PM

k-30. For the focus indicators in the view finder, not having them is frustrating.

Kozlok · 05-27-2014, 01:59 PM

K-30. For sure at the same price. The cameras are basically identical inside. The only 2 differences are the weather sealing and the k-30 has the autofocus pont visible in th viewfinder with a little red light. The shapes of the bodies are also different. That's it. The WR is wonderful when you need it (with a WR lens, of course) the af lights are nice, too.

Pablom · 05-27-2014, 02:00 PM

No brainer, get the K-30

Yos · 05-27-2014, 02:03 PM

K-30! The K-500 is way to plastic imo and I love the grip on the K-30.

JohnX · 05-27-2014, 02:12 PM

Just fyi, the K30 and the K50 are virtually identical except the K30 just has 'edgier' styling and preceded the K50.

DSims · 05-27-2014, 02:52 PM

You'll want the K-30 with the focus point indicators in the viewfinder. This will be especially helpful when the kids are moving about.

**Des** · 05-27-2014, 03:02 PM

I had the same choice and went for the K-30m for the reasons everyone has mentioned.

K-500 has a higher maximum ISO, but I don't go above 6400 anyway.

K-500 doesn't seem to have been a big seller and I doubt it would retain its value as well as the K-30.

haviet · 05-27-2014, 03:54 PM

Thanks everyone. It is decided, K-30

Just a quick question. Is the K30 similar in size to a Nikon 3100/3200 or Canon T3i? I hope it is a little smaller.

---------- Post added 05-27-14 at 07:04 PM ----------

Also, any suggestions on prime lenses for typical everyday use? I am thinking the 35mm f2.4 for $140? Anything else? I don't mind the used market there are other/better options?

hcc · 05-27-2014, 04:29 PM

Originally posted by haviet

Just a quick question. Is the K30 similar in size to a Nikon 3100/3200 or Canon T3i? I hope it is a little smaller.

Good choice. The K-30 is WR (weather resistant) and this is very important if you shoot outdoor.

Yes the K-30 is smaller than the T3i and 3100. On paper and more so in your hands. For me, the T3i is too big. Neither the T3i and 3100 have SR: that means that you need to have in-lens image stabilisation with heavier, bulkier and more expensive lenses, if you want image stabilisation.

**crewl1** · 05-27-2014, 04:35 PM

Originally posted by haviet

Just a quick question. Is the K30 similar in size to a Nikon 3100/3200 or Canon T3i? I hope it is a little smaller.

http://camerasize.com/compare/#3,327

Adam · 05-27-2014, 04:40 PM

Originally posted by haviet

Thanks everyone. It is decided, K-30

Just a quick question. Is the K30 similar in size to a Nikon 3100/3200 or Canon T3i? I hope it is a little smaller.

---------- Post added 05-27-14 at 07:04 PM ----------

Also, any suggestions on prime lenses for typical everyday use? I am thinking the 35mm f2.4 for $140? Anything else? I don't mind the used market there are other/better options?

They're all about the same, though the Pentax is a bit bigger and heavier because of the more rugged build.

haviet · 05-27-2014, 04:45 PM

Thanks guys!

Any suggestions on prime lenses for typical everyday use? I am thinking the 35mm f2.4 for $140? Anything else? I don't mind the used market there are other/better options?

DSims · 05-27-2014, 04:47 PM

Originally posted by haviet

Also, any suggestions on prime lenses for typical everyday use? I am thinking the 35mm f2.4 for $140? Anything else? I don't mind the used market there are other/better options?

The DA35/2.4 is a very good use of your money. If you go wider with AF the price goes up.

The DA50/1.8 is a good buy too. But it's somewhat close in focal length to the DA35/2.4. It's worth getting a used FA77, or at least a DA70, if you can. Expensive, but worth it.

Here are the best-value Pentax lenses I've found - very good IQ but affordable. Some are a bit harder to find:

F70-210/4-5.6 (either Pentax or Takumar version)
F24-50/4 or A24-50/4
Cosina 100/3.5 macro (sold under many brands, in both MF and AF versions)
M or A100/2.8 (non-macro)
A50/1.7

Also:
F or FA135/2.8 (it costs more than the others, but has AF and it's a wonderful and small lens)

Aside from what I've already mentioned, two other lenses that are worth spending way more than you originally anticipated are the DA*50-135/2.8 and the DA*55/1.4. Either one of them - or the FA77 - is a good enough reason by itself to buy a Pentax body. Likewise with the M or A100/2.8 (and possibly the F/FA135/2.8), truth be told. And you don't need to upgrade your body to take advantage of them - the K-30 is great enough already.

haviet · 05-27-2014, 04:53 PM

Originally posted by DSims

The DA35/2.4 is a very good use of your money. If you go wider with AF the price goes up.

The DA50/1.8 is a good buy too. But they're somewhat close in focal length. It's worth getting a used FA77, or at least a DA70, if you can. Expensive, but worth it.

Here are the best-value Pentax lenses I've found - very good IQ but affordable. Some are a bit harder to find:

F70-210/4-5.6 (either Pentax or Takumar version)
F24-50/4 or A24-50/4
Cosina 100/3.5 macro (sold under many brands, in both MF and AF versions)
M or A100/2.8 (non-macro)
A50/1.7

Also:
F or FA135/2.8 (it costs more than the others, but has AF and it's a wonderful and small lens)

Aside from what I've already mentioned, two other lenses that are worth spending way more than you originally anticipated are the DA*50-135/2.8 and the DA*55/1.4.

Thanks for the suggestions. Sorry if I wasn't clear. I would like to start with a prime fixed focal length glass. Probably a 35mm or 50mm, that's reasonably fast and easy on the wallet.

I do have a manual 55mm f2 super takumar M42 lens available when I was using my m43 camera. I guess I do need to find a K mount adapter for it.

05-27-2014, 01:29 PM	#1
haviet Forum Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 70	New to Pentax - K30 or K500 ? Hi everyone. I am new to DSLR, and even newer to Pentax. I had been looking at several Pentax entry level DSLRs (K50, K30, K500) and It comes down to either the K30 or the K500. My primary usage would be family and kids with a little bit of travel, sports, and landscape mix in. The K500 kit is $400, the K30 body is $440. I do intend to grab 1 or 2 decent primes glass so the kit lens is not that important. Besides the weather sealing advantage, what key features do the K30 have over the K500? Does it shoot better in low light? Does it have better AF or CAF? Again, I shoot primarily kids and indoor/outdoor family activities. If the K30 is better in both those areas, then it probably make sense for me. If not, I'll grab the K500 and save some $. Thanks all

05-27-2014, 04:40 PM	#12
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by haviet Thanks everyone. It is decided, K-30 Just a quick question. Is the K30 similar in size to a Nikon 3100/3200 or Canon T3i? I hope it is a little smaller. ---------- Post added 05-27-14 at 07:04 PM ---------- Also, any suggestions on prime lenses for typical everyday use? I am thinking the 35mm f2.4 for $140? Anything else? I don't mind the used market there are other/better options? They're all about the same, though the Pentax is a bit bigger and heavier because of the more rugged build. 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:

05-27-2014, 04:47 PM	#14
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	Originally posted by haviet Also, any suggestions on prime lenses for typical everyday use? I am thinking the 35mm f2.4 for $140? Anything else? I don't mind the used market there are other/better options? The DA35/2.4 is a very good use of your money. If you go wider with AF the price goes up. The DA50/1.8 is a good buy too. But it's somewhat close in focal length to the DA35/2.4. It's worth getting a used FA77, or at least a DA70, if you can. Expensive, but worth it. Here are the best-value Pentax lenses I've found - very good IQ but affordable. Some are a bit harder to find: F70-210/4-5.6 (either Pentax or Takumar version) F24-50/4 or A24-50/4 Cosina 100/3.5 macro (sold under many brands, in both MF and AF versions) M or A100/2.8 (non-macro) A50/1.7 Also: F or FA135/2.8 (it costs more than the others, but has AF and it's a wonderful and small lens) Aside from what I've already mentioned, two other lenses that are worth spending way more than you originally anticipated are the DA50-135/2.8 and the DA55/1.4. Either one of them - or the FA77 - is a good enough reason by itself to buy a Pentax body. Likewise with the M or A100/2.8 (and possibly the F/FA135/2.8), truth be told. And you don't need to upgrade your body to take advantage of them - the K-30 is great enough already. Last edited by DSims; 05-27-2014 at 04:59 PM.

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05-27-2014, 01:58 PM	#2
jb09ss Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 37	k-30. For the focus indicators in the view finder, not having them is frustrating.

05-27-2014, 01:59 PM	#3
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	K-30. For sure at the same price. The cameras are basically identical inside. The only 2 differences are the weather sealing and the k-30 has the autofocus pont visible in th viewfinder with a little red light. The shapes of the bodies are also different. That's it. The WR is wonderful when you need it (with a WR lens, of course) the af lights are nice, too.

05-27-2014, 02:00 PM	#4
Pablom Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Usa Posts: 1,940	No brainer, get the K-30

05-27-2014, 02:03 PM	#5
Yos Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Stockholm Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 533	K-30! The K-500 is way to plastic imo and I love the grip on the K-30.

05-27-2014, 02:12 PM	#6
JohnX Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: London Posts: 1,116	Just fyi, the K30 and the K50 are virtually identical except the K30 just has 'edgier' styling and preceded the K50.

05-27-2014, 02:52 PM	#7
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	You'll want the K-30 with the focus point indicators in the viewfinder. This will be especially helpful when the kids are moving about.

05-27-2014, 03:02 PM	#8
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	I had the same choice and went for the K-30m for the reasons everyone has mentioned. K-500 has a higher maximum ISO, but I don't go above 6400 anyway. K-500 doesn't seem to have been a big seller and I doubt it would retain its value as well as the K-30.

05-27-2014, 03:54 PM	#9
haviet Forum Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 70 Original Poster	Thanks everyone. It is decided, K-30 Just a quick question. Is the K30 similar in size to a Nikon 3100/3200 or Canon T3i? I hope it is a little smaller. ---------- Post added 05-27-14 at 07:04 PM ---------- Also, any suggestions on prime lenses for typical everyday use? I am thinking the 35mm f2.4 for $140? Anything else? I don't mind the used market there are other/better options?

05-27-2014, 04:29 PM	#10
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,005	Originally posted by haviet Just a quick question. Is the K30 similar in size to a Nikon 3100/3200 or Canon T3i? I hope it is a little smaller. Good choice. The K-30 is WR (weather resistant) and this is very important if you shoot outdoor. Yes the K-30 is smaller than the T3i and 3100. On paper and more so in your hands. For me, the T3i is too big. Neither the T3i and 3100 have SR: that means that you need to have in-lens image stabilisation with heavier, bulkier and more expensive lenses, if you want image stabilisation.

05-27-2014, 04:35 PM	#11
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by haviet Just a quick question. Is the K30 similar in size to a Nikon 3100/3200 or Canon T3i? I hope it is a little smaller. http://camerasize.com/compare/#3,327

05-27-2014, 04:45 PM	#13
haviet Forum Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 70 Original Poster	Thanks guys! Any suggestions on prime lenses for typical everyday use? I am thinking the 35mm f2.4 for $140? Anything else? I don't mind the used market there are other/better options?

05-27-2014, 04:53 PM	#15
haviet Forum Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 70 Original Poster	Originally posted by DSims The DA35/2.4 is a very good use of your money. If you go wider with AF the price goes up. The DA50/1.8 is a good buy too. But they're somewhat close in focal length. It's worth getting a used FA77, or at least a DA70, if you can. Expensive, but worth it. Here are the best-value Pentax lenses I've found - very good IQ but affordable. Some are a bit harder to find: F70-210/4-5.6 (either Pentax or Takumar version) F24-50/4 or A24-50/4 Cosina 100/3.5 macro (sold under many brands, in both MF and AF versions) M or A100/2.8 (non-macro) A50/1.7 Also: F or FA135/2.8 (it costs more than the others, but has AF and it's a wonderful and small lens) Aside from what I've already mentioned, two other lenses that are worth spending way more than you originally anticipated are the DA50-135/2.8 and the DA55/1.4. Thanks for the suggestions. Sorry if I wasn't clear. I would like to start with a prime fixed focal length glass. Probably a 35mm or 50mm, that's reasonably fast and easy on the wallet. I do have a manual 55mm f2 super takumar M42 lens available when I was using my m43 camera. I guess I do need to find a K mount adapter for it.