The most compact companion to the K30

gerax · 08-28-2015, 09:08 AM

So I got back from my vacation, two types of completely different scenarios: South Tuscany landscapes, Berlin streets...
In both occasions I found myself in the need of shooting wide and tight very frequently (I'm currently walking around with a Sigma 70-300 and - meh - the kit 18-55, untillI get a decent deal on the Sigma 10-20 EX DC HSM I'm lusting for).
Problem is, I continuously have to change lenses on my K30 as I see something that would be better shot with a wide angle versus a zoom, or vice versa...so unscrew, screw on, time lost, momentum lost, dust gets in...
I could get a different walk around lens with more coverage in the wide angle end, but that will never get me some of the exagerated wide fish eye landscapes I like.
So I was thinking about a second, super compact camera with interchangable lenses that would be dedicated to that task (K mount compatible, if that exists), while leaving the K30 with the 70-300 permanently on.
I took a look at the Penatx Q family but looks like the CMOS sensor isn't up to snuff as far as image quality goes...

Alternatives?

Am I nuts?

Thanx

P.S. please move this thread to the most appropriate forum if it doesn't fit in here (most likely the Pentax Compact Cameras)

Last edited by gerax; 08-28-2015 at 09:28 AM. Reason: addition

Glorfindelrb · 08-28-2015, 09:15 AM

A GR is not that wide but could fit your needs (fixed 18.3mm --> 28mm FF equivalent and you have an adapter to turn it 21mm FF equivalent). Have you tried one ? It's more pocketable than a Q and you have a good IQ.

gerax · 08-28-2015, 09:22 AM

Checking it out right now.
It looks good, but is 18mm fixed lenght and doesn't have interchangable lenses, which is what I'm looking for mostly (past image quality of course).
Any opinion on the k-01?

Thanx

L.

**mattb123** · 08-28-2015, 09:42 AM

I mostly shoot with a K-3 and I just ordered a K-S2 to be a more "pocketable" alternative. With something like a DA40 Limited mounted it should be nice and small.
Currently I carry a K-5 as a second body when I'm doing paid events and need to have two lenses ready to go. Not sure I would do that for travel photos because it's just too much stuff and makes me stand out. I'd rather put a compromise lens like the 18-135 on a small body and just work with that. Maybe have a couple of primes in my pocket or bag for longer/wider/faster options depending on subject matter.

Glorfindelrb · 08-28-2015, 09:47 AM

K-S1 is a quite small camera also if you don't mind the leds.

**boriscleto** · 08-28-2015, 09:54 AM

There is the Panasonic Lumix GM1. But once you put a lens other that the 12-32 kit lens on it it isn't really a small camera anymore...

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 Review: Digital Photography Review

**UncleVanya** · 08-28-2015, 10:03 AM

Why not explore a superzoom for your K30 - either the 18-270 or the 18-135 or 18-250...

No need for a new body at all at that point.

**Aristophanes** · 08-28-2015, 10:03 AM

Ricoh GR for me. Amazing camera.

Na Horuk · 08-28-2015, 10:08 AM

If you want zoom, look at DA 18-135mm or one of the 17-70mm (usually have slightly faster apertures than the DA)

gerax · 08-28-2015, 10:24 AM

Thanx everybody.
I'm already covered as far as zoom goes (70-300 is more than enough ATM).
18 isn't wide enough for some of the shots I'm trying to get, nad, I'd use the 18-55 for those, in case, as the quality of that kit lens really is behind the pack by a long shot (they call it a dust cap here inItaly...I guess it's the same elsewhere).
Now, the fact is, I'm planning to get additional lenses to be used with the K30 (Sigma 10-20 EX DC HSM being the first of them), so I'd like to stay in the Penatx family and have the possibility to use those lenses on a second body as well. I know this will narrow my options but, you know, I want my ckae and eat it too ;-)
That's why I asked about compact cmeras with K mount lenses compatibility.
I'm looking at the K-01 right now and even though it's not the most compact, and it's a mirrorless, it's got the same sensor as the K30, is K-munt compatible and may fit the bill...opinions?

normhead · 08-28-2015, 10:28 AM

I often carry my K-01 as a second body. Usually with the 21 ltd or 40s on it. It doesn't make a lot of sense in terms of ergonomics to put a lens larger than the 21 on it.

gerax · 08-28-2015, 10:42 AM

Originally posted by normhead

I often carry my K-01 as a second body. Usually with the 21 ltd or 40s on it. It doesn't make a lot of sense in terms of ergonomics to put a lens larger than the 21 on it.

I see...so prime lenses for this body...I acknowledge it's bulkier than a regular mirrorless, I'll have to count out pros and cons...

IchabodCrane · 08-28-2015, 10:46 AM

Originally posted by gerax

Thanx everybody.
I'm already covered as far as zoom goes (70-300 is more than enough ATM).
18 isn't wide enough for some of the shots I'm trying to get, nad, I'd use the 18-55 for those, in case, as the quality of that kit lens really is behind the pack by a long shot (they call it a dust cap here inItaly...I guess it's the same elsewhere).
Now, the fact is, I'm planning to get additional lenses to be used with the K30 (Sigma 10-20 EX DC HSM being the first of them), so I'd like to stay in the Penatx family and have the possibility to use those lenses on a second body as well. I know this will narrow my options but, you know, I want my ckae and eat it too ;-)
That's why I asked about compact cmeras with K mount lenses compatibility.
I'm looking at the K-01 right now and even though it's not the most compact, and it's a mirrorless, it's got the same sensor as the K30, is K-munt compatible and may fit the bill...opinions?

What about the K-01 with a DA 15 Ltd?

**UncleVanya** · 08-28-2015, 10:46 AM

The K01 is long in the tooth. A bit dated and not much smaller than a full optical viewfinder equipped DSLR. The KS1 is tiny compared to most bodies and probably makes more sense than the K01.

A 12-24 Pentax zoom would be a nice addition sitting on the K30 or the KS1. You'd still have a wide gap to fill in focal range but feet work for that sometimes.

EDIT: Just saw the reply above. A KS1 with DA15 is a great addition also.

normhead · 08-28-2015, 11:01 AM

Originally posted by gerax

I see...so prime lenses for this body...I acknowledge it's bulkier than a regular mirrorless, I'll have to count out pros and cons...

For me it's all about sliding the camera in and out of my pocket. If the lens sticks out too far, there's a chance of it catching and causing the camera fall. With the 40 XS on it, it slides in and out nice and smoothly.

08-28-2015, 09:08 AM	#1
gerax Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 224	The most compact companion to the K30 So I got back from my vacation, two types of completely different scenarios: South Tuscany landscapes, Berlin streets... In both occasions I found myself in the need of shooting wide and tight very frequently (I'm currently walking around with a Sigma 70-300 and - meh - the kit 18-55, untillI get a decent deal on the Sigma 10-20 EX DC HSM I'm lusting for). Problem is, I continuously have to change lenses on my K30 as I see something that would be better shot with a wide angle versus a zoom, or vice versa...so unscrew, screw on, time lost, momentum lost, dust gets in... I could get a different walk around lens with more coverage in the wide angle end, but that will never get me some of the exagerated wide fish eye landscapes I like. So I was thinking about a second, super compact camera with interchangable lenses that would be dedicated to that task (K mount compatible, if that exists), while leaving the K30 with the 70-300 permanently on. I took a look at the Penatx Q family but looks like the CMOS sensor isn't up to snuff as far as image quality goes... Alternatives? Am I nuts? Thanx P.S. please move this thread to the most appropriate forum if it doesn't fit in here (most likely the Pentax Compact Cameras) Last edited by gerax; 08-28-2015 at 09:28 AM. Reason: addition

08-28-2015, 09:22 AM	#3
gerax Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 224 Original Poster	Checking it out right now. It looks good, but is 18mm fixed lenght and doesn't have interchangable lenses, which is what I'm looking for mostly (past image quality of course). Any opinion on the k-01? Thanx L. Last edited by gerax; 08-28-2015 at 09:34 AM.

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08-28-2015, 09:15 AM	#2
Glorfindelrb Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 364	A GR is not that wide but could fit your needs (fixed 18.3mm --> 28mm FF equivalent and you have an adapter to turn it 21mm FF equivalent). Have you tried one ? It's more pocketable than a Q and you have a good IQ.

08-28-2015, 09:42 AM	#4
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	I mostly shoot with a K-3 and I just ordered a K-S2 to be a more "pocketable" alternative. With something like a DA40 Limited mounted it should be nice and small. Currently I carry a K-5 as a second body when I'm doing paid events and need to have two lenses ready to go. Not sure I would do that for travel photos because it's just too much stuff and makes me stand out. I'd rather put a compromise lens like the 18-135 on a small body and just work with that. Maybe have a couple of primes in my pocket or bag for longer/wider/faster options depending on subject matter.

08-28-2015, 09:47 AM	#5
Glorfindelrb Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 364	K-S1 is a quite small camera also if you don't mind the leds.

08-28-2015, 09:54 AM	#6
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	There is the Panasonic Lumix GM1. But once you put a lens other that the 12-32 kit lens on it it isn't really a small camera anymore... Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 Review: Digital Photography Review

08-28-2015, 10:03 AM	#7
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,398	Why not explore a superzoom for your K30 - either the 18-270 or the 18-135 or 18-250... No need for a new body at all at that point.

08-28-2015, 10:03 AM	#8
Aristophanes Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Photos: Albums Posts: 3,948	Ricoh GR for me. Amazing camera.

08-28-2015, 10:08 AM	#9
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	If you want zoom, look at DA 18-135mm or one of the 17-70mm (usually have slightly faster apertures than the DA)

08-28-2015, 10:24 AM	#10
gerax Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 224 Original Poster	Thanx everybody. I'm already covered as far as zoom goes (70-300 is more than enough ATM). 18 isn't wide enough for some of the shots I'm trying to get, nad, I'd use the 18-55 for those, in case, as the quality of that kit lens really is behind the pack by a long shot (they call it a dust cap here inItaly...I guess it's the same elsewhere). Now, the fact is, I'm planning to get additional lenses to be used with the K30 (Sigma 10-20 EX DC HSM being the first of them), so I'd like to stay in the Penatx family and have the possibility to use those lenses on a second body as well. I know this will narrow my options but, you know, I want my ckae and eat it too ;-) That's why I asked about compact cmeras with K mount lenses compatibility. I'm looking at the K-01 right now and even though it's not the most compact, and it's a mirrorless, it's got the same sensor as the K30, is K-munt compatible and may fit the bill...opinions?

08-28-2015, 10:28 AM	#11
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	I often carry my K-01 as a second body. Usually with the 21 ltd or 40s on it. It doesn't make a lot of sense in terms of ergonomics to put a lens larger than the 21 on it.

08-28-2015, 10:42 AM	#12
gerax Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 224 Original Poster	Originally posted by normhead I often carry my K-01 as a second body. Usually with the 21 ltd or 40s on it. It doesn't make a lot of sense in terms of ergonomics to put a lens larger than the 21 on it. I see...so prime lenses for this body...I acknowledge it's bulkier than a regular mirrorless, I'll have to count out pros and cons...

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08-28-2015, 10:46 AM	#13
IchabodCrane Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,728	Originally posted by gerax Thanx everybody. I'm already covered as far as zoom goes (70-300 is more than enough ATM). 18 isn't wide enough for some of the shots I'm trying to get, nad, I'd use the 18-55 for those, in case, as the quality of that kit lens really is behind the pack by a long shot (they call it a dust cap here inItaly...I guess it's the same elsewhere). Now, the fact is, I'm planning to get additional lenses to be used with the K30 (Sigma 10-20 EX DC HSM being the first of them), so I'd like to stay in the Penatx family and have the possibility to use those lenses on a second body as well. I know this will narrow my options but, you know, I want my ckae and eat it too ;-) That's why I asked about compact cmeras with K mount lenses compatibility. I'm looking at the K-01 right now and even though it's not the most compact, and it's a mirrorless, it's got the same sensor as the K30, is K-munt compatible and may fit the bill...opinions? What about the K-01 with a DA 15 Ltd?

08-28-2015, 10:46 AM	#14
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,398	The K01 is long in the tooth. A bit dated and not much smaller than a full optical viewfinder equipped DSLR. The KS1 is tiny compared to most bodies and probably makes more sense than the K01. A 12-24 Pentax zoom would be a nice addition sitting on the K30 or the KS1. You'd still have a wide gap to fill in focal range but feet work for that sometimes. EDIT: Just saw the reply above. A KS1 with DA15 is a great addition also.

08-28-2015, 11:01 AM	#15
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by gerax I see...so prime lenses for this body...I acknowledge it's bulkier than a regular mirrorless, I'll have to count out pros and cons... For me it's all about sliding the camera in and out of my pocket. If the lens sticks out too far, there's a chance of it catching and causing the camera fall. With the 40 XS on it, it slides in and out nice and smoothly.