upgrade to k30 or k50?

**Knock** · 02-03-2016, 03:54 PM

I'm thinking about upgrading from my kx, which has been a workhorse. I've been comparing the k30 with the k50. I don't see a whole lot of difference between the two. The k30 can be found for ~$100 cheaper than the k50. Does anyone have any advice to offer in choosing between the two?

Adam · 02-03-2016, 03:57 PM

Originally posted by Knock

I'm thinking about upgrading from my kx, which has been a workhorse. I've been comparing the k30 with the k50. I don't see a whole lot of difference between the two. The k30 can be found for ~$100 cheaper than the k50. Does anyone have any advice to offer in choosing between the two?

They're basically the same camera- the main difference is the physical appearance. There are a few very minor differences in the specs which you'll be able to find elsewhere on the forum (or in our in-depth review), but they're not really of practical significance.

The K-50 is only $294 new with warranty, and it has a more conservative appearance than the K-30. I'd go with the one you think looks better, though it might be hard to find a new K-30 since it was discontinued a while ago.

Aaron28 · 02-03-2016, 03:58 PM

no difference than body style

kjphilippona · 02-03-2016, 04:55 PM

I have both and unless i got a lemon, the K30 is the better camera.

**ramseybuckeye** · 02-03-2016, 06:22 PM

I have both and can't tell the difference where it counts, shooting and results. If you can find a new K-30 with warranty for $194 buy it.

surfar · 02-03-2016, 07:19 PM

That red k50 is faster!

bschriver11 · 02-03-2016, 07:40 PM

I seem to recall the K-30 has a slightly faster burst speed and a larger buffer but other than that can't see any difference.

**KC0PET** · 02-03-2016, 08:46 PM

I have been watching and it seems you can get a good used K-30 for around $200 with some patience. But with the new K-50 running at $294 new, that makes it a tough decision. This discussion confirms my perception that they are pretty much the same camera.

**Alex645** · 02-03-2016, 09:43 PM

K-30 has a bigger jpeg buffer if you shoot in bursts, but the K-50 has higher extended ISO. Did you find a new K-30 with a warranty and zero actuations? If so, I'd go with the K-30. But if the K-30 is used, I wouldn't hesitate spending $100 more for the K-50 with a new warranty and no hidden gremlins. Considering the average cost of a DSLR with the K-50 features, it's a rare bargain.

**Knock** · 02-04-2016, 07:40 AM - **1 Like**

Thanks for every ones advice. I found a k30 with very low clicks and 6 month warranty for $180. This was a deal that I just couldn't pass up. I'm all about saving a buck, although my ex-wife used more flamboyant adjectives to describe my uncanny ability to stretch a dollar haha.

**KC0PET** · 02-04-2016, 05:19 PM

Originally posted by Knock

Thanks for every ones advice. I found a k30 with very low clicks and 6 month warranty for $180. This was a deal that I just couldn't pass up. I'm all about saving a buck, although my ex-wife used more flamboyant adjectives to describe my uncanny ability to stretch a dollar haha.

Looks like a good deal. Was this an auction or a fixed price, I might be interested if there were more at that price...

I play the tightwad role in our house, too

**Knock** · 02-04-2016, 06:32 PM

It was a fixed price, but had the option to make an offer. I made the offer and it was accepted. I would have paid the list price, but I figured what the heck make an offer...

kjphilippona · 02-04-2016, 06:37 PM

You did get a super deal on a great camera!

Oricman · 04-04-2016, 12:16 PM

There seem to be a number of K30s with a problem of failing aperture motor. That would make me a bit nervous about buying one. That said I got one without knowing about this and the camera has worked most of the time. It does seize up every now and again and I have to remove the battery or turn it on and off again to get it working again. It's a bit annoying but not the end of the world. I haven't had such problems on other cameras though.
I think if you are buying second hand then it may be worth looking out for K5ii and K5iiS as well. Not much different from the K30/50 but they seem to be a little more reliable.

02-03-2016, 03:54 PM	#1
Knock Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Montgomery, AL Posts: 467	upgrade to k30 or k50? I'm thinking about upgrading from my kx, which has been a workhorse. I've been comparing the k30 with the k50. I don't see a whole lot of difference between the two. The k30 can be found for ~$100 cheaper than the k50. Does anyone have any advice to offer in choosing between the two?

02-03-2016, 03:57 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by Knock I'm thinking about upgrading from my kx, which has been a workhorse. I've been comparing the k30 with the k50. I don't see a whole lot of difference between the two. The k30 can be found for ~$100 cheaper than the k50. Does anyone have any advice to offer in choosing between the two? They're basically the same camera- the main difference is the physical appearance. There are a few very minor differences in the specs which you'll be able to find elsewhere on the forum (or in our in-depth review), but they're not really of practical significance. The K-50 is only $294 new with warranty, and it has a more conservative appearance than the K-30. I'd go with the one you think looks better, though it might be hard to find a new K-30 since it was discontinued a while ago. 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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02-03-2016, 03:58 PM	#3
Aaron28 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,131	no difference than body style

02-03-2016, 04:55 PM	#4
kjphilippona Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Enterprise, Alabama Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,298	I have both and unless i got a lemon, the K30 is the better camera.

02-03-2016, 06:22 PM	#5
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,295	I have both and can't tell the difference where it counts, shooting and results. If you can find a new K-30 with warranty for $194 buy it.

02-03-2016, 07:19 PM	#6
surfar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: mid nth coast,nsw Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,143	That red k50 is faster!

02-03-2016, 07:40 PM	#7
bschriver11 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 558	I seem to recall the K-30 has a slightly faster burst speed and a larger buffer but other than that can't see any difference.

02-03-2016, 08:46 PM	#8
KC0PET Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Central Missouri Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,273	I have been watching and it seems you can get a good used K-30 for around $200 with some patience. But with the new K-50 running at $294 new, that makes it a tough decision. This discussion confirms my perception that they are pretty much the same camera.

02-03-2016, 09:43 PM	#9
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,527	K-30 has a bigger jpeg buffer if you shoot in bursts, but the K-50 has higher extended ISO. Did you find a new K-30 with a warranty and zero actuations? If so, I'd go with the K-30. But if the K-30 is used, I wouldn't hesitate spending $100 more for the K-50 with a new warranty and no hidden gremlins. Considering the average cost of a DSLR with the K-50 features, it's a rare bargain.

02-04-2016, 07:40 AM - 1 Like	#10
Knock Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Montgomery, AL Posts: 467 Original Poster	Thanks for every ones advice. I found a k30 with very low clicks and 6 month warranty for $180. This was a deal that I just couldn't pass up. I'm all about saving a buck, although my ex-wife used more flamboyant adjectives to describe my uncanny ability to stretch a dollar haha.

02-04-2016, 05:19 PM	#11
KC0PET Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Central Missouri Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,273	Originally posted by Knock Thanks for every ones advice. I found a k30 with very low clicks and 6 month warranty for $180. This was a deal that I just couldn't pass up. I'm all about saving a buck, although my ex-wife used more flamboyant adjectives to describe my uncanny ability to stretch a dollar haha. Looks like a good deal. Was this an auction or a fixed price, I might be interested if there were more at that price... I play the tightwad role in our house, too

02-04-2016, 06:32 PM	#12
Knock Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Montgomery, AL Posts: 467 Original Poster	It was a fixed price, but had the option to make an offer. I made the offer and it was accepted. I would have paid the list price, but I figured what the heck make an offer...

02-04-2016, 06:37 PM	#13
kjphilippona Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Enterprise, Alabama Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,298	You did get a super deal on a great camera!

04-04-2016, 12:16 PM	#14
Oricman Guest	There seem to be a number of K30s with a problem of failing aperture motor. That would make me a bit nervous about buying one. That said I got one without knowing about this and the camera has worked most of the time. It does seize up every now and again and I have to remove the battery or turn it on and off again to get it working again. It's a bit annoying but not the end of the world. I haven't had such problems on other cameras though. I think if you are buying second hand then it may be worth looking out for K5ii and K5iiS as well. Not much different from the K30/50 but they seem to be a little more reliable.