Pentax K30 Picture Leak & Discussion: Weather-sealed intro DSLR

Edgar_in_Indy · 05-16-2012, 02:59 PM

I'll probably be deciding between the K-30, the K-5, or the new Olympus OM-D E-M5. The Olympus has a lot going for it, but if this camera is much cheaper I might stay with Pentax.

As far as looks, I think the K-30 is an improvement over the K-r, but I still think the K-x is the best looking of the bunch.

bwDraco · 05-16-2012, 02:59 PM

Originally posted by Zygonyx

Let me doubt this is weathersealed body if sold with DA-L kit lenses, as shown by the 3-model picture ...

That was on my mind, too, but if this is the case, why would Boulanger offer it with the DA 18-55mm WR lens and state that it is weather-resistant?

--DragonLord

StepOne · 05-16-2012, 03:00 PM

A lot of excitement due to new product, but what's really new? This new "entry-mid" comes at 799 euros, k-5 with rebate now is 757 euros.

3 cameras sharing the same sensor now, all within 50 euros difference. Looks like the same AF module, 11 points. Maybe at 500 euros would be interesting, at least for me.

For k-01 they got that designer dude, this one looks like designed by Hyundai

A little toy-ish but not bad.

And i don't mind to be called troll or whatever, i know this make some fanboys happy !

noahpurdy · 05-16-2012, 03:02 PM

If this is the direction that the Pentax and Ricoh merger are headed in then I am very excited. I'm hoping they clean up the camera lines and get some cohesion to what they sell camera-wise.

VisualDarkness · 05-16-2012, 03:05 PM

Originally posted by StepOne

A lot of excitement due to new product, but what's really new? This new "entry-mid" comes at 799 euros, k-5 with rebate now is 757 euros.

3 cameras sharing the same sensor now, all within 50 euros difference. Looks like the same AF module, 11 points. Maybe at 500 euros would be interesting, at least for me.

That's what my tiny brain can't understand, it's not a new segment at all as K-5 already filled that exact one for a year.

**Ex Finn.** · 05-16-2012, 03:05 PM

Damn lot of analyzing going on here

.
Looks slick, might be a good backup if actually WR.

TaoMaas · 05-16-2012, 03:09 PM

Originally posted by VisualDarkness

That's what my tiny brain can't understand, it's not a new segment at all as K-5 already filled that exact one for a year.

To me, it says the K5 is going away in the not-too-distant future because, you're right...it doesn't make much sense to have two cameras so close in price and specs.

Vylen · 05-16-2012, 03:12 PM

Unsurprisingly, people are going to complain about the looks. It happened with the leaked and eventually announcement of the K-7/K-5. Amusingly the main point of contention was the pop-up flash. The deviation from "standard" looking K20D had people complaining. But, eventually, people didn't care and bought it for its performance... which will probably be the same case here.

That said, to nitpick a point, I prefer the pockmarked grip. There's nothing toyish or silly about it. There's enough things out there where pockmarked/latticed designs are used to allow for better breathing and ventilation - common instances are on bags. This will not only allow for a better grip but for breathing between your hands, which in outdoor and humid areas which means less sticky and sweaty hands. Small convenience that no-one would notice till they move to a "normal" grip.

VisualDarkness · 05-16-2012, 03:18 PM

Originally posted by TaoMaas

To me, it says the K5 is going away in the not-too-distant future because, you're right...it doesn't make much sense to have two cameras so close in price and specs.

Then the K-30 has to be better than the K-5 in enough ways and/or a K-5 replacement comes in around the same time. Or they would actually lower their high end for a while when getting rid of the K-5 or have three(!) conflicting cameras at the same price.

Tonto · 05-16-2012, 03:19 PM

Ooooo, exciting! I like this camera, step up from the K-01 for not much more- also a great 2nd body for those with a K5 already

Remember K5 will get a replacement soon so you might see the price either stabilise or fall significantly.
The real question is there still room for an entry level below this? If so it will need to be cheaper than the K-01 with similar specs to KR.
I still love its WR and 2 dials, that will shake up the market abit

Alcazar · 05-16-2012, 03:20 PM

Originally posted by Vylen

It happened with the leaked and eventually announcement of the K-7/K-5.

Exactly. And i think they are one of the most beautiful classic DSLR designs.

Originally posted by Vylen

That said, to nitpick a point, I prefer the pockmarked grip. There's nothing toyish or silly about it.

yes, i love that, too, and wish they had that on the right hand grip instead of the leather, too. would look awesome imo.

**jatrax** · 05-16-2012, 03:21 PM

Originally posted by Vylen

Unsurprisingly, people are going to complain about the looks.

Not sure I understand all the comments about what it looks like. The only part of a camera I see is the view finder, I don't care what the rest looks like.

I do care how it feels in my hands though and that will have to wait.

Class A · 05-16-2012, 03:21 PM

I'd love to get a look at the top and the back of the camera, but so far it looks like a seriously well designed camera. Some nice design touches on the left hand side and the grip looks great too.

No top LCD means it is not for me, but it seems to be a great camera. Very promising regarding the K-5 successor!

JFN · 05-16-2012, 03:25 PM

Originally posted by Adam

The only thing I'm wondering is why Pentax must be so inconsistent with their camera names...

I got a feeling that Ricoh will put an end to this, hence back to the number series that in a long term perspective is a better idea.

lammie200 · 05-16-2012, 03:28 PM

Looks good to me. I seriously doubt that R/P will introduce an entry-level dSLR below this one. The sales for a cheaper model would have to be off the charts to make the margins attractive. When was the last time Pentax had an uber seller anyway? And what features would be compromised to undercut this one? I am not sure that any compromised features would warrant the design and production - even removing the WR. Also, the initial MSRP of this K-30 is somewhat close to the initial MSRP for the K-r. If the past is of any value, the price will drop a bit as well.

R/P seems much more poised to go APS-c K-5 replacement and FF. There will still be an obvious need for a full featured semi-pro APS-c dSLR, and the competition is dictating that a semi-affordable FF will be required. Their plans for updating the 645d is a good sign that R/P wants to compete at a fairly high level. I don't think they need the baggage of four dSLR's.

05-16-2012, 03:05 PM	#156
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	Damn lot of analyzing going on here. Looks slick, might be a good backup if actually WR.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Is there a list of Pentax and aftermarket weather sealed lenses?	VoiceOfReason	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	15	08-10-2018 10:47 PM
Suggestion Adding categories to Pentax DSLR Discussion	Ivan Glisin	Site Suggestions and Help	2	01-04-2011 09:51 AM
No discussion of the latest Wikileaks leak? Really?	deadwolfbones	General Talk	7	07-28-2010 09:30 PM
Pentax Weather Sealed Flash!	HermanLee	Pentax News and Rumors	16	05-07-2009 08:06 PM
Weather sealed non-Pentax* lenses	Spex	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	7	08-29-2008 10:29 AM

05-16-2012, 02:59 PM	#151
Edgar_in_Indy Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Indiana, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,685	I'll probably be deciding between the K-30, the K-5, or the new Olympus OM-D E-M5. The Olympus has a lot going for it, but if this camera is much cheaper I might stay with Pentax. As far as looks, I think the K-30 is an improvement over the K-r, but I still think the K-x is the best looking of the bunch.

05-16-2012, 02:59 PM	#152
bwDraco Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York Photos: Albums Posts: 1,071	Originally posted by Zygonyx Let me doubt this is weathersealed body if sold with DA-L kit lenses, as shown by the 3-model picture ... That was on my mind, too, but if this is the case, why would Boulanger offer it with the DA 18-55mm WR lens and state that it is weather-resistant? --DragonLord

05-16-2012, 03:00 PM	#153
StepOne Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Botosani Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 285	A lot of excitement due to new product, but what's really new? This new "entry-mid" comes at 799 euros, k-5 with rebate now is 757 euros. 3 cameras sharing the same sensor now, all within 50 euros difference. Looks like the same AF module, 11 points. Maybe at 500 euros would be interesting, at least for me. For k-01 they got that designer dude, this one looks like designed by Hyundai A little toy-ish but not bad. And i don't mind to be called troll or whatever, i know this make some fanboys happy !

05-16-2012, 03:02 PM	#154
noahpurdy Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 479	If this is the direction that the Pentax and Ricoh merger are headed in then I am very excited. I'm hoping they clean up the camera lines and get some cohesion to what they sell camera-wise.

05-16-2012, 03:05 PM	#155
VisualDarkness Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	Originally posted by StepOne A lot of excitement due to new product, but what's really new? This new "entry-mid" comes at 799 euros, k-5 with rebate now is 757 euros. 3 cameras sharing the same sensor now, all within 50 euros difference. Looks like the same AF module, 11 points. Maybe at 500 euros would be interesting, at least for me. That's what my tiny brain can't understand, it's not a new segment at all as K-5 already filled that exact one for a year.

05-16-2012, 03:09 PM	#157
TaoMaas Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,574	Originally posted by VisualDarkness That's what my tiny brain can't understand, it's not a new segment at all as K-5 already filled that exact one for a year. To me, it says the K5 is going away in the not-too-distant future because, you're right...it doesn't make much sense to have two cameras so close in price and specs.

05-16-2012, 03:12 PM	#158
Vylen Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,262	Unsurprisingly, people are going to complain about the looks. It happened with the leaked and eventually announcement of the K-7/K-5. Amusingly the main point of contention was the pop-up flash. The deviation from "standard" looking K20D had people complaining. But, eventually, people didn't care and bought it for its performance... which will probably be the same case here. That said, to nitpick a point, I prefer the pockmarked grip. There's nothing toyish or silly about it. There's enough things out there where pockmarked/latticed designs are used to allow for better breathing and ventilation - common instances are on bags. This will not only allow for a better grip but for breathing between your hands, which in outdoor and humid areas which means less sticky and sweaty hands. Small convenience that no-one would notice till they move to a "normal" grip.

05-16-2012, 03:18 PM	#159
VisualDarkness Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	Originally posted by TaoMaas To me, it says the K5 is going away in the not-too-distant future because, you're right...it doesn't make much sense to have two cameras so close in price and specs. Then the K-30 has to be better than the K-5 in enough ways and/or a K-5 replacement comes in around the same time. Or they would actually lower their high end for a while when getting rid of the K-5 or have three(!) conflicting cameras at the same price.

05-16-2012, 03:19 PM	#160
Tonto Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wellington Posts: 969	Ooooo, exciting! I like this camera, step up from the K-01 for not much more- also a great 2nd body for those with a K5 already Remember K5 will get a replacement soon so you might see the price either stabilise or fall significantly. The real question is there still room for an entry level below this? If so it will need to be cheaper than the K-01 with similar specs to KR. I still love its WR and 2 dials, that will shake up the market abit

05-16-2012, 03:20 PM	#161
Alcazar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Stuttgart, Germany Posts: 210	Originally posted by Vylen It happened with the leaked and eventually announcement of the K-7/K-5. Exactly. And i think they are one of the most beautiful classic DSLR designs. Originally posted by Vylen That said, to nitpick a point, I prefer the pockmarked grip. There's nothing toyish or silly about it. yes, i love that, too, and wish they had that on the right hand grip instead of the leather, too. would look awesome imo.

05-16-2012, 03:21 PM	#162
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by Vylen Unsurprisingly, people are going to complain about the looks. Not sure I understand all the comments about what it looks like. The only part of a camera I see is the view finder, I don't care what the rest looks like. I do care how it feels in my hands though and that will have to wait.

05-16-2012, 03:21 PM	#163
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	I'd love to get a look at the top and the back of the camera, but so far it looks like a seriously well designed camera. Some nice design touches on the left hand side and the grip looks great too. No top LCD means it is not for me, but it seems to be a great camera. Very promising regarding the K-5 successor!

05-16-2012, 03:25 PM	#164
JFN Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Golfe du Lion Photos: Gallery Posts: 362	Originally posted by Adam The only thing I'm wondering is why Pentax must be so inconsistent with their camera names... I got a feeling that Ricoh will put an end to this, hence back to the number series that in a long term perspective is a better idea.

05-16-2012, 03:28 PM	#165
lammie200 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: San Francisco Photos: Albums Posts: 1,033	Looks good to me. I seriously doubt that R/P will introduce an entry-level dSLR below this one. The sales for a cheaper model would have to be off the charts to make the margins attractive. When was the last time Pentax had an uber seller anyway? And what features would be compromised to undercut this one? I am not sure that any compromised features would warrant the design and production - even removing the WR. Also, the initial MSRP of this K-30 is somewhat close to the initial MSRP for the K-r. If the past is of any value, the price will drop a bit as well. R/P seems much more poised to go APS-c K-5 replacement and FF. There will still be an obvious need for a full featured semi-pro APS-c dSLR, and the competition is dictating that a semi-affordable FF will be required. Their plans for updating the 645d is a good sign that R/P wants to compete at a fairly high level. I don't think they need the baggage of four dSLR's.