[curlednoodles]

So its essentially a rebadged and slightly tweaked K5, just like the Kr was a tweaked Kx...?

ps, long time reader first time poster. Hello everyone! I use a Kx and am interested in the K30. Will probably look to getting one towards the end of the year. Im surprised by how similar it is to the K5 though.

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Last edited by curlednoodles; 07-03-2012 at 11:42 AM. Reason: Hello

[eddie1960]

So its essentially a rebadged and slightly tweaked K5, just like the Kr was a tweaked Kx...?

ps, long time reader first time poster. Hello everyone! I use a Kx and am interested in the K30. Will probably look to getting one towards the end of the year. Im surprised by how similar it is to the K5 though.

Really it is a lesser featured camera than the K5, it replaces a model long missing from the line (the K200) adding a middle level (expect a true Kr replacement in September and the K5 replacement) because of the crossover the K30 actually has some features the K5 doesn't but when the K3 (or whatever they badge the K5 replacement) comes it will have everything this camera has and more. This is an excellent value cam though. it will provide a large number of benefits over the Kx. for about what the kx released at.

[Alizarine]

ps, long time reader first time poster. Hello everyone! I use a Kx and am interested in the K30. Will probably look to getting one towards the end of the year. Im surprised by how similar it is to the K5 though.

Depending on your budget, this or the K-5 replacement may be the best choice if you plan on hitting the biggest bang for your buck. With the specsheet like this for the K-30, I can't help but get more excited for Photokina releases!

[frank]

Really it is a lesser featured camera than the K5, it replaces a model long missing from the line (the K200) adding a middle level (expect a true Kr replacement in September and the K5 replacement) because of the crossover the K30 actually has some features the K5 doesn't but when the K3 (or whatever they badge the K5 replacement) comes it will have everything this camera has and more. This is an excellent value cam though. it will provide a large number of benefits over the Kx. for about what the kx released at.

It's not a K200D replacement, but a Kr replacement. K200 is long gone, and there won't be a replacement for it.

We can think it as a combination of K-r and K5. There won't be another K-r replacement, but there'd be a K-5 replacement that for sure.

[Alizarine]

There won't be another K-r replacement, but there'd be a K-5 replacement that for sure.

By this, does it mean that Pentax now starts at mid-level and no more entry-level (or would that be the K-01)?

[frank]

By this, does it mean that Pentax now starts at mid-level and no more entry-level (or would that be the K-01)?

I'm sure Pentax has done some market research work. They know nowadays most users would rather go for something like m4/3 inatead of entry level dSLR cameras. Mid-level dSLR is a good option for those people to upgrade

Entry level: micro 4/3
High End: full frame
Mid-level: expensive options like K5/D7000/7D

If they make something cheap but almost as good as those expensive mid-level cameras, they might be able to grab some market share.

Only time will tell

[eddie1960]

It's not a K200D replacement, but a Kr replacement. K200 is long gone, and there won't be a replacement for it.

We can think it as a combination of K-r and K5. There won't be another K-r replacement, but there'd be a K-5 replacement that for sure.

they have said they need a 4 camera line, a kr replacement (maybe a little stripped down) is almost certain, otherwise they are abandoning the biggest volume sector in the market. . So almost certainly there will be a kr replacement come September, just like a K5 replacement will hit around the same time. the closest thing to a model it replaces is indeed the K200 since it is a mid level model and that was the last mid level model.
Even then that only gives a 3 dslr line, so there is still the 4th to speculate about (likely a FF for next spring, maybe previewed at photokina)

[Anvh]

they have said they need a 4 camera line, a kr replacement (maybe a little stripped down) is almost certain, otherwise they are abandoning the biggest volume sector in the market. . So almost certainly there will be a kr replacement come September, just like a K5 replacement will hit around the same time. the closest thing to a model it replaces is indeed the K200 since it is a mid level model and that was the last mid level model.
Even then that only gives a 3 dslr line, so there is still the 4th to speculate about (likely a FF for next spring, maybe previewed at photokina)

+1

The K30 is here to go against the 600D, 60D, D7000 and D5100

Something like K300 will be against the 1100D, D3200 and D3100, where the Kr is up against now.

The K3 will hopefully be positioned against the 7D, (5D mark II), D300s (D700)

[Alizarine]

You Tube

You Tube

Anyone seen this yet? A commercial... so this is how the K-30 is marketed in Japan.

[Colbyt]

My Japanese channels don't come in very clear. Thanks for sharing.

[jpzk]

PENTAX K-30 ?????CM?DRIFT TURN???30?? - YouTube

Anyone seen this yet? A commercial... so this is how the K-30 is marketed in Japan.

I didn't know the K30 was equipped with a gyroscope!
Or maybe it's the guy who is ?

That is a good video-ad though.

[Anvh]

I didn't know the K30 was equipped with a gyroscope!
Or maybe it's the guy who is ?

That is a good video-ad though.

build in image stabilisation of course, how can you miss that!

Water = weather sealing
slowmo end = better AF system?
active person outdoor = strong build quality

[Na Horuk]

Wow, thats a great commercial! Looks like Pentax might be on the right track in the marketing department!

[eddie1960]

the making of is good too, multiple shots of him having water tossed on him

[Alizarine]

They know nowadays most users would rather go for something like m4/3 inatead of entry level dSLR cameras. Mid-level dSLR is a good option for those people to upgrade

Looking at this and the Nikon D3200.... hmm, you have a good point, sir!

Wow, thats a great commercial! Looks like Pentax might be on the right track in the marketing department!

Looking at the title also reaffirms how the design team meant it to have a certain feel... "DRIFT TURN" sounds very sports-car-ish, hence "style and performance" in one package.

I hope Ricoh copies this approach for Pentax ads in other countries. The UK campaign seems to deliver the K-30 to a trendy, fashionable young crowd though (with Sarah Harding as image model), not a complete opposite from the Japan approach but very different.