Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: North West UK | What would we want from the K30D?
I see, whilst scanning the web, that the rumours are forthcoming about the K30D.
However, we as Pentax users, what would we want from the K30D, and probably a range of lenses?
We are to assume that Pentax are not going to release a FF model in the foreseeable, due to the fact that other than the FA limiteds and DFA macro lenses, they have no lens range to support FF.
So, then we are to assume that APS-C or APS-H (most DA lenses will support "H"), will be the sensor of choice.
Personally, i would prefer that Pentax keep to the 14.6mp sensor of the K20D, but of course "market forces" will not allow them to do this. "Why buy a 14.6 K30D when the K20D is already this?" will be the response from the ordinary buyer, "I can get a 15.1mp Canon, which MUST be better as it has more pixels!". It is of course a fact of life - more pixels = better.
We all know that this it not true, but when selling a new camera, it is a fact of life (remember pre K10D, Pentax did this with the *ist series, and look where it got them). And before you mention the Canon EOS 1D mk3 "only having 10mp, remember this model was aimed at a different market, rather than the consumer or pro-sumer market that Pentax supply to.
So, taking this all into consideration, newer model, more pixels (shame) etc, what do we want from the K30D?
For me I would say that the following would be either "must haves" or bonuses
If I can't have the 14.6mp sensor (which is fab in low light BTW), then possibly something in the region of max 18mp (16mp would be better), so that we dont have the noise/IQ issues that so have a problem with compact sensors.
If it is 20+mp, then APS-H would be a better option, and think of the USP, only Canon have APS-H on the 1D mk3.
A brand new shutter, which is quieter and more responsive
A new AF system, ala Nikon, with 51 af points, yet has the ablility to be superior in low light (current Pentax AF is better low light than the EOS40D, I have first hand experience), also faster focusing (SDM is good, but could be better)
increased buffer/write speed. The SD is getting better, but still a lot slower than CF, this might come from faster SDHC cards, but the buffer has to come from Pentax
FPS. This would come with a new shutter, but the current 3fps is no longer good enough in the company that the K20D lives with, 6fps would be better. And if Nikon can increase the fps by 2 when the grip is on the D300/D700, whay can't Pentax?
Articulated screen. This would be a bonus rather than a need, but having a screen than moved out about 45 degrees, like the Sony, rather than the flimsy pull out and rotate of the Panasonic, would be nice.
I suppose that at this late stage, if Pentax are reading this, these mods won't be on the K30D, but maybe the K40D, but there is hope that Pentax are thinking of these.
What would you want?
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