K30 or K5II

Nezero · 11-21-2012, 08:20 PM

So I currently own a K-x. It has been good to me but I the lack of focus points really bugs me.
In addition the autofocus at night time is really lacking and I feel like I want to treat myself and get a new body.
I currently own the 18-55 Kit lens.
28-75 F/2.8 Tamron
Pentax A F1.7
Helios 44-2 58mm F/2

I also have a Pentax 16-45 but that needs repair but that's not relevant.
I also own a Metz 50-AF1 which I believe isn't supported yet on.

Anyway I can probably afford to purchase the k5II but what would I realistically be missing if I got the K30 instead?

Adam · 11-21-2012, 08:47 PM

The K-30 has better overall performance and video (and focus peaking), the K-5 has better image quality.

rawr · 11-21-2012, 11:35 PM

Aside from what Adam has mentioned, compared to the K-30, the K-5 also has a battery grip option, a LCD display on top, plus an external mic plug - all of which may or may not be useful to you.

Both are good body choices.

Oh, and speaking of night-time AF, the K-5 II does have an edge on the K-30's AF at night, since it is rated to work down to EV -3, whereas the K-30's AF is 'only' rated to EV -1 (the same as the K-x).

**kiwi_jono** · 11-22-2012, 01:20 AM

I have just upgraded to a K-5 from K-x...

From what I understand from people who have both, the K-5 also has the better build quality and handling. The K-5 also has excellent battery life (nearly double that of the K-30 included battery - although you can use AAs with an adaptor).

I am really impressed with the K-5 and it is a significant step up from the K-x for me. Even the Liveview (which is criticised in some reviews) is miles better than the K-x. In fact autofocus is much better generally. Also video is better than K-x along with better and more reliable white balance and exposure modes.

I'm sure the K-30 would be a good choice too (depending on what is important to you) and I have been dithering between K-30 and K-5 but was lucky to score a "As new" (never used) K-5 for less than a K-30.

DSims · 11-22-2012, 03:35 AM

I now have a K-5 IIs, which I like, but after I got my K-x I invested in only lenses until I had a substantially broader kit than you have now. I can see you're already biased toward the better quality lenses (some of which are among the best values out there), so I'd think you'd want to go farther in that direction first. It looks like you really need something longer, unless you already know that's outside of your shooting style. For example, I think an FA77 plus a K200/2.5 would do so much more for you than a K-5 II.

Nezero · 11-22-2012, 01:02 PM

Hmm good points. DSims. I'm leaning towards the K30 since I would be
A) Saving money.
The only thing at the moment which seems an advantage is the top lcd for the k5 (or k5ii) but since the Kx doesn't have one I don't think I'd miss it since I don't have it. After playing with my friends 60D it would be nice to have but no for the additional cost.

mbukal · 11-22-2012, 02:04 PM

K-30 and DA18-55WR + DA35/2.4 +DA50/1.8, or K-30 and DA18-55WR + DA17-70/4, or K-30 and DA18-135WR = cca. K-5 II ;-)

frank · 11-22-2012, 07:35 PM

Had K5 for around 2 years, K30 for around 2mths, have been playing a K5IIs for about 2 weeks, I'd say K30 is the most responsive camera among all three: shorter shutter lag, faster SD card write/read speed, better AF (than K5) especially under low light, much faster AF in live view mode, plus focus peaking and better LCD, I'd definitely suggest to go for K30 over K5. The only thing I can see a K5II over K30 is its very low light AF capability and better battery life (which isn't a big deal if you have an AA battery adapter for the K30).

Personally I never use battery grips, I like them small and light.

Nezero · 11-23-2012, 12:15 AM

Just bought the K30 from Adorama, includes the sling back, adapter + 8GB SDHC.
Thanks

hopsing · 11-23-2012, 02:08 AM

@frank,
how are the video capabilities between K-5 and K-30?

frank · 11-23-2012, 02:29 AM

Originally posted by hopsing

@frank,
how are the video capabilities between K-5 and K-30?

Sorry I never really tested video properly on these cameras, the only thing I remember is that K30 still can do AF (slow, but still can AF) when recording video while K5 can't. K5 has port for external mic, which might be a big plus for video.

I got a tiny HD JVC GZ-EX250 video camera which is far better in recording videos, can stream live video through WiFi to my ipad/iphone too

GMC262 · 04-19-2013, 01:44 PM

Try the K30 with a prime lens for video-I was very pleased with the results.

hopsing · 04-19-2013, 02:58 PM

Thank you @frank and @GMC262, I did.
The K-30 can stream live video (and more) through USB video cabel I-AVC7 too

. But only in resolution of 640 x 480 pixel.

11-21-2012, 08:20 PM	#1
Nezero New Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Melbourne Posts: 19	K30 or K5II So I currently own a K-x. It has been good to me but I the lack of focus points really bugs me. In addition the autofocus at night time is really lacking and I feel like I want to treat myself and get a new body. I currently own the 18-55 Kit lens. 28-75 F/2.8 Tamron Pentax A F1.7 Helios 44-2 58mm F/2 I also have a Pentax 16-45 but that needs repair but that's not relevant. I also own a Metz 50-AF1 which I believe isn't supported yet on. Anyway I can probably afford to purchase the k5II but what would I realistically be missing if I got the K30 instead?

11-21-2012, 08:47 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	The K-30 has better overall performance and video (and focus peaking), the K-5 has better image quality. 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:

11-21-2012, 11:35 PM	#3
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Aside from what Adam has mentioned, compared to the K-30, the K-5 also has a battery grip option, a LCD display on top, plus an external mic plug - all of which may or may not be useful to you. Both are good body choices. Oh, and speaking of night-time AF, the K-5 II does have an edge on the K-30's AF at night, since it is rated to work down to EV -3, whereas the K-30's AF is 'only' rated to EV -1 (the same as the K-x). Last edited by rawr; 11-21-2012 at 11:41 PM.

11-23-2012, 02:29 AM	#11
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Originally posted by hopsing @frank, how are the video capabilities between K-5 and K-30? Sorry I never really tested video properly on these cameras, the only thing I remember is that K30 still can do AF (slow, but still can AF) when recording video while K5 can't. K5 has port for external mic, which might be a big plus for video. I got a tiny HD JVC GZ-EX250 video camera which is far better in recording videos, can stream live video through WiFi to my ipad/iphone too Last edited by frank; 11-23-2012 at 02:35 AM.

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11-22-2012, 01:20 AM	#4
kiwi_jono Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,437	I have just upgraded to a K-5 from K-x... From what I understand from people who have both, the K-5 also has the better build quality and handling. The K-5 also has excellent battery life (nearly double that of the K-30 included battery - although you can use AAs with an adaptor). I am really impressed with the K-5 and it is a significant step up from the K-x for me. Even the Liveview (which is criticised in some reviews) is miles better than the K-x. In fact autofocus is much better generally. Also video is better than K-x along with better and more reliable white balance and exposure modes. I'm sure the K-30 would be a good choice too (depending on what is important to you) and I have been dithering between K-30 and K-5 but was lucky to score a "As new" (never used) K-5 for less than a K-30.

11-22-2012, 03:35 AM	#5
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	I now have a K-5 IIs, which I like, but after I got my K-x I invested in only lenses until I had a substantially broader kit than you have now. I can see you're already biased toward the better quality lenses (some of which are among the best values out there), so I'd think you'd want to go farther in that direction first. It looks like you really need something longer, unless you already know that's outside of your shooting style. For example, I think an FA77 plus a K200/2.5 would do so much more for you than a K-5 II.

11-22-2012, 01:02 PM	#6
Nezero New Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Melbourne Posts: 19 Original Poster	Hmm good points. DSims. I'm leaning towards the K30 since I would be A) Saving money. The only thing at the moment which seems an advantage is the top lcd for the k5 (or k5ii) but since the Kx doesn't have one I don't think I'd miss it since I don't have it. After playing with my friends 60D it would be nice to have but no for the additional cost.

11-22-2012, 02:04 PM	#7
mbukal Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: zagreb Posts: 668	K-30 and DA18-55WR + DA35/2.4 +DA50/1.8, or K-30 and DA18-55WR + DA17-70/4, or K-30 and DA18-135WR = cca. K-5 II ;-)

11-22-2012, 07:35 PM	#8
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Had K5 for around 2 years, K30 for around 2mths, have been playing a K5IIs for about 2 weeks, I'd say K30 is the most responsive camera among all three: shorter shutter lag, faster SD card write/read speed, better AF (than K5) especially under low light, much faster AF in live view mode, plus focus peaking and better LCD, I'd definitely suggest to go for K30 over K5. The only thing I can see a K5II over K30 is its very low light AF capability and better battery life (which isn't a big deal if you have an AA battery adapter for the K30). Personally I never use battery grips, I like them small and light.

11-23-2012, 12:15 AM	#9
Nezero New Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Melbourne Posts: 19 Original Poster	Just bought the K30 from Adorama, includes the sling back, adapter + 8GB SDHC. Thanks

11-23-2012, 02:08 AM	#10
hopsing Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 49	@frank, how are the video capabilities between K-5 and K-30?

04-19-2013, 01:44 PM	#12
GMC262 New Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 1	Try the K30 with a prime lens for video-I was very pleased with the results.

04-19-2013, 02:58 PM	#13
hopsing Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 49	Thank you @frank and @GMC262, I did. The K-30 can stream live video (and more) through USB video cabel I-AVC7 too . But only in resolution of 640 x 480 pixel.