K-30 Speaker Crackles When Body Gets Switched On

Schmidt · 07-25-2013, 12:11 PM

Whenever I switch the camera on there is a soft pop or crackle coming from the speaker. Even with the volume turned down it's still there and always at the same volume. Is this normal for the K-30/Pentax DSLRs? I didn't notice this happening with my Canon.

carrrlangas · 07-25-2013, 12:20 PM

It´s the ultrasonic dust removal system! search for it in the forum...

Schmidt · 07-25-2013, 12:55 PM

Carrrlangas, I searched for ultrasonic dust removal and apparently the K-30 doesn't have that feature:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-30/195666-dust-alert.html
BTW, I don't have any dust removal features switched on...

VisualDarkness · 07-25-2013, 01:08 PM

Is it the aperture lever unit that you hear? It's sounds a but like a short metallic grinding sound.

Schmidt · 07-25-2013, 01:25 PM

Originally posted by VisualDarkness

Is it the aperture lever unit that you hear? It's sounds a but like a short metallic grinding sound.

Maybe... What I'm hearing is more like a short, soft click coming from about the speaker area when the camera gets switched on. I have never really used a Pentax so I'm just starting to get used to its specific sounds.
I'm fairly sure it's coming from the speaker.

Update: Pretty sure it's not the aperture lever. Same sound when camera switched on with no lens. It really does sound to me like the speaker.

Adam · 07-25-2013, 02:11 PM

Originally posted by Schmidt

Carrrlangas, I searched for ultrasonic dust removal and apparently the K-30 doesn't have that feature:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-30/195666-dust-alert.html
BTW, I don't have any dust removal features switched on...

The K-30 has the traditional dust removal system, not the ultrasonic one. Thus you will hear a rumbling sound at startup.

Schmidt · 07-25-2013, 02:35 PM

So no one else hears this sound? It becomes clear when you put your ear close to the speaker and switch the camera on.

Na Horuk · 07-25-2013, 03:15 PM

I dont have a K-30, but generally when you turn a camera ON, there are only a couple sounds you can hear:
- a click of the aperture blades
- a rm-rm-rm-rm rumbling of the dust removal, if it is turned to automatic on startup.

Speakers can crackle, but Ive never heard of the ones on cameras do that on startup. Maybe you can remove the lens, clean the lens and camera mount. Then also clean the Mic input and all other plugs the camera has, so that nothing is causing static. You can also try a camera "reset to factory defaults" (if you dont mind losing your settings) and upgrade firmware to latest. Hope any of this helps out.
Btw, what season is it over there? Is the environment charged? Do you ever feel a spark when you touch things? I assume this could cause crackling.
Hope an audio expert with a k-30 adds a comment

Tanzer · 07-25-2013, 03:20 PM

Listen to the video review of the K-01 posted here, at 2:28, and again at 6:44. This is what you should hear. The K-30 and K-01 use similar dust removal.

Pentax K-01 Camera Review - Review Introduction - PentaxForums.com
Pentax K-01 In-Depth Review Introduction by PentaxForums.com - YouTube

Originally posted by Schmidt

Carrrlangas, I searched for ultrasonic dust removal and apparently the K-30 doesn't have that feature:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-30/195666-dust-alert.html
BTW, I don't have any dust removal features switched on...

No, that thread is about the "Dust Alert" feature, which is something to help you visually map where dust is. Totally separate from the dust removal feature itself.

Schmidt · 07-25-2013, 08:06 PM

So I've eliminated three possibilities. It is not any of:
1) Dirty camera. It is a brand-new body.
2) Aperture blades. The sound is present even with no lens attached.
3) Sensor cleaner. It sounds nothing like it (I've heard it) & I don't have the dust removal (sensor shake) enabled.

That leaves the speaker. Also, I can dampen the sound by covering the speaker holes with my thumb.

If anyone has a K-30 you can try it yourself by turning the camera on in quiet surroundings (It might also help to keep an ear close to the camera's speaker). About half a second after setting the power dial I hear a distinct click coming from the area of the speaker.

carrrlangas · 07-25-2013, 08:41 PM

Did you try playing a video on the K-30 to see how sounds come out?

Schmidt · 07-25-2013, 09:08 PM

Originally posted by carrrlangas

Did you try playing a video on the K-30 to see how sounds come out?

The sound works fine. What I am concerned about is an unusual surge when the camera gets switched on that might be manifest as the noise coming through the speaker. This may be a problem, or it might be completely normal for this model. Problem is it's a lot harder to find another Pentax to compare mine with. They're not as common as Nikon or Canon!
Why am I worried about this? Well, the camera came with a defective strap so now I'm thinking about other quality control issues.

SteveB · 07-26-2013, 10:22 AM

I vaguely remember someone having crackling noises on a Pentax and it was the memory card, or at least a different one was better.

mrNewt · 07-26-2013, 10:42 AM

Can you make a video with your cellphone where you record the sound it makes?
This way everyone can hear it and maybe they can relate better... !?

lister6520 · 07-27-2013, 02:00 AM

I do hear the sound but only if I put my ear right next to the speaker. I cannot possibly think of it as a problem, it is quite normal for any sound system to make some click or other sound when switching on.

On the other hand I don't know if it the same sound that you are hearing, maybe yours is much louder or different.

07-25-2013, 12:11 PM	#1
Schmidt Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 89	K-30 Speaker Crackles When Body Gets Switched On Whenever I switch the camera on there is a soft pop or crackle coming from the speaker. Even with the volume turned down it's still there and always at the same volume. Is this normal for the K-30/Pentax DSLRs? I didn't notice this happening with my Canon.

07-25-2013, 12:55 PM	#3
Schmidt Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 89 Original Poster	Carrrlangas, I searched for ultrasonic dust removal and apparently the K-30 doesn't have that feature: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-30/195666-dust-alert.html BTW, I don't have any dust removal features switched on... Last edited by Schmidt; 07-25-2013 at 01:13 PM.

07-25-2013, 01:25 PM	#5
Schmidt Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 89 Original Poster	Originally posted by VisualDarkness Is it the aperture lever unit that you hear? It's sounds a but like a short metallic grinding sound. Maybe... What I'm hearing is more like a short, soft click coming from about the speaker area when the camera gets switched on. I have never really used a Pentax so I'm just starting to get used to its specific sounds. I'm fairly sure it's coming from the speaker. Update: Pretty sure it's not the aperture lever. Same sound when camera switched on with no lens. It really does sound to me like the speaker. Last edited by Schmidt; 07-25-2013 at 01:40 PM. Reason: Update

07-25-2013, 02:11 PM	#6
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by Schmidt Carrrlangas, I searched for ultrasonic dust removal and apparently the K-30 doesn't have that feature: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-30/195666-dust-alert.html BTW, I don't have any dust removal features switched on... The K-30 has the traditional dust removal system, not the ultrasonic one. Thus you will hear a rumbling sound at startup. 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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07-25-2013, 12:20 PM	#2
carrrlangas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Joensuu (Finland) Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,761	It´s the ultrasonic dust removal system! search for it in the forum...

07-25-2013, 01:08 PM	#4
VisualDarkness Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	Is it the aperture lever unit that you hear? It's sounds a but like a short metallic grinding sound.

07-25-2013, 02:35 PM	#7
Schmidt Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 89 Original Poster	So no one else hears this sound? It becomes clear when you put your ear close to the speaker and switch the camera on.

07-25-2013, 03:15 PM	#8
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	I dont have a K-30, but generally when you turn a camera ON, there are only a couple sounds you can hear: - a click of the aperture blades - a rm-rm-rm-rm rumbling of the dust removal, if it is turned to automatic on startup. Speakers can crackle, but Ive never heard of the ones on cameras do that on startup. Maybe you can remove the lens, clean the lens and camera mount. Then also clean the Mic input and all other plugs the camera has, so that nothing is causing static. You can also try a camera "reset to factory defaults" (if you dont mind losing your settings) and upgrade firmware to latest. Hope any of this helps out. Btw, what season is it over there? Is the environment charged? Do you ever feel a spark when you touch things? I assume this could cause crackling. Hope an audio expert with a k-30 adds a comment

07-25-2013, 03:20 PM	#9
Tanzer Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Perrineville, NJ Posts: 1,375	Listen to the video review of the K-01 posted here, at 2:28, and again at 6:44. This is what you should hear. The K-30 and K-01 use similar dust removal. Pentax K-01 Camera Review - Review Introduction - PentaxForums.com Pentax K-01 In-Depth Review Introduction by PentaxForums.com - YouTube Originally posted by Schmidt Carrrlangas, I searched for ultrasonic dust removal and apparently the K-30 doesn't have that feature: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-30/195666-dust-alert.html BTW, I don't have any dust removal features switched on... No, that thread is about the "Dust Alert" feature, which is something to help you visually map where dust is. Totally separate from the dust removal feature itself.

07-25-2013, 08:06 PM	#10
Schmidt Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 89 Original Poster	So I've eliminated three possibilities. It is not any of: 1) Dirty camera. It is a brand-new body. 2) Aperture blades. The sound is present even with no lens attached. 3) Sensor cleaner. It sounds nothing like it (I've heard it) & I don't have the dust removal (sensor shake) enabled. That leaves the speaker. Also, I can dampen the sound by covering the speaker holes with my thumb. If anyone has a K-30 you can try it yourself by turning the camera on in quiet surroundings (It might also help to keep an ear close to the camera's speaker). About half a second after setting the power dial I hear a distinct click coming from the area of the speaker.

07-25-2013, 08:41 PM	#11
carrrlangas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Joensuu (Finland) Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,761	Did you try playing a video on the K-30 to see how sounds come out?

07-25-2013, 09:08 PM	#12
Schmidt Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 89 Original Poster	Originally posted by carrrlangas Did you try playing a video on the K-30 to see how sounds come out? The sound works fine. What I am concerned about is an unusual surge when the camera gets switched on that might be manifest as the noise coming through the speaker. This may be a problem, or it might be completely normal for this model. Problem is it's a lot harder to find another Pentax to compare mine with. They're not as common as Nikon or Canon! Why am I worried about this? Well, the camera came with a defective strap so now I'm thinking about other quality control issues.

07-26-2013, 10:22 AM	#13
SteveB Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: U.K. Posts: 685	I vaguely remember someone having crackling noises on a Pentax and it was the memory card, or at least a different one was better.

07-26-2013, 10:42 AM	#14
mrNewt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ON, RH Posts: 2,181	Can you make a video with your cellphone where you record the sound it makes? This way everyone can hear it and maybe they can relate better... !?

07-27-2013, 02:00 AM	#15
lister6520 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 733	I do hear the sound but only if I put my ear right next to the speaker. I cannot possibly think of it as a problem, it is quite normal for any sound system to make some click or other sound when switching on. On the other hand I don't know if it the same sound that you are hearing, maybe yours is much louder or different.