Pentax K-30 Weather-Sealed 16 MP CMOS Digital SLR (Blue, Body Only)
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Brand | Pentax |
Model Name | K-30 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 16 MP |
Photo Sensor Size | APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) |
Image Stabilization | Sensor-shift |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/6000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Exposure Control Type | Hyper Program (P), Sensitivity Priority (Sv), Hyper Manual (M), Movie, Shutter Priority (Tv), Scene (SCN), Aperture Priority (Av), User (U1, U2), Shutter & Aperture Priority (TAv), Bulb (B), Auto Picture (AUTO) See more |
Form Factor | Compact |
About this item
- 16.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- 6 frames per second continuous shooting
- 11-point AF system
- ISO 100-12,800 expandable up to 25,600
- 1080 HD video
- 3.0 inch LCD with 921,000 dots
- 100% viewfinder
- Sensor-shift image stabilization
- Pop-up flash with hotshoe
- Environmental sealing
- Raw shooting
- SD/SDHC/SDXC
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This Item Pentax K-30 Weather-Sealed 16 MP CMOS Digital SLR (Blue, Body Only) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $238.00$238.00 | $479.00$479.00 | $796.95$796.95 | $379.00$379.00 | $599.00$599.00 | -15% $1,696.95$1,696.95 List: $1,999.95 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 26 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Auto focus | 4.7 | 4.4 | — | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
Picture quality | 4.5 | 4.5 | — | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
Image stabilization | 4.8 | 4.6 | — | 4.8 | — | — |
Value for money | — | 3.7 | — | — | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Sold By | R&R Electro | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
display size | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 2.7 inches | 3 inches | 3.2 inches |
lens type | — | Wide Angle | Telephoto | Telephoto | Wide Angle | ✗ |
zoom type | — | Optical Zoom | Digital Zoom | Digital Zoom | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom |
shooting modes | High dynamic rang | Landscape; portrait mode; close-up; night portrait; food; sports mode | Automatic | Automatic | Scene intelligent auto, flash off, creative auto, landscape, close-up, sports, food, night portrait, portrait, P, Tv, Av, M, with flash, with bulb exposures | Bulb Mode, Time Mode,Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority |
connectivity tech | USB | NFC, HDMI, USB | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | NFC, HDMI, USB | Wi-Fi |
video resolution | 1920 x 1080 (30,25,24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60,50,30,25,24 fps), 640 x 424 (30,25,24 fps) | FHD 1080p | Full HD(1920x1080, 60i/50i/30p/25p/24p) | 1080p | FHD 1080p | 2160p |
What's in the box
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Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Phase Detection, Face Detection, Tracking, Multi-area, Single, Continuous, Live View |
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Display Resolution Maximum | 921000 |
Photo Sensor Size | APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Effective Still Resolution | 16 MP |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 16 MP |
White balance settings | Auto |
Image Stabilization | Sensor-shift |
Flash Sync Speed | 1/180_sec |
Video Capture Format | mpeg-4;h.264 |
Video Capture Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (30,25,24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60,50,30,25,24 fps), 640 x 424 (30,25,24 fps) |
Video Standard | MPEG-4 |
Batteries Required? | Yes |
---|---|
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Rechargeable Battery Included | No |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | Lithium-Ion D-LI109 rechargeable battery & charger or 4 x AA batteries (with the optional AA battery holder D-BH109) |
Battery Weight | 59 Grams |
Battery Life | 410 Photos |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 5.52 |
Wireless Communication Technology | EyeFi |
Flash Memory Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Special Feature | Travel Charger |
Form Factor | Compact |
Hardware Interface | SDHC, SDXC |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
GPS | Optional |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Autofocus Points | 11 |
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Compatible Mountings | Pentax KAF3, Pentax KAF2 |
Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 25600 |
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Expanded ISO Minimum | 100 |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/6000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Exposure Control Type | Hyper Program (P), Sensitivity Priority (Sv), Hyper Manual (M), Movie, Shutter Priority (Tv), Scene (SCN), Aperture Priority (Av), User (U1, U2), Shutter & Aperture Priority (TAv), Bulb (B), Auto Picture (AUTO) |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Shooting Modes | High dynamic rang |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.92x |
---|---|
Viewfinder Type | Optical |
Screen Size | 3 Inches |
Display Type | LCD |
Display Fixture Type | Fixed |
Model Name | K-30 |
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Brand | Pentax |
Model Number | K-30 Body Kit Blue |
Customer Reviews |
4.0 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #641,717 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #1,619 in DSLR Cameras |
ASIN | B0082OJ2X2 |
Color | Blue |
Included Components | Battery |
Processor Description | Prime M |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.12 x 2.8 x 3.82 inches |
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Item Weight | 1.4 Pounds |
Product Description
Product Description
Encased in a compact fully weather sealed body, the Pentax K-30 digital SLR comes equipped with a host of advanced photographic tools for the easy creation of great pictures in any weather condition. This compact but solid Pentax K-30 digital SLR comes equipped with a host of advanced photographic tools for the easy creation of great pictures, while delivering high standards of image quality, data processing speed and operability. Developed using the highly acclaimed Pentax K-7 as its base, the K-5 inherits the exceptional reliability, user-friendly operation, array of advanced features and compact, lightweight body of its predecessor. However, it is more resourceful and flexible in photographic expression. Combining a new high-speed, low-noise CMOS image sensor it produces super-high-resolution, rich-gradation digital images with approximately 16.3 effective megapixels, even when shooting in the continuous shooting mode at a maximum speed of approximately 6 images per second. It also offers an extra-wide sensitivity range between ISO 100 and ISO 25600 (when expanded via a custom function) and full HD-proportion movie recording at 1920 x 1080p @30/25/24 fps w/h.264 compression to expand the boundaries of high-quality visual presentation. In camera sensor shift image stabilization that allows usage with any K-mount lens. Adding other improvements and refinements--such as a faster autofocusing speed, an upgraded HDR (High Dynamic Range) function now usable in handheld shooting, and better operability through an overall review of the design and shape of all components - the K-30 is designed to be more functional and maneuverable in every detail, and in its response to the demands of the photographer in any weather condition.
From the Manufacturer
Thanks to the K-30, for the first time in a long time location doesn't matter. Whether it's a sandy day at the beach or a trek into the wet rainforests of Belize, the K-30 is the ideal DSLR camera to capture your memories regardless of your location or the elements you face. Its 16 megapixel sensor and full 1080P HD video capabilities coupled with a fully weather sealed, dustproof and coldproof, ergonomic body, give you the flexibility and comfortability to shoot what you want, when you want and where you want.
Weather resistant design ideal for travel and outdoor photography
Featuring 81 seals set in its compact, lightweight, portable body, the K-30 is built to be weather, dust and cold resistant with proven functionality in sub-freezing temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). Its exterior has been designed to be both sporty and functional for active outdoor photographers – a large grip provides a firm, secure hold of the camera; a low-profile pentaprism housing for reduced height; and a rounded, soft-rubber casing for a solid grip of the camera during vertical shooting.
Newly developed SAFOX IXi+ Autofocus (AF) module for improved autofocus performance
The K-30 features the new state-of-the-art SAFOX IXi+ AF sensor module, which assures responsive, high-precision autofocus operation by incorporating a diffraction lens to minimize chromatic aberration in accordance to the characteristics of each individual lens. A dedicated sensor also factors the light source into its calculations at the time of shooting. Additionally, 9 of its 11 focus points have cross-type sensors to capture subjects in sharp focus, while a spotbeam assists the AF system during low light situations. The K-30's AF algorithm has also been upgraded in all areas for efficiency and accuracy. A new expanded area AF function allows the sensor module to continue to track a moving subject in AF select mode, even when it moves out of a pre-assigned auto-tracking area, by assessing distance data collected by neighboring focus sensors. This greatly improves the accuracy and speed of detecting moving subjects during autofocus shooting, and autofocusing performance when using a telephoto lens.
High resolution, low noise, true-to-life image reproduction
The K-30 incorporates the latest 16 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS image sensor with a large image-capturing area measuring 23.7mm by 15.7mm. It assures high speed image data readout to deliver super high resolution, rich gradation digital images with approximately 16.28 effective megapixels. This image sensor is coupled in the K-30 with the PENTAX “PRIME M” imaging engine for outstanding full 1080p HD movie clips (1920x1080 pixels at 30 frames per second), in addition to outstanding still image capture processing. The camera also minimizes luminance noise at low sensitivities, while offering a wide sensitivity range between ISO 100 and ISO 12800 (ISO 25600 maximum when expanded via a custom function).
Optical finder with 100% field of view
Despite its compact body, which is smaller and lighter than traditional mid level DSLR camera models, the K-30 comes equipped with a glass pentaprism finder featuring a 100% field of view and approximately 0.92X maximum magnification (with a 50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity) to cover the entire field of view for easy focusing and framing. Since its viewfinder delivers a clear view of the subject even in the brightest sunshine while also eliminating parallax, the K-30 responds efficiently and reliably to demanding applications and subjects, such as landscapes requiring delicate, high-precision framing, and sports scenes where the timing of shutter release is critical. The K-30 also accepts interchangeable PENTAX Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screens to facilitate manual focusing operation. Optional focus screens include cross-lined and scale types, to accommodate more specialized applications.
High-speed burst shooting at approximately six images per second
When photographing sporting events, concerts or wildlife, the K-30's high-speed burst shooting function comes in handy, allowing the photographer to capture active, fast moving subjects in a series of images at a maximum speed of approximately 6 frames per second (in JPEG format).
Advanced Live View shooting
Thanks to the latest CMOS image sensor and PRIME M engine, the K-30 offers a clear, true-to-life Live View at a smooth 60 frames per second. It also features a focus peaking function during live view to improve manual focusing speed and accuracy. Live View on the K-30 also offers a choice of three grid display patterns including a Golden Section overlay, and detailed information overlay if desired by the photographer.
High quality video recording
The PENTAX K-30 features full HD video recording to capture high quality movie clips in 1080p resolution (1920x1080 pixels). The efficient h.264 compression format offers a choice of frame rates (30, 25 or 24 frames per second) at 1080p, or up to 60 FPS at 720p, to accommodate user specific applications. Video recording options are flexible, allowing the photographer to select aperture or shutter exposure control, while PENTAX Shake Reduction helps stabilize captured video. Users may add creative artistic effects to recorded clips using various Custom Image modes or record subjects in a series of video clips with the Interval Movie Shooting mode.
User friendly Auto Picture and Scene modes
The K-30 features the PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode, which analyzes a scene then automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode from Portrait, Landscape, Macro as well as others. This allows the photographer to concentrate on image composition and other creative elements while leaving more technical settings to the K-30, such as shutter speed, aperture, white balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness. The K-30 also offers 19 creative Scene modes, including Night Scene Portrait, Pet, Backlight Silhouette, and more, to simplify photographing unique subjects and scenes that often require uncommon camera settings.
PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) mechanism for sharp, blur free images
The PENTAX K-30 incorporates the PENTAX-developed SR mechanism, which effectively reduces blur due to camera shake by approximately four shutter steps. Usable with all PENTAX compatible lenses*, including those produced for film format SLR cameras, this mechanism produces sharp, blur free images even under demanding conditions that are prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without flash illumination, or capturing landscapes in twilight. The K-30's SR system also offers several other useful features to assist the photographer during shooting, including an Automatic Horizon Correction function to assure high precision image framing and effortless adjustment of horizontal alignment, a Composition Adjustment function to allow minute adjustments of image alignment horizontally/vertically/axially, and an ASTROTRACER mode to eliminate light trails during astronomical photography in combination with the optional O-GPS1 GPS Unit (available separately).
* Lenses compatible with this mechanism: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2- and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.
A selection of image processing tools for creative, personalized expression
The K-30 features a Custom Image function, which allows the user to easily and quickly select the desired finishing touch for a particular image. Choose from 11 custom settings including Bleach Bypass that creates a dramatic visual effect similar to that used in motion pictures, and Cross Process to produce fanciful, eye-catching images boasting dramatic colors. The K-30 also offers a choice of 19 creative digital filters including Miniature, which transforms an actual scene into what appears to be an image of miniature models. These filters add distinctive visual effects to captured images producing creative, artistic images without the need for a computer. The user can further expand the creative possibilities by applying multiple filters and processing modes to a single image.
Choice of two power sources
In addition to the included lithium ion battery capable of capturing approximately 480 images with a single charge**, the K-30 can also be powered by four AA-size batteries using the optional D-BH109 AA Battery Holder. Since AA batteries can be easily obtained almost anywhere around the world, there's no worry about battery shortages, even when shooting for an extended period of time or in remote locations.
** Under testing conditions prescribed by PENTAX, using the D-LI109 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery with no flash discharges.
Additional features include:
- Large, wide angle viewable 3-inch LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots of resolution
- 77 segment multi-pattern metering system for accurate light measurement
- DR (Dust Removal) mechanism to shake dust off from the surface of the CMOS image sensor
- PENTAX-designed Hyper control system to assure fast and flexible response to the photographer's creative intentions
- Dynamic range expansion function to compensate for blown out (overexposed) and muddy (underexposed) areas of an image
- Retrieve and save RAW data from buffer memory for a just-recorded JPEG image
- RAW/Fx multi-function button for on-the-fly switching of image file formats, as well as for assignment and instant recall of other specific functions
- SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0 for PENTAX (RAW processing engine developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) included
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the image quality, build quality, performance, value, and ease of use of the digital camera. They mention that it takes wonderful pictures, produces crisp shots, and holds up well. That said, they say it's a very high performance camera with smooth AF and very fast focus in low light conditions. That being said, some say it’s good value for your money.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the image quality of the camera. They say it is a precision camera that takes wonderful pictures, produces crisp shots, and has high ISO pictures that are extremely good. The optics are top notch and can match any of the top end DSLRs. The camera itself is amazing, and all their old Pentax lenses fit. DSLR cameras are great for advanced amateur photographers and professional photographers.
"...Incredible pieces of glass and generally very cheap too. Pentax has not changed the K mount except to add auto focus and auto aperture...." Read more
"...but even without using it to its best advantage I'm able to capture some very satisfying images. The more I learn the better it gets...." Read more
"...It's high ISO pictures are extremely good. I've cranked it up to ISO 6400 and notice no noise in my Christmas light photos...." Read more
"...The K-30 is a precision camera that takes wonderful pictures, with features that will delight any photographer, from beginner to Pro...." Read more
Customers like the build quality of the digital camera. For example, they mention it's well-made, and has a very solid display. Some say that it holds up well and is versatile.
"...Just like my K-r and K-01, the K-30 feels very solid and well-built. It has its share of plastic too, but somehow it just feels more durable...." Read more
"...do justice to the upgrade it is versus the K-x. 3" and 921K. A very solid display, sure no flipping and moving, but the camera is water resistant..." Read more
"...It is not a light camera overall, but it feels very solid and well-made and of course its weather-sealed...." Read more
"...quick and intuitive, the grip is great, it feels sturdy and well built, the pentaprism viewfinder covers 100% .... and it's weather sealed and has..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the performance of the camera. They mention that the AF performance is a distinct improvement over the K-x and K-r and that it has a smooth performance. They also appreciate the very fast focus in low light conditions, the speedy shutter speed, and the efficient processor. Overall, customers are happy with the camera's performance and recommend it to others.
"...the same basic look and feel of the K-r. This is a very high performance camera and I for one could scarcely ask for more, as it suits my needs..." Read more
"...advantage yet, so it's good to have a camera that performs well without the additional light and in situations where one doesn't necessarily want to..." Read more
"...Focusing is much faster than the K-x, and it does have focus peaking when composing your shot/vid...." Read more
"...It shares the same sensor but a faster, more efficient processor...." Read more
Customers find the digital camera very good value for money. They mention it has a WR body, and is rugged and hefty. Some appreciate the clearance price.
"...Incredible pieces of glass and generally very cheap too. Pentax has not changed the K mount except to add auto focus and auto aperture...." Read more
"This is a great camera, I just don't love it. It is an EXCELLENT VALUE for those looking for a more durable and versatile "entry level" camera...." Read more
"...The Pentax System is also very good, it offers great lenses at a good price, and you also have the compatibility with older lens with means you can..." Read more
"...I bought this because of all the great reviews its a great price and my old k mount lens work on it. I am so happy I got it...." Read more
Customers find the digital camera easy to use and figure out. They say the buttons are well-placed in an easy-to-use layout. The manual is comprehensive and comprehensible. Customers also mention that the mode is fun to use, requires little thinking, and is fun for experimentation with the different settings.
"...The manual is comprehensive and comprehensible, and the Pentax Forums web site (not affiliated with the manufacturer) has been really helpful as..." Read more
"...The menus are also direct and easy to use. The AF worked very well and very fast...." Read more
"...It's fast, it has 2 control wheels to make operations quick and intuitive, the grip is great, it feels sturdy and well built, the pentaprism..." Read more
"...It's an easy enough camera for a beginner and has enough room for even the intermediate photographer to grow...." Read more
Customers like the weather resistance of the digital camera. They mention that it is light, and the lenses are weather resistant. They also say that the camera is great in all weather condition, and that the weather and dust sealing is an awesome feature. The waterproofing is a bonus, and it is able to withstand water. Overall, customers are satisfied with the weather sealing in this price range.
"...More to the point, weather sealing helps for more mundane scenarios. My kid spilled milk on my camera. My water bottle leaked...." Read more
"...Class leading APS-C images, weather resistant body, fantastic ISO images, etc...." Read more
"...Some things I did love are the weather resistance (WHEN YOU HAVE WEATHER RESISTANT LENS), excellent options and image quality...." Read more
"...overall, but it feels very solid and well-made and of course its weather-sealed...." Read more
Customers like the customization of the digital camera. They mention that it has many options and features, all very easily accessible. They appreciate the excellent options and image quality. The interchangeable lenses and the highly customizable filters are a plus. The camera is able to accept practically all Pentax lenses dating back to the 1950s, and has an interesting feature set.
"...camera and I for one could scarcely ask for more, as it suits my needs perfectly." Read more
"...the weather resistance (WHEN YOU HAVE WEATHER RESISTANT LENS), excellent options and image quality...." Read more
"...offers great lenses at a good price, and you also have the compatibility with older lens with means you can find great older lens at a bargain price...." Read more
"...is really good - it's quite sharp, gives great colors, and has a handy range where I can shoot pretty wide to a decent telephoto...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the camera. Some mention it's a good entry level DSLR, perfect as a first DSLR, and has good features for the money. However, others say that it started taking dark pictures and started getting darker and darker.
"First, the Pentax K-30 is a fantastic DSLR. I highly recommend it, and for the price and features it cannot be beat...." Read more
"...The Pentax System is also very good, it offers great lenses at a good price, and you also have the compatibility with older lens with means you can..." Read more
"...After having the camera for 2 yrs 4 months, it started taking black photos in view finder...." Read more
"...The 18-135 WR is a good starter lens due to its focal length...." Read more
Reviews with images
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1) Build quality. Sorry Canon and Nikon, but your sub-1000 dollar cameras feel like toys to me. I don't mean to suggest that other companies build junk... I have friends who own Canon, Nikon, and Sony DSLRs and like them, and I have seen many good pictures come from these brands. But in terms of fit and finish, and materials, Pentax is the class leader. Just like my K-r and K-01, the K-30 feels very solid and well-built. It has its share of plastic too, but somehow it just feels more durable. I could never love a camera that cost me hundreds of dollars and feels like a toy.
2) Weather sealing. I don't often shoot in the rain, but I might occasionally. More to the point, weather sealing helps for more mundane scenarios. My kid spilled milk on my camera. My water bottle leaked. I accidentally put my bag down in a puddle. These kinds of situations are common enough (and DSLRs are expensive enough) that it's worth buying a camera that can protect itself.
3) Pentax generally offers more features at a lower price than other brands. AF fine adjustment. A pentaprism viewfinder. Dual scroll wheels. AA battery capability (if you buy the optional adapter). Focus peaking. Electronic level. Interval shooting. Catch in focus. Expanded bracketing (some of the other entry level cameras don't even offer bracketing... totally ludicrous, especially in this day and age when bracketing is more useful than ever for HDR post processing). What other camera offers all this in a sub-$500 body? None that I'm aware of.
4) Shake reduction on the body. Nikon and Canon do shake reduction (vibration reduction) on the lens, not the body. This means that their lenses are more expensive and complicated (and larger!). It also means that on a Pentax, you can use any of the hundreds of different lenses that were made from the past several decades and they will all work ... with shake reduction! I have some lenses which are almost as old as I am... they were made during the golden age of Japanese lens manufacturers in the 70s and 80s. Incredible pieces of glass and generally very cheap too. Pentax has not changed the K mount except to add auto focus and auto aperture. So you'll have to set focus and aperture manually, but once you get the hang of it, it's not a problem at all. There's a whole world of very high quality and affordable lenses for sale used that will all work just great with the K-30. For instance, one of my favorite lenses is an SMC Pentax M 50mm f/1.7 that I picked up used for twenty bucks. The shipping cost almost as much as the lens. It produces stunning images and works wonderfully with the K-30. Just read Pentax's online FAQ about how to set up the camera for older lenses and use stop down metering.
The K-30 is very similar to the K-r which I recently traded in. Yet the K-30 is more evolved. The main reason I wanted to trade was for the newer 16 MP sensor, which offers better low light performance (less digital noise). Pentax has tweaked numerous other things too, while still retaining the same basic look and feel of the K-r. This is a very high performance camera and I for one could scarcely ask for more, as it suits my needs perfectly.
I haven't used the video function at all and it isn't important to me, so I can't speak to that. This review is mostly intended for people who aren't experienced DSLR hands -- if you are one, you already know everything I do and more.
I got the body (black) with the weather-sealed 18-135mm lens because I didn't see any sense in buying a weather-sealed camera with a non-sealed lens, and I wanted the extra reach over the 18-55mm kit lens. I'm glad on both counts that I didn't go with the less expensive option, and now that the body prices are dropping with the release of the next model, the K-50, I would recommend the better lens to everybody.
I'm still learning about the camera's features and how to use them but even as a complete DSLR novice, I was able to start taking good pictures pretty much right out of the box. The menu system seems complicated initially but if one starts with the simpler settings and progresses from there, it's easy to learn. The manual is comprehensive and comprehensible, and the Pentax Forums web site (not affiliated with the manufacturer) has been really helpful as well for getting the most out of the camera.
Physically, the camera suits me well. I have relatively small hands and have no difficulty with the grip or the weight even with the larger lens. The controls are reasonably well laid out, and I've had no problem with accidentally changing settings while shooting, or with fumbling around to change things when I want to. The viewfinder is comfortable and the 100% crop prevents any surprises -- you get what you see, for good or for ill. I don't use the lcd screen to shoot very often, but haven't had any problems with it other than in very bright sunlight or at awkward angles.
There are no other weather-sealed DSLRs at this price. I like taking pictures in the rain and at the beach, so keeping water and sand out of the camera and the lens are big deals for me. I haven't been really adventurous yet, but I've had the camera out in the rain and at the beach, including one thorough salt-water soaking, with no problems. I get a little kick from watching owners of other cameras scurrying back from the waves or rushing to get their gear put away in the rain.
At this point I'm usually shooting in the mode that lets me set the aperture and shutter speed while the camera sets the ISO. At first, though, I used the auto setting almost exclusively and generally got good results. I use the image stabilization all the time because I don't have the steadiest hands, and after experimenting with it off a few times I find that it makes an enormous difference at lower shutter speeds.
The picture quality is very good. 8x10 prints from my semi-decent printer look great. The native size of the images is 13.6" x 20.5", and while I haven't seen prints that large I would expect well-executed shots to be usable at full size. That's with my decent but not great lens; I would expect better lenses to yield better results.
The camera does really well in low-light situations. Particularly when shooting in the RAW format, it's possible to retrieve very good detail from poorly-lit shots despite the increase in noise over well-lit ones. I haven't figured out how to use a flash to best advantage yet, so it's good to have a camera that performs well without the additional light and in situations where one doesn't necessarily want to announce one's presence.
Speaking of announcing one's presence: the lone drawback that I know for sure isn't a product of my own lack of experience is that the camera is pretty loud. It's noticeably noisier than my friend's Nikon D-7000, for instance. In normal environments that's not a problem, but I have drawn a few glances in quiet surroundings. Using live view with the screen, the mirror raises and lowers twice (depending on the autofocus settings) so you get twice the noise. This shouldn't be much of an issue unless you're doing candid shots in close quarters or taking close shots of shy creatures, but it is a thing, and I've felt a bit intrusive sometimes when out shooting on the street or beach.
I shoot mostly landscapes, flowers and people. I haven't done much action shooting so I can't speak to how well the camera will handle things like football (whether US or the rest of the world) and basketball and such. I have gotten some good surfing/bodyboarding shots. (To view some of my results, see flickr.com/photos/honolala)
I would advise getting a spare battery -- I got this one: Pentax K30 Digital Camera Battery Lithium Ion (1200 mAh 7.4v) - Replacement For Pentax D-Li109 Battery -- and the AA adapter just in case. I've gone more than 400 shots before changing the battery and have yet to drain one, but I don't use the flash or the LCD very often. I also recommend getting the fastest memory card you can, and carrying a spare. I got two of these SanDisk Extreme 16 GB SDHC Class 10 UHS-1 Flash Memory Card 45MB/s SDSDX-016G-AFFP cards.
The K-30 has a wealth of features that I haven't fully explored yet, but even without using it to its best advantage I'm able to capture some very satisfying images. The more I learn the better it gets. I heartily recommend it to anybody who wants the security that the weather-sealing provides along with a very good sensor and an easy-to-learn menu. It'll do you well for years to come.