dslr k-30 review web lr

8/13/2019 DSLR K-30 Review Web LR

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PENTAX K30ROBUST & WEATHERPROOF MIDRANGE DSLR AT AN ENTRYLEVEL PRICE

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www.pentax.co.uk


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CANON AND NIKON have suchdominance on the digital SLRmarket that its difficult for otherbrands to gain a sizeable chunk of

the sales, although it has to be said thatSonys Alpha series has made some inroads.Pentax has enjoyed a long heritage as an SLRmanufacturer, although in recent years it hasfaced a tough time, despite releasing superbmodels like the K-5 and K-7. Following ashort relationship with Samsung, its nowowned by electronics giant Ricoh, whichpromises further heavy investment intoDSLRs and Compact System Cameras.

Pentax has yet to release a professionalDSLR, instead choosing to aim its models atconsumers in other words, amateursranging from beginner through toenthusiast. The K-30 is priced at 519body-only, which is where youll traditionallyfind entry-level cameras like the Canon EOS550D and Nikon D3200. However, Pentax

describes it as a mid-level model, whichtraditionslly boasts a better build quality andrange of features, along with a suitably moreexpensive price tag. So, which is the K-30?A bargain enthusiast model or a hyped-upentry-level DSLR? Lets find out

Handling & ease of use SCORE 23/25You can see why Pentax classes this as amid-range DSLR from the moment you firstpick it up. The body feels very robust andreassuringly heavy compared to entry-levelmodels. When it comes to build quality, theK-30 really does bear a closer resemblanceto mid-range models than entry-levelDSLRs, with the large handgrip providing avery secure hold. While feeling more solidand heavier than similarly priced models, thePentax manages to retain a compact bodysize, providing a tough yet small option forthose who may want to use the camera inwet conditions. In this respect, the K-30 is

more than suitable, boasting a level of

weatherproofing that exceeds anything elsecurrently available at this price point (seepanel). Another area where the K-30 differsfrom other models is its design, which isbolder and more angular than its rivals. Thebody shape is a mix of straight lines, curvesand perforated rubberised panels that makeit stand out from the crowd and provide itwith a distinctive and modern appeal.

With beginners in mind, Pentax hasensured the layout of controls wont proveintimidating and getting used to the variousfunctions shouldnt cause any problems,even if youve not used a Pentax before.

There are a similar number of buttons to

what youd find on other cameras andtheyre nicely laid out and labelled so youcan find your way around quickly. Most arelocated on the rear to the right of the 3in LCDmonitor, with the now universal four-waycontrol set-up allowing for rapid changes tokey functions. One key difference topractically every other consumer-levelcamera is that the Menu button is locatedclose to the four-way control, with itscustomary position above the LCD beingoccupied by the LV (LiveView) button. Its aformat that is sure to find favour on futurecameras, as its a very logical arrangementthat works extremely well.

The 3in monitor sports a 920,000-dotscreen that provides a crisp, colourfuldisplay, with the Info button alongside theMenu button allowing you to quickly change

the monitor from exposure information toother options like the electronic level. Theformat of the menu system has changedvery little, providing a comprehensive anduser-friendly experience.

The other key area where the K-30 iscloser to enthusiast-level than entry-level iswith the size and clarity of the viewfinder. Itsbigger and brighter than similarly pricedmodels and makes framing of the image farmore comfortable and enjoyable. The finalpoint of praise for the Pentax is in theinclusion of two input dials, one on thehandgrip and the other on the thumbrest,which is a feature that can improve speed ofoperation and is something usually onlyfound on more expensive models.

ABOVE: The angular design of the K-30 makes itvery distinctive, while the weather-sealed bodymakes it ideal for use in bad weather.

RIGHT:The multi-zone metering pattern is

reliable and handled this scene with a wideexpanse of sky with ease.

Pentax K-30: Dimensions

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Body only:519 (Guide) / 519(Street)

18-55mm DAL kit:599 (Guide) / 599 (Street)

Image sensor:CMOS APS-C

Image resolution: 16.28-megapixels

LCD:3in (921,000 dots)

Storage:SD (SDHC/SDXC)

Weight:650g (including battery and card)

Pentax K-30

REPRINTED FROM: NOVEMBER 2012 /DIGITAL SLR PHOTOGRAPHY

In the boxThe Pentax K-30 is supplied with thefollowing: Li-ion battery (D-LI109), batterycharger (D-BC109), body cap, wide strap,interface and AV cables, software CD,eyepiece cap and owners manual.


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REPRINTED FROM: NOVEMBER 2012 /DIGITAL SLR PHOTOGRAPHYREPRINTED FROM: NOVEMBER 2012 /DIGITAL SLR PHOTOGRAPHY

Viewfinder

Key features

Features SCORE 22/25The specification of the K-30 bears a

stronger link to the more expensiveenthusiast-level K-5 and K-7 than the olderentry-level models, the K-r and K-m. The16.28-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor isnewly developed, having only appearedpreviously on the K-01 CSC launched earlierthis year. Along with the PRIME M imagingengine, it offers shooting at a veryrespectable six frames per second (fps), witha choice of ISOs ranging from ISO 100 to12800 (expandable to 25600). Movie-makers arent left wanting, with Full HD(1080p) available at 30, 25 or 24fps.

As with other Pentax models, the body ofthe K-30 sports Shake Reduction, whicheffectively means every lens used on thecamera benefits from image stabilisation.

The 11-point AF system covers a goodarea of the frame and offers single-shot,

continuous AF and Auto (a combination ofthe two). It allows you to select individualpoints, have all 11 or a group of five active, aswell as giving you the option when shootingin Auto or Continuous to select seven ornine AF points to improve focus tracking.There is also an AF assist lamp on the body toassist focus in low light by firing out a brightgreen beam of light.

There is an excellent range of exposuremodes available to suit all levels ofphotographer. As well as the semi-auto andmanual options, there are several fullyautomatic program modes, including anextensive choice of scene modes coveringall manner of shooting situations, fromForest to Food to Stage Lighting. There are

The K-30s viewfinder is far superior tosimilarly priced rivals. It features a glassprism with a 0.92x magnification andnear-100% coverage, which provides abigger, brighter viewfinder image that isfar more user-friendly and enjoyable touse than the type that typifies this pricepoint. The screen is interchangeable, too,so if you shoot specialised types ofphotography, youve the option to changeit for one that better suits your needs.

CMOS SENSORMeasuring 23.7x15.7mm,the APS-C CMOS sensor is the same as thatused in the K-5 and K-01, offering aresolution of 16.28-million pixels..

WEATHERPROOF BODYThe K-30 is ideallysuited to theEnglish climate,sporting 81 seals tomake its bodyweather-resistantand dustproof. In fact, its designed for usein very harsh conditions, working intemperatures as low as -10C.

PRIME MPROCESSORThe PRIME Mimaging enginehandles theprocessing of stillimages and video.Images can becaptured at up to six frames per second,while Full HD movies (1920x1080p) can berecorded at 30fps. The sensitivity range is avery respectable ISO 100-25600.

AUTOFOCUS SYSTEM The 11-point AFsystem boasts nine cross-type sensors andis controlled by the SAFOX IX+ AF sensormodule. A spotbeam projector facility helpsthe AF system lock on subjects in low light.

WHEN IT COMES TO BUILD QUALITY, THE PENTAX K30BEARS A CLOSE RESEMBLANCE TO MIDRANGE MODELS

Verdictalso two User-defined modes so that you

can customise the camera to suit yourshooting preferences. Metering options aremulti-zone, spot and centre-weighted, andoverrides include exposure compensation,AE-Lock and auto bracketing.

Videographers have a limited but usefulchoice of movie settings, being able to shootin program, aperture-priority or manual,with the option to change the resolution,frame rate and recording level of the built-inmic however, there is no socket for anexternal microphone.

There is a comprehensive number of flashmodes that can be used with the integralflash or dedicated units. As well as autoflash

there is red-eye reduction, slow-sync,slow-sync with red-eye and second-curtainslow-sync, a wireless flash option and flashexposure compensation (+1 to -2 EV).

As well as Picture Styles like Natural,Portrait and Landscape, there are moreunusual settings including Cross Processingand Bleach Bypass. There are also severaldigital filters that can be used on existingJPEG images to create new versions withcreative effects including Shading, ToyCamera and Posterization.

Finally, a nice touch is the shape of thelithium battery compartment, which as wellas accepting the lithium battery, can acceptAA batteries via an optional battery holder.

Overall, the K-30 is brimming with more

than enough features for newcomers andplenty to keep more experiencedphotographers happy.

Performance SCORE 23/25Weve come to expect good things fromPentax DSLRs in the last couple of years andthe K-30 doesnt disappoint with anexcellent all-round performance. Themetering system, in particular, provesreliable and along with the White Balanceand other areas of the exposure system,serves to produce natural colours but with avery good contrast and saturation. Theautofocus system works very well, althoughits slightly noisier than Canon and Nikon

models. It occasionally hunts in low light andtracking fast subjects does cause it someproblems, but this is expected from acamera of this price. If you regularly useLiveView, then you can expect to frequentlyuse manual focus as the AF is prone tohunting as it struggles to lock on the subject.Images show very good detail in JPEGs aswell as Raw (.DNG) files and the level of noiseis very well managed, so you can shoot asfast as ISO 1600 with confidence.

Its worth bearing in mind the nigglesraised are common on pretty much everycamera at this price point, so dont let themput you off this Pentax. You can be assuredthe K-30 provides a camera thats capable ofdelivering first-rate results.

Pentax deserves great creditfor producing an affordableand relatively compactDSLR that has the robust,weatherproof build of anenthusiast-level model and arange of features that will satisfy alllevels of photographer. This does mean itsheavier, but thats a price most people arehappy to pay for a camera that can be usedin harsh conditions without fear of it beingdamaged by the elements. The K-30scores well, too, for being easy to use andproduces beautiful images that are

bursting with colour. Its 16.28-megapixelresolution falls short of the Canons18-million pixels and the Nikon D3200s24-megapixels, but even so, the file sizesare more than big enough for high-qualityA3 prints. The Pentax is a strong contenderas one of the best entry-level models, soplace it on your shortlist, especially if youregularly shoot outdoors in poor weather.

Handling & ease of use 23/25

Features 22/25

Performance 23/25

Value for money 23/25

Overall 91/100

ABOVE: This set of images provides examples ofthe effects that are possible from a selection ofthe K-30s digital filters. Theyre an acquiredtaste but can yield interesting results.

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Original

Sketch Watercolor

Shading

High contrast

Soft

BRIMMING WITH FEATURES FOR NEWCOMERS ANDPLENTY TO KEEP EXPERIENCED PHOTOGRAPHERS HAPPY


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Comparison table: Pentax K-30 and rival digital SLRs at a similar price point

REPRINTED FROM: NOVEMBER 2012 /DIGITAL SLR PHOTOGRAPHY

dslr k-30 review web lr

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