Skip to main content

Some Pentax K-30 Information


The Pentax K-30 information was leaked. 

K-30 looks pretty cool!

Update: See official information on PentaxForums.com

EDIT: Some updates for new information…

Specifications so far I personally think are valid:

  • Traditional digital SLR camera.
  • 16 Mega-pixel sensor with video capabilities like the K-01
  • Weather resistant (Pentax WR).
  • Uses AA or rechargeable batteries. Basically the same power system as the K-r.
  • ISO range from 100 to 25600.
  • Black, white, and blue body panels in the USA.
  • 3-inch LCD like existing K-7/K-5/K-01 cameras.
  • Dual scroll wheel operation.
  • The shutter/mirror system appears to be from the K-r, so 6fps operation and 1/6000th maximum shutter speed (the negative being louder compared to the K-5’s).

I personally like the rugged look, especial since I think it will be able to back up the claim. This will be one of the smallest large-sensor weather resistant cameras out there. The Olympus OM-D is probably the only real competition, but Pentax has it topped in affordable WR glass and the positives of a traditional SLR camera system.

If Pentax completely moves rugged with their entire DSLR line, that is the smartest thing they will do in a long time. This is the type of differentiator they need to sway people from other systems. Seriously, if this gets into retails stores, I could see it being very appealing to the average customers who like the outdoors. I’d like to see all of the lenses in the K-mount line up eventually be revamped to incorporate WR (some would probably have two versions for cost reasons). I saw some talk that the camera will be offered in Target, which would be a big step for them.

Not having a top LCD is probably going to be a bit difficult to transition to, but the suggested price needed some compromises to work. I also hope they didn’t skimp on the mirror/shutter system and decided to use a k-5 or better shutter in the sound department. I think this might be my K-7 replacement and be the Robin to my K-5 Batman. I’m hoping that the camera will use D-LI90 batteries like the K-7/K-5/K-01 use. Signs currently point to something like the K-r battery setup, which I feel apathetic about. It will mean I need to lug around different types of batteries and chargers for when I attend conventions.

Modes:

  • AUTO, SCN, U1, U2, B, M, TAv, Av, Tv, Sv, P, and Movie.
  • It’s nice to see that lineup is more like the K-5 and anything else. TAv and Sv on the dial are a big plus. I also am glad to see U1 and U2 as separate items. I don’t like how the K-5 handles the 5 offered user modes by popping up a display to select one out of the 5 when the USER mode is selected.
  • A cheap WR camera body seems to have an unintended consequence. The photos seem to indicate that ports are missing. It looks like the panel is large enough for a mini-USB port and I see one on the other side for the cable release. That probably means no MIC input port and no HDMI…
  • A Pentaprism with 100% view is a great addition to this level of camera (0.92x magnification).
  • Newegg lists the release date as 07/09/2012 at a price of $899.95 with a DA-L kit lens. A bit more expensive that I was expecting.

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Nikon Z5ii Announced and My Thoughts vs the Original Z5

The Nikon Z5ii was announced recently. I haven't actually used this new camera myself, so keep that in mind. This is going to be mostly me looking at the specs and comparing it to the original Nikon Z5, which I've been using for a few years now. The original Nikon Z5 camera. Overall, the original Z5 isn't a bad camera. I've gotten it to a point where it works how I want it to and it's reliable for what I do.  My main use case is often anime and comic conventions, going there and taking photos of people in cosplay. I usually use the 40mm f/2 lens on the Z5, and it works well for that.  First-person view using the Nikon Z5 at an anime convention. Nikon Z5ii vs Z5: The Spec Sheet Comparison  Nikon has a handy comparison section on their Z5ii page, so let's break down some key differences based on that and my experience with the original. Nikon's website comparing the Z5ii and the original Z5 specifications. First up, the sensor. The Z5ii gets a backside-illumi...
Read more

Xenvo Smartphone Lens Kit Overview

I recently took a look at the Xenvo "Ultimate Smartphone Lens Kit," an add-on system designed to enhance your phone's camera capabilities. I purchased this myself; it wasn't sent to me, and I wanted to share my experiences using it. The kit aims to give you both wider angle shots and detailed macro photos using a clip-on lens system. Let's see what's included and how well it works. The Xenvo "Ultimate Smartphone Lens" Kit packaging. What's in the Box? Opening the box reveals the core components: the lens system itself, which consists of a 15x macro lens and a 0.45x wide-angle lens attachment. It's important to note that the wide-angle piece needs to be screwed onto the macro lens to function correctly; using the wide-angle part alone doesn't really produce a usable image. Inside the box: the lens, case, and accessories. You also get a plastic clip mount to attach the lens assembly to your phone. Alongside the lenses, Xenvo includes severa...
Read more

Nikon D3500 Hands-On And Opinion

Today we are taking a look at the entry level standard F-mount Nikon DSLR in their line-up. This is the latest iteration in their D3000 series of cameras started in 2009.  With lower cost DSLR we can expect certain features like FP sync not being included as well as fewer direct control dials and other buttons. For this iteration it comes with a 24.2 megapixel DX (APS-C) sensor with a sensitivity range of 100 to 25600.  My video on the camera. Get the Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera through my links: Amazon.com , BHPhotoVideo.com , Used on KEH.com , Walmart.com , and eBay.com As an affiliate of these shops, I earn from qualifying purchases!  The D3500’s sensor is visible in cleaning mode. There is no shake reduction in the camera, but the kit lens does have VR. The standard optical viewfinder has 95% frame coverage with a 0.85x magnification.  The DSLR focusing system is the 11-point Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection giving you a detection ran...
Read more