Pentax 16.28 Megapixels K-30 Weather-Resistant DSLR First Look Review by WDC

On May 21 2012, Pentax announced the 16.28 Megapixels weather and dust resistant DSLR camera - the PENTAX K-30. It features a compact & lightweight body, 16.28 Megapixels CMOS sensor, new SAFOX IXi+ AF sensor module with 9 cross points out of 11, and the 81 seals weather, dust and cold resistant body. It also comes with a glass prism optical finder with 100% field of view, high-speed burst shooting at 6 fps, a high-speed shutter unit with a top speed of 1/6000 second, dual electronic dials to access to exposure control and several Auto Picture and scene modes, as well as a 3-inch 920K LCD display, an ISO range reaching to 25,600, and 1080P video at 30fps (30, 25, 24, and 60fps at 720P). It is compatible with all PENTAX K-mount lenses.

The K-30 features the Auto Picture mode, which analyzes a scene then automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode from Portrait, Landscape, Macro as well as others. It also offers 19 creative Scene modes, including Night Scene Portrait, Pet, Backlight Silhouette, etc. The new K-30 is available in three body colors: Crystal White, Crystal Blue, and traditional Black. The K-30 is listed for $849.95 body only, and $899.95 for the kit including the DA L 18-55mm zoom lens. Here's the summary of first look review by WhatDigitalCamera:

"Much like the K-5, the K-30 features an 11-point AF system and the Advanced SAFOX IXi+ autofocus engine offers improved optical components, including a diffraction lens to enhance autofocus operation in any lighting conditions. To change the AF point you're required to use the central OK button. This activates the four way buttons to reposition the AF point and then to return back again you hold down the OK button for a second. An initial test of the autofocus system revealed a quick and snappy response. Paired with the 18-55mm DA L kit lens the camera locked onto subjects with no signs of hesitation. It seemed responsive in AF-C continuous mode too though we'll put it through tougher tests for our full review shortly. Set to continuous shooting the K-30 rattles out a burst at a speedy 6fps. This setting was quick to access and is certainly going to popular for those who'd like to capture a series of shots in very quick succession. Another feature that's a welcomed addition is weather sealing. Typically, weather sealing is more commonly found on semi-pro models and it reveals Pentax's commitment to providing the user with a camera that'll withstand use in any shooting environment. In total there are 81 seals around the body making it weather-resistant, dustproof and cold-proof (with proven functionality in temperatures as low as -10°C). We'll give the rubber seals more of a rigorous test in our full review but after dousing with water we encountered no initial problems or issues. Handling wise, the K-30 feels superb. The grip is reasonably large meaning you can wrap your hand round it and get a good, strong grasp. The thumb rest at the rear of the camera is superbly profiled and contributes to a fantastic handling impression. The menu system has also seen some changes and it appears brighter and more colourful than before.

Overall, our initial impressions of the K-30 are very good. We're yet to study the image quality results under close scrutiny and we looking forward to taking a wide selection of sample images over the next week. If it produces similar image quality results to the K-01 as we anticipate, then the K-30 could be a great mid-level DSLR. Be sure to check back to What Digital Camera very soon to read our full review."

Excellent product, Florin Vitan - May 13 2013
This is my second Pentax SLR and it's an excellent product. It has a unbeatable price for its middle range class...

Fantastic First DSLR, J. Flores - May 01 2013
I absolutely love this camera. It is rugged and hefty and I personally love the design of it. The image quality is amazing. This is my first DSLR as my previous camera was a Canon SX160. I switched b/c Canon was lacking in the image quality dept. IMO the auto-focus is very fast and I am very happy with the kit lens as well. The color reproduction is fantastic. I used to...

Amazing camera, greasy - Apr 26 2013
Both easy to use while producing great results in all possible confitions (light, weather, moving subject). the 18-135mm versaility is perfect if you do not want to travel with mutliple lenses....

I love my Pentax K-30, Michelle Dean - Apr 19 2013
I don't photograph professionally but I love taking picture an have always wanted a dslr camera. I looked into all different brands and levels of camera and I am very happy with this camera. The weather resistance is an awesome feature however I really haven't been brave enough to test it yet. It fits well in my hand, and has a more rugged feel to it, which is good becau...