Pentax 16.28 Megapixels K-30 Weather-Resistant DSLR Review by StevesDigicam

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 review by Steve's Digicam:

"High ISO performance is impressive. In my test shots the K-30 performed well even at ISO 3200. You can shoot at up to ISO 12800, though the noise becomes a bit too obstructive on fine details beginning at ISO 6400, in my opinion, when using NR Auto (the default). Even at the highest ISO settings, however, the shots are certainly usable, and you can choose from three levels of noise reduction: low, medium, and high. From my test shots, it appeared that the camera was applying medium noise reduction to shots taken at the highest ISO settings. Shots with low NR looked noticeably noisier, and those with high NR had a more smeared look on fine lines and details. Image quality is impressive. The 16-megapixel CMOS sensor captures sharp, accurate exposures. And the high performance in low light gives you a lot of flexibility - I was able to capture good-looking handheld shots indoors at ISO 1600 and ISO 3200, without flash. You can shoot HD video but not play it in high-definition from the camera. The camera records full 1080P HD video, but it has only one port - a combination mini USB/AV port for playing it on a TV. You can make minor edits to your video in the camera; in movie edit mode you can cut a video file into separate segments. The K-30 records high-quality video, though in low light the video suffers from distracting graininess. Autofocus can be a little slow to adjust to moving subjects or zooming; and though you can use manual focus, this might be best only when using the viewfinder. That's because when shooting movies using live view, the LCD only displays focus peaking before you start shooting. Once video recording begins, the edge highlights disappear. 

Perhaps the most heavily promoted feature of this camera is one we are not exactly encouraged to test - its weatherproof design. The reinforced poly carbonate body over stainless steel chassis is rated to operate at temperatures as cold as 14°F, and as hot as 104°F. If you're out to capture adventures in the rugged outdoors, this design is a definite plus, especially since it offers weatherproof specifications; so getting caught in a rain or snow storm is no worry; as long as you are also using a weatherproof rated lens. And, if you're doing that, you're likely to be interested in the optional GPS unit, whose data is available in the camera via detailed information display, along with photographer name and copyright information. You can also get a wireless remote, though there's one odd caveat: Auto focus does not work by default with the wireless remote - you have to change the setting. Bottom line - The K-30 is fast, full-featured, and fun to operate. It delivers high image quality, records HD video, and is sturdy and weatherproof. Even if you're not the outdoorsy type, the flexibility for fast adjustments offered by the programmable buttons and two well-placed dials make the K-30 a serious contender. If a few autofocus quirks don't throw you, this dSLR will likely thrill you."

Better than my K-5 maybe but watch the price, John A. Byrne - Jun 13 2013
I bought this camera since my K-5 has the mirror lock-up problem and I did not have time ot get it fixed in time for a European vacation. It was easier, faster and almost the same price to get this camera instead of a fix for the K-5 and I took over 4000 shots and just love it. The ergonomics are terrific and I have large hands. The color, dynamic range and ease of use m...

This is a great camera!, Dude - Jun 09 2013
It takes great pictures. The display is easy to read. I have used it in rain storms and it has worked great....

Great upgrade, Family man - Jun 08 2013
We were shooting a K-100, which was good, but with kids moving into sports and a big trip coming up, we felt it was time to upgrade. Paired with the Sigma 18-250 as the walking-around lens and the Pentax 50 f1.4 for low light/no flash situations, it's a versatile package and a great upgrade....

Great Camera, JaguarOT - Jun 07 2013
I was really looking to step up to the true DSLR world. Having owned a couple cameras with swiveling LCDs and large optical zooms (Casio QV8000sx and Canon Powershot S2 1s), I knew I could get similar zoom-ability and much better optics with a few interchangeable lenses, but I thought the swivel LCD would be a necessity. OTOH, I had four lenses left over from my 35mm day...