Ricoh-owned Pentax has always produced cameras with a focus on providing a user-friendly camera with special attention been given to core photographic features. In the past, the camera manufacturer managed to find a great balance with its K-5. The K-5 is probably one of the best APC-C DSLR’s out there and now the K-30 aims to make the K-5 formula more accessible.
Externally – The K-30 has a weather sealed poly-carbonate exterior, it has twin control dials with a top plate as well. It doesn’t have all the controls of the K-5, but it is cheaper.
Internally – The K-30 uses an updated 23.7 x 15.7 mm APS-C CMOS censor, which handles 16 MP and performs very well under low-light conditions, which by itself is a big plus for the APS-C camera. It has in-body stabilization, and supports ISO 100-12800, which is expandable. The camera records 1080p HD movies and has a 920,000 dot LCD.
Performance – Menu navigation is easy enough with the K-30. It also performs well under continuous shooting modes, with good metering modes and white balance modes. However, it would be a good idea to use a manual setting while shooting in warm artificial light. The battery will last for roughly 270 minutes of movie recording time, or 410 exposures.
Overall – The Pentax K-30 it great for still shooting. With a great user-interface and a good weather sealed body, along with ergonomic controls, it fits well in the hands. You would need to think twice before buying the camera for its video mode, but for the price (USD 899.95 with kit lens) and the feature set, it’s a great camera to go for.
