Our verdict
Using the Pentax K-30 is particularly enjoyable. I would not hesitate to take the camera out in adverse weather and most key exposure controls are quick to access and make adjustments. I find the multi-segment metering a little unpredictable, though, and had to be more active making exposure adjustments than I would like. For a camera at this level, the AF system performs well in a number of situations, but the motor in most Pentax lenses is far too noisy.
JPEG compression applies sharpening that is on the aggressive side, but otherwise I am very happy with the images the K-30 produces, particularly in low light situations. Also, the colour rendition is accurate, so images can be used straight out of the camera.
All in all, Pentax has successfully taken much that we loved about the K-5 and put it into the K-30.
Pentax K-30 – Key features
Live view
Pentax introduces focus peaking to live view. Also available is grid display, info overlay, histogram and bright area (which indicates burnt-out highlights in the frame)
Dioptre adjustment
Dioptre correction is controlled via the lever on the top of the viewfinder, with adjustments from -2.5 to +1.5
Remote control port
K-30 accessories that attach via the remote control port include an optional CS-205 cable release, which could turn out to be a good accessory given that mirror lock-up is only available in timed-delay drive mode
Info button
This button accesses a menu containing 15 settings, none of which is available through a dedicated button on the body. Controls include metering, file format and size, HDR mode and shake reduction
Built-in flash
The built-in flash has a GN of 12m @ISO 100 output, and offers -2 to +1EV compensation on its standard flash modes, as well as redeye reduction, slow-sync, trailing curtain sync and wireless control
GPS
With the optional GPS unit attached to the camera, the time of capture can be synced to files, as well as a record of one’s position at intervals every 1-10 minutes, which is great for keeping a record of a route taken while exploring
In-camera editing
It would be easy to leave the camera on its standard settings in raw capture because numerous edits can be made to an image post-capture, including digital filters, image rotation, cropping and raw-to-JPEG conversion. The K-30 offers more options than most other cameras
Copyright information
Those who want to protect ownership of each image recorded with the K-30 can embed copyright data, which includes an option for the photographer as well as the copyright holder
