Pentax K-30 Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview of the Pentax K-30 characterizes the 16MP DSLR as a highly capable, mid-level camera featuring a robust, fully weather-sealed chassis, a 100% coverage viewfinder, and exceptional low-light image quality. Key strengths include a 6fps burst rate, dual-dial controls, and the ability to use AA batteries, making it a strong, feature-packed option for stills photographers. Conversely, the review notes significant limitations, such as the lack of a dedicated video button, no external microphone jack, and only 410 shots per charge with the standard battery. Furthermore, the camera's aggressive, angular design and absence of a top-plate LCD are potential drawbacks for some users.

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Pentax K-30 as a feature-rich, weather-sealed, and highly competitive mid-level DSLR that delivers excellent 16.3-megapixel image quality with superb colour reproduction, high saturation, and reliable white balance. Performance strengths include a 100% glass pentaprism viewfinder, 6 frames per second shooting, and a capable Shake Reduction system. Conversely, limitations cited include an unconventional, angular body design that may not appeal to all users and a somewhat limited battery life compared to competitors. The review praises the weather-sealing and rugged build as a major advantage, making it an excellent choice for outdoor photography at a reasonable price point.

Pentax K-30 Review Summary The Pentax K-30 is an APS-C format DSLR featuring a 16.28-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with a PRIME M processing engine, allowing for 6fps continuous JPEG shooting and Full HD video capture. Standing out in a market dominated by Canon and Nikon, this robust camera uniquely offers enthusiast-level features in a highly durable, weather-sealed body protected by 81 distinct seals. A major highlight of the K-30 is its advanced sensor-shift Shake Reduction system, which not only stabilizes almost any mounted lens but can also automatically rotate by up to 1 degree to correct crooked horizons and adjust compositions by up to 1mm for precise macro alignment. It further elevates the shooting experience by incorporating a 100% field-of-view optical viewfinder, a high-resolution LCD screen, and dual power compatibility with both Lithium-ion and standard AA batteries. While the camera delivers highly detailed, rich imagery and excellent overall performance, it does exhibit a few functional drawbacks. Users looking to capture professional audio alongside their video will find the total omission of an external microphone port to be a notable limitation....

The Amateur Photographer review of the Pentax K-30 characterizes the 16.3-megapixel APS-C DSLR as a feature-rich, high-performance option in its class, featuring robust weather sealing and a unique angular polycarbonate design. Key strengths highlighted include excellent high-ISO image quality, a bright 100% field-of-view viewfinder, and a speedy 6fps burst rate. Conversely, the review notes significant limitations, specifically mentioning sluggish contrast-detect Live View autofocus and a lack of continuous tracking in 1080p video mode. Further drawbacks include a redesigned, less intuitive button layout and a weak LCD exposure simulation, though it maintains a high feature-to-price ratio.

The Pentax K-30 stands out as a uniquely durable, weather-sealed mid-price DSLR, featuring a robust stainless steel chassis and a deep, comfortable handgrip. Its exceptional, weather-resistant build quality, allowing for reliable operation in challenging conditions, is a major advantage for outdoor photographers. However, the camera suffers from a lack of physical feedback in the shutter button, which lacks a positive feel when trying to lock focus. Despite this, the review commends the camera's ability to offer professional-grade, high-end sealing at a consumer price point. What Digital Camera

The Pentax K-30 review highlights a solidly built, mid-range DSLR camera packed with high-end features, notably its standout weather sealing that allows operation in harsh, wet, cold, or dusty environments. The camera features a 16.3-megapixel sensor, a 6 frames-per-second continuous burst rate, and full HD video capability. On the positive side (pros), the reviewer was highly impressed with its excellent color reproduction and great performance at higher sensitivities up to ISO 1,600. Additionally, the camera offers a large, comfortable handgrip, highly intuitive menus, an easy-to-use highlight/shadow correction feature, and represents exceptional financial value in its class. Conversely, the reviewer noted several distinct drawbacks (cons), most notably its pitifully slow autofocus capabilities in low-light environments, which caused multiple missed shots and blurred images. The camera's 18-55mm kit lens specifically struggles to focus quickly, although performance reportedly improves with a pricier 18-135mm lens alternative. From an ergonomic standpoint, minor flaws include a counter-intuitive on/off switch direction, an awkward far-left placement of the aperture control dial, and an overly sensitive shutter button. Finally, the camera suffers from slight under-exposure in high-contrast scenes, a...

The Trusted Reviews evaluation highlights the Pentax K-30 as a feature-rich, mid-range DSLR, specifically praising its durable, weather-sealed construction and high-quality 16.3-megapixel sensor. Key advantages include a fast 6fps burst rate, dual control dials, and a 100% field-of-view viewfinder, making it a robust, well-handling choice for photography. Conversely, the review notes significant limitations, including sluggish contrast-detect autofocus in Live View and heavy color noise at high ISO settings of 12,800 and above. Additionally, the camera lacks a dedicated movie button for quick video switching and misses an external microphone port, which may hinder video production.

The What Digital Camera review identifies the Pentax K30 as a durable, weather-sealed 16.3MP APS-C DSLR offering exceptional value, featuring a 100% viewfinder and twin control dials rare at its price point. It delivers high-quality images with an updated 11-point autofocus system capable of a 6fps burst rate. However, the camera is limited by sluggish Live View contrast-detection autofocus, a lack of continuous AF in video mode, and the absence of a 3.5mm microphone port. Furthermore, it features a fixed, non-tilting LCD screen and a relatively low-capacity battery.

The Pentax K-30 is a mid-level DSLR featuring, rugged, weather-sealed construction and a 16.1MP sensor delivering excellent image quality for its class. Key advantages include intuitive ergonomics with twin control dials and fast operational speeds powered by the PRIME M processor. Conversely, the camera suffers from short battery life, lacks an optional battery grip, and misses features such as an HDMI output or external microphone jack. Video performance is also limited by slow, noisy autofocus and the absence of focusing tools, including a lack of an included AA battery adapter.

The Pentax K-30, reviewed by The Verge, is a mid-range DSLR noted for bringing pro-level weatherproofing, a 16-megapixel sensor, and a 100% field-of-view pentaprism viewfinder to a competitive price point. Its strengths include excellent low-light image quality, in-body stabilization, and a robust, dual-dial design. Conversely, the rugged design results in a plasticky feel with mushy buttons, while performance is hindered by slow continuous autofocus and below-average battery life. The camera also lacks an articulating screen and external microphone input, limiting its utility for video-focused users.

The Pentax K-30 achieves an impressive DxOMark score of 79, placing it on par with older full-frame digital reflex cameras like the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, thanks to its high-performing 16-megapixel Sony APS-C CMOS sensor. The camera demonstrates high-caliber image quality, particularly when shooting at low ISO settings. Its notable pros include an excellent color depth score of 23.7 bits—which rivals the full-frame Canon EOS 5D Mark III—alongside great low-light sensitivity and strong dynamic range. Testing reveals that it significantly outperforms entry-level and same-generation competitors like the Pentax K-x and the Canon EOS 600D across all image quality criteria. Despite these strengths, the K-30 exhibits a few distinct cons that hold it back from absolute top-tier status. Its dynamic range maxes out at 13EV, which is slightly inferior to its expert-level predecessor, the Pentax K-5, because the K-30 lacks an 80 ISO setting to maximize exposure latitude in the shadows. Additionally, its low-light performance still lags behind modern full-format cameras, and it introduces aggressive software smoothing from 1600 ISO onwards. While this digital processing effectively limits noise at high...

The What Digital Camera review identifies the Pentax K-30 as a robust, weather-sealed mid-range DSLR offering excellent handling, superb ergonomics, and high-quality images from its 16.3-megapixel sensor, along with a 6 fps burst rate. Key advantages include its durable, weather-resistant construction rarely found in its class, coupled with a fast, reliable viewfinder autofocus system. Conversely, the review notes significant drawbacks, particularly a sluggish, slow-focusing contrast-detect system in Live View compared to competitors. Furthermore, the K-30 is criticized for its lack of continuous autofocus during video recording, limiting its versatility for videographers.

The Photo Review Australia assessment highlights the Pentax K-30 as a robust, "upper" entry-level DSLR featuring a weather-sealed polycarbonate body and a 16.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with in-body image stabilization. Key advantages include a comfortable deep grip, 100% field-of-view optical viewfinder, twin control dials, and the ability to use AA batteries. Conversely, the review notes limitations, including a relatively low 410-shot battery life and polarizing, aggressive styling. Significant drawbacks include poor video implementation, which lacks a dedicated record button, lacks an external mic port, and produces high operational noise.