Your cart is empty.
Your cart is empty.Product Description
Encased in a compact fully weather sealed body, the Pentax K-30 digital SLR comes equipped with a host of advanced photographic tools for the easy creation of great pictures in any weather condition. This compact but solid Pentax K-30 digital SLR comes equipped with a host of advanced photographic tools for the easy creation of great pictures, while delivering high standards of image quality, data processing speed and operability. Developed using the highly acclaimed Pentax K-7 as its base, the K-5 inherits the exceptional reliability, user-friendly operation, array of advanced features and compact, lightweight body of its predecessor. However, it is more resourceful and flexible in photographic expression. Combining a new high-speed, low-noise CMOS image sensor it produces super-high-resolution, rich-gradation digital images with approximately 16.3 effective megapixels, even when shooting in the continuous shooting mode at a maximum speed of approximately 6 images per second. It also offers an extra-wide sensitivity range between ISO 100 and ISO 25600 (when expanded via a custom function) and full HD-proportion movie recording at 1920 x 1080p @30/25/24 fps w/h.264 compression to expand the boundaries of high-quality visual presentation. In camera sensor shift image stabilization that allows usage with any K-mount lens. Adding other improvements and refinements--such as a faster autofocusing speed, an upgraded HDR (High Dynamic Range) function now usable in handheld shooting, and better operability through an overall review of the design and shape of all components - the K-30 is designed to be more functional and maneuverable in every detail, and in its response to the demands of the photographer in any weather condition.
From the Manufacturer
Thanks to the K-30, for the first time in a long time location doesn't matter. Whether it's a sandy day at the beach or a trek into the wet rainforests of Belize, the K-30 is the ideal DSLR camera to capture your memories regardless of your location or the elements you face. Its 16 megapixel sensor and full 1080P HD video capabilities coupled with a fully weather sealed, dustproof and coldproof, ergonomic body, give you the flexibility and comfortability to shoot what you want, when you want and where you want.
Weather resistant design ideal for travel and outdoor photography
Featuring 81 seals set in its compact, lightweight, portable body, the K-30 is built to be weather, dust and cold resistant with proven functionality in sub-freezing temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). Its exterior has been designed to be both sporty and functional for active outdoor photographers – a large grip provides a firm, secure hold of the camera; a low-profile pentaprism housing for reduced height; and a rounded, soft-rubber casing for a solid grip of the camera during vertical shooting.
Newly developed SAFOX IXi+ Autofocus (AF) module for improved autofocus performance
The K-30 features the new state-of-the-art SAFOX IXi+ AF sensor module, which assures responsive, high-precision autofocus operation by incorporating a diffraction lens to minimize chromatic aberration in accordance to the characteristics of each individual lens. A dedicated sensor also factors the light source into its calculations at the time of shooting. Additionally, 9 of its 11 focus points have cross-type sensors to capture subjects in sharp focus, while a spotbeam assists the AF system during low light situations. The K-30's AF algorithm has also been upgraded in all areas for efficiency and accuracy. A new expanded area AF function allows the sensor module to continue to track a moving subject in AF select mode, even when it moves out of a pre-assigned auto-tracking area, by assessing distance data collected by neighboring focus sensors. This greatly improves the accuracy and speed of detecting moving subjects during autofocus shooting, and autofocusing performance when using a telephoto lens.
High resolution, low noise, true-to-life image reproduction
The K-30 incorporates the latest 16 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS image sensor with a large image-capturing area measuring 23.7mm by 15.7mm. It assures high speed image data readout to deliver super high resolution, rich gradation digital images with approximately 16.28 effective megapixels. This image sensor is coupled in the K-30 with the PENTAX “PRIME M” imaging engine for outstanding full 1080p HD movie clips (1920x1080 pixels at 30 frames per second), in addition to outstanding still image capture processing. The camera also minimizes luminance noise at low sensitivities, while offering a wide sensitivity range between ISO 100 and ISO 12800 (ISO 25600 maximum when expanded via a custom function).
Optical finder with 100% field of view
Despite its compact body, which is smaller and lighter than traditional mid level DSLR camera models, the K-30 comes equipped with a glass pentaprism finder featuring a 100% field of view and approximately 0.92X maximum magnification (with a 50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity) to cover the entire field of view for easy focusing and framing. Since its viewfinder delivers a clear view of the subject even in the brightest sunshine while also eliminating parallax, the K-30 responds efficiently and reliably to demanding applications and subjects, such as landscapes requiring delicate, high-precision framing, and sports scenes where the timing of shutter release is critical. The K-30 also accepts interchangeable PENTAX Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screens to facilitate manual focusing operation. Optional focus screens include cross-lined and scale types, to accommodate more specialized applications.
High-speed burst shooting at approximately six images per second
When photographing sporting events, concerts or wildlife, the K-30's high-speed burst shooting function comes in handy, allowing the photographer to capture active, fast moving subjects in a series of images at a maximum speed of approximately 6 frames per second (in JPEG format).
Advanced Live View shooting
Thanks to the latest CMOS image sensor and PRIME M engine, the K-30 offers a clear, true-to-life Live View at a smooth 60 frames per second. It also features a focus peaking function during live view to improve manual focusing speed and accuracy. Live View on the K-30 also offers a choice of three grid display patterns including a Golden Section overlay, and detailed information overlay if desired by the photographer.
High quality video recording
The PENTAX K-30 features full HD video recording to capture high quality movie clips in 1080p resolution (1920x1080 pixels). The efficient h.264 compression format offers a choice of frame rates (30, 25 or 24 frames per second) at 1080p, or up to 60 FPS at 720p, to accommodate user specific applications. Video recording options are flexible, allowing the photographer to select aperture or shutter exposure control, while PENTAX Shake Reduction helps stabilize captured video. Users may add creative artistic effects to recorded clips using various Custom Image modes or record subjects in a series of video clips with the Interval Movie Shooting mode.
User friendly Auto Picture and Scene modes
The K-30 features the PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode, which analyzes a scene then automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode from Portrait, Landscape, Macro as well as others. This allows the photographer to concentrate on image composition and other creative elements while leaving more technical settings to the K-30, such as shutter speed, aperture, white balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness. The K-30 also offers 19 creative Scene modes, including Night Scene Portrait, Pet, Backlight Silhouette, and more, to simplify photographing unique subjects and scenes that often require uncommon camera settings.
PENTAX Shake Reduction (SR) mechanism for sharp, blur free images
The PENTAX K-30 incorporates the PENTAX-developed SR mechanism, which effectively reduces blur due to camera shake by approximately four shutter steps. Usable with all PENTAX compatible lenses*, including those produced for film format SLR cameras, this mechanism produces sharp, blur free images even under demanding conditions that are prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without flash illumination, or capturing landscapes in twilight. The K-30's SR system also offers several other useful features to assist the photographer during shooting, including an Automatic Horizon Correction function to assure high precision image framing and effortless adjustment of horizontal alignment, a Composition Adjustment function to allow minute adjustments of image alignment horizontally/vertically/axially, and an ASTROTRACER mode to eliminate light trails during astronomical photography in combination with the optional O-GPS1 GPS Unit (available separately).
* Lenses compatible with this mechanism: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2- and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.
A selection of image processing tools for creative, personalized expression
The K-30 features a Custom Image function, which allows the user to easily and quickly select the desired finishing touch for a particular image. Choose from 11 custom settings including Bleach Bypass that creates a dramatic visual effect similar to that used in motion pictures, and Cross Process to produce fanciful, eye-catching images boasting dramatic colors. The K-30 also offers a choice of 19 creative digital filters including Miniature, which transforms an actual scene into what appears to be an image of miniature models. These filters add distinctive visual effects to captured images producing creative, artistic images without the need for a computer. The user can further expand the creative possibilities by applying multiple filters and processing modes to a single image.
Choice of two power sources
In addition to the included lithium ion battery capable of capturing approximately 480 images with a single charge**, the K-30 can also be powered by four AA-size batteries using the optional D-BH109 AA Battery Holder. Since AA batteries can be easily obtained almost anywhere around the world, there's no worry about battery shortages, even when shooting for an extended period of time or in remote locations.
** Under testing conditions prescribed by PENTAX, using the D-LI109 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery with no flash discharges.
Additional features include:
- Large, wide angle viewable 3-inch LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots of resolution
- 77 segment multi-pattern metering system for accurate light measurement
- DR (Dust Removal) mechanism to shake dust off from the surface of the CMOS image sensor
- PENTAX-designed Hyper control system to assure fast and flexible response to the photographer's creative intentions
- Dynamic range expansion function to compensate for blown out (overexposed) and muddy (underexposed) areas of an image
- Retrieve and save RAW data from buffer memory for a just-recorded JPEG image
- RAW/Fx multi-function button for on-the-fly switching of image file formats, as well as for assignment and instant recall of other specific functions
- SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0 for PENTAX (RAW processing engine developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) included
back2rota
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2025
Wow!! What an awesome buy. Even though this is a 10-year-old model it is superior to the previous Pentax DSLR that I had. At 16MP I could blow the picture up to near wall size if I wanted (slight exaggeration but close). The display is large for easy viewing and displays plenty of customizable info such as, ASA, speed, white balance, MP setting etc. For a little popup flash, it sure will light up a room when used. This camera gives the user a lot of control over picture taking. While I'll admit this isn't a camera for a first time DSLR user due to the amount of control you have as it can be a little confusing. If you're use to DSLR and you're looking for a replacement DSLR this, is it. I'm not worried about being caught in the rain as it is weather sealed and a nice feature. The camera fits the older K-Mount style so all my lenses' fit. The lens that came with the camera is a Pentax 18-55mm which supports auto or manual focus and provides excellent photo quality with clear, crisp pictures.Now to the seller, SKR Camera Store. They were amazing. The camera came in about a week and it looked brand new. It was used but you would never know it. It was clean, no blemishes, no scratches. They packed the camera in such a way that it was extremely well protected. It even came with an 8gb SD card which wasn't in the write up. It also included a battery and charger. I examined the photo data, and the camera only had 800 shutter operations on it. Crazy. I should have written this review months ago but really wanted to use this camera for a while to say yea or nay about it. I love this thing! For my photo needs going forward I will be turning to SKR Camera Store via Amazon to see what they have available.
Lena B
Reviewed in Canada on February 8, 2017
It's really difficult to view anything through the viewfinder. I have to use the monitor and it's almost impossible when it's sunny.
Dale Hoffman
Reviewed in Canada on January 5, 2014
I liked the camera because the lenses from my Pentax ME Super fit this camera.The asking price was the best price at the time. The camera body was in immaculant shape when I received it
Mark C.
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2013
First, the Pentax K-30 is a fantastic DSLR. I highly recommend it, and for the price and features it cannot be beat. It easily keeps pace with the Nikon D7000.The 1-Star rating is directed at the Amazon vendor 'Electronics Basket.'Where to start ..I ordered the K-30 BODY ONLY, which came in a 'cannibalized' K-30 w/18.135mm WR lens kit box, minus the lens (of course), and other key 'new product' components removed from the Pentax manufacturer's K-30 box.I paid $30 for expedited delivery and got the camera 9 days later.I received a 'cannibalized' Pentax K-30 WR 18-135mm kit. It was missing the camera registration, camera manual, and the K-30 startup CD.I called Pentax America regarding the camera being shipped without the warranty registration, and was informed that no new Pentax cameras should be shipped WITHOUT the original (new) owner's serialized registration.Then I called Electronic Basket and asked for the original (serialized) registration and was informed that their standard practice is to NOT send it with the camera because THEY (Electronic Basket) registers the camera FOR THE PURCHASER!After inquiring on several of the national Pentax forums, it was obvious that Electron Basket was outright misrepresenting the facts. I asked for the original warranty registration be sent to me, so that I could have the K-30 covered under the original purchaser's manufacture's warranty. I was informed that if the camera became defective, I would have to SEND IT BACK TO ELECTRONIC BASKET, who would then send it to Pentax for repairs!!I still have yet to receive the K-30 I purchased warranty registration card, or any other means of registering it online or otherwise.EB did offer a discounted price on the WR 18-135mm lens, which I considered purchasing. I then learned that EB does NOT accept credit card payments, ONLY PAYPAL.It is not known if the K-30 I received was a return, a defect, or what, since the original (serialized) registration was not included in the (cannibalized) kit box. It's hilariously unprofessional behavior. Whoever cannibalized the kit even left the WR 18-135mm lens hood in the box!The K-30 is a precision camera that takes wonderful pictures, with features that will delight any photographer, from beginner to Pro.Electronics Basket however should be avoided.Select another vendor from Amazon. Amazon customer service bent over backwards for me, and I greatly appreciate their professional and thoughtful assistance in this matter.Buyer Beware!
Haoran
Reviewed in Canada on April 15, 2013
very nice, it is very good condition. but it cant set exposure time. so it is not convenience for take exposure picture
m. hiran
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2012
First off, this camera and lens combo is a great deal! The DA 18-135 picture quality is really good - it's quite sharp, gives great colors, and has a handy range where I can shoot pretty wide to a decent telephoto. Great for a good all around lens. It's also light and not very big. But the amazing thing is the weather sealing in this price range. I've taken it into some driving rain conditions and it handled it with no issues. I've had Pentax weather sealed cameras before though starting with my 5 year old K10d, so I knew Pentax knows how to weather seal their cameras before I bought this K30. But I had to test it and the weather in the Pacific Northwest this time of year makes it easy to test if the weather seals are working or not, and the K30 passed.I have some older lenses that I sometimes have difficulty focusing accurately on my older DSLR's so that was one of the main reasons I bought the K30. I already knew the reviews on the K30 were all really good and the 16MP Sony CMOS sensor was an awesome performer in cameras like the Nikon D7000 and the Pentax K5 (which I own). But I have some old lenses with apertures as wide as 1.2 and when shot wide open the really narrow depth of field makes focusing on what I want it to a real challenge. With the K30 though, there's a feature called focus peaking which when live view is on, the area that is in focus is highlighted on the back lcd screen. It's really cool... as you turn the focus ring, the highlighted part of the screen will move telling you what is in focus! Seriously easy and very effective.I've been spoiled by some really good cameras like the Pentax k5, so I was a bit hesitant to buy the k30 since it's priced as a mid level camera and not like their semi pro models that I've gotten used to. But I am really pleasantly surprised at the quality of the K30. It's fast, it has 2 control wheels to make operations quick and intuitive, the grip is great, it feels sturdy and well built, the pentaprism viewfinder covers 100% .... and it's weather sealed and has focus peaking. Just an awesome deal!Now some of the negatives... there is not a mic input, so if you're doing video, you will probably want a separate audio recorder. I've found that sound quality is usually better anyway if you get the audio recorder as close to your subjects anyway so this is what I plan to do in any future video projects. Another thing I'm not too thrilled about is that there is not a grip available for the k30. Also, the battery is a bit small - I'd get an extra battery or at least the AA battery adapter just to have as a backup (which I'd recommend anyway). I've bought the Wasabi branded generic batteries for one of my other cameras and they worked fine, so I'll probably be picking one of these up soon. Another thing that I find a little annoying is that the bracketing option only allows for 3 shots instead of 5 like on the K5. This is just dumb; there is no reason to do this since this is just a software issue. Personally, I think this is just an instance where Pentax wanted the K5 II to have some features that the K30 did not have to help justify it's extra cost. I hate it when companies do that... (I understand the marketing side, but it's still annoying).But really these negatives are pretty minor on a camera that is a over achiever on every other level. Putting pro level features like weather sealing, pentaprism 100% viewfinders, dual wheels, electronic level control, micro AF adjustments for up to 10 lenses, TAV shooting mode (where you set the aperture and shutter speed and the ISO floats to get the right exposure), and button customization, all make this camera an awesome value. I would have no problem recommending this camera to someone who wants a high performance DSLR.
Recommended Products
$725.95
$ 99 .00 $99.00
$214.90
$ 95 .99 $95.99