Pentax K-30 - First Impressions

[Bismuth]

I put my shiney new K-30 w/18-135 through it's paces today, and must say I am quite impressed. Shot Best Quality JPEG in Av for now, will shift to RAW next time. Was also bracketing, I have always done that, but with digital I did it with EVERY shot.

I haven't downloaded the photos off the camera yet, but might post some as soon as I do. I really liked the bokeh with the aperture wide open, especially for close-up shots. And day-amn, but the AF is quick, got confused once or twice when there was grass in the shot (was trying to shoot through it), but that isn't really the camera's fault.

Will update as soon as I have had more chance to shoot!

B

 

[koffiejunkie]

I'm slightly confused by their numbering. Is the K30 a repacement for the K5, or does it slot in below it?

 

[Nanfeishen]

I'm slightly confused by their numbering. Is the K30 a repacement for the K5, or does it slot in below it?

Release dates of pentax cameras: The K30 is newer than the K-5 but would slot in between the K-r and K-5

Pentax K-7 (2009–2010)
Pentax K-x (2009–2011)
Pentax K-r (2010–2012)
Pentax K-5 (2010–2012)
Pentax K-01 (2012–present)
Pentax K-30 (2012–present)
Pentax K-5 II (2012–present)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentax_cameras

@ Bismuth, looking forward to seeing some pics

If you are interested in night sky shots, consider getting the O-GPS1 GPS Module. I see it is also compatible with the K-30:

When mounted on the PENTAX K30, K-5 or K-r camera body, the O-GPS1 also offers the advanced ASTROTRACER function, which couples the unit with the camera’s SR (Shake Reduction) system for the effortless tracing and photographing of celestial bodies.

The unit calculates the movement of stars, planets, and other bodies using the latitude obtained from GPS data and the camera’s alignment data (horizontal and vertical inclinations and aspect) obtained from its magnetic and acceleration sensors, then shifts the camera’s image sensor in synchronization with the movement of the objects. As the result, stars and other bodies are captured as solid points rather than blurry streaks, even during extended exposures.

It also makes astronomical photography much simpler, as it requires only a tripod and eliminates the need for an additional accessory such as an equatorial telescope.

http://www.pentax2u.com/webshaper/store/viewProd.asp?pkProductItem=108

Have tested it briefly on the K-5, but unfortunately havent had a chance yet to get out into real dark sky country to get anything decent.

Some pics in this thread taken with the gps
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/...astrophotography-pix-experiences-namibia.html

Sample pics taken with and without gps unit
http://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/pentax-o-gps1-gps-unit/sample-astrophotography.html

 

[Bismuth]

I'm slightly confused by their numbering. Is the K30 a repacement for the K5, or does it slot in below it?

As I understand it, the K-30 slots in just under the K5/K-5II/K-5IIs. It could be considered a K-r replacement, but isn't really, as it's more midrange than entry level. They might release something like the K-300 as a replace for the K-r.

I am indeed interested in the O-GPS1 GPS Module, def. on my Photography Wish List. But am also looking for longer reach (something above 300), and have my eye on the Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO DG OS HSM!

B

 

[bwana]

I am indeed interested in the O-GPS1 GPS Module, def. on my Photography Wish List. But am also looking for longer reach (something above 300), and have my eye on the Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO DG OS HSM!

What are you planning on using it for? The f/6.3 was a bit on the slow side for me unless there was a ton of light. A fast 300 with different teleconverters replaced mine.

 

[Nanfeishen]

have my eye on the Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO DG OS HSM!

Very nice, have you got any price quotes locally on this lens, and if so what were they out of curiosity ?

A fast 300 with different teleconverters replaced mine.

I believe you use Canon , so its fairly easy choice wise between lens and teleconverter, same as Nikon.

Unfortunately with Pentax there are often compatibility issues. Only a select few K-mount Sigma lenses work with Sigma teleconverters for Pentax.
I.E. you can get a Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8, in Sigma mount that will work on a Sigma for Pentax teleconverter, however the lens itself is not available in a k-mount, so could never be used as a stand alone.
You get the Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 in Pentax K-mount, however its not compatible with the Sigma for Pentax teleconverters.
And then there is the Sigma 300mm f/2.8 which is available in Pentax K-mount and is also compatible with the Sigma for Pentax teleconverters. Although the local price on that one comes in at about R35000

https://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/flash_and_accessory/accessory/tele_converter_match.html

 

[Bismuth]

Very nice, have you got any price quotes locally on this lens, and if so what were they out of curiosity ?

Currently between 9 and 12k

Some shots with my K-30 are here! Haven't had a chance to take it out in the field yet, really, plan on doing that asap!

B

 

[Bismuth]

What are you planning on using it for? The f/6.3 was a bit on the slow side for me unless there was a ton of light. A fast 300 with different teleconverters replaced mine.

Wildlife/nature, maybe even a a bit of birding if possible.

Ofc, Pentax would go an release the DA 560mm f/5.6 ED AW Lens... but at USD7k, not really an option for me!

B

 

[Supine]

May I ask where you bought this? I have an ageing Pentax k100 that I am looking to upgrade, but cannot seem to find anywhere that sells much Pentax stuff.

 

[Nanfeishen]

May I ask where you bought this? I have an ageing Pentax k100 that I am looking to upgrade, but cannot seem to find anywhere that sells much Pentax stuff.

I bought my K-5 from this lot in C.T.
http://www.cameraworld.co.za/Home/tabid/104/List/0/Default.aspx?SortField=UnitCost,ProductName

 

[Bismuth]

May I ask where you bought this? I have an ageing Pentax k100 that I am looking to upgrade, but cannot seem to find anywhere that sells much Pentax stuff.

Yeah, it is sad that Pentax are so under-represented in South Africa. I am doing what I can to change that, but thing it needs to be more than punting them on forums.

Cameraworld (as Nanfeishen mentioned), and Cybertrek stock some Pentax stuff locally. I got my K-30 via Camerquip.

B

 

[Bismuth]

Am also impressed with the low-light performance of the K-30, the noise @ 3200 is hardly noticeable, and can easily be removed in PP if desired with minimal, if any, negative effect on the overall image.

Still lovin' my K-30!

B