Pentax K-30
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Push to 25600)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 650g - 130 x 97 x 71mm
- Introduced October 2012
- Later Model is Pentax K-50
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Lenses
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
63 Imaging
57 Features
66 Overall
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Pentax K-30 summary
Pentax K-30 is Pentax's Advanced DSLR digital camera first launched on October of 2012. It has got a 16 MegaPixel, CMOS APS-C size sensor with a max resolution of 4928 x 3264.
Pentax brought out the updated Pentax K-50 (Read Full Comparison) in an effort to update this model.
The K-30 is positioned #46 out of 92 in Advanced DSLR cameras & over all #313 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our database. You should check our Advanced camera filter to find camera results based on your personal requirements.
The following is a diagram of various factors used in the rating system.
Pentax K-30 history
The Pentax K-30 has a history of related digital cameras. Listed below, you can find all earlier and most recent models as well as main features.
Pentax K-30 Gallery
You can view the K-30 from different angles in the gallery here.
Pentax K-30 Pros and Cons
Here is a shortlist of upsides and downsides of the Pentax K-30 based on features which are often considered useful in a digital camera.
Pentax K-30 Sensor specs
The Pentax K-30 is run by the Prime M processor chip. The sensor size in the Pentax K-30 is 23.7mm x 15.7mm (APS-C). The 372 mm² sensor is able to capture 4928 x 3264 pixels with aspect ratios of 3:2. The camera features Image Stabilization (Sensor based). In body stabilization is better than digital stabilization as the latter can produce cropping.
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created ImagesThe CMOS sensor has 16 megapixels and provides a standard ISO range of 100 - 12800. The ISO can be expanded electronically to a maximum of 25600. RAW format is supported which means that the user has more margin for error.
The image underneath illustrates the K-30's sensor size in comparison to other popular sizes. The K-30 sensor has a crop factor of 1.5 and is showcased in green.
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthTo get a sense of different aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.
Pentax K-30 dimensions
Pentax K-30 weighs in at 1.43 lbs (650 grams / 22.93 ounces) & has outside measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8"). The weight of typical Advanced DSLR camera is 776 grams so the Pentax K-30 is less heavy compared to its rivals.
President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or banDown below is a image of the Pentax K-30 next to a soda so you can get a sense of its size.
The top view just below will highlight the button arrangement on the K-30.
Pentax K-30 Lens details
The K-30 fits the Pentax KAF2 mount and has 17 lenses to select from. Here is a few of the lenses we have in our collection that will work with the K-30.
Pentax K-30 Connectivity
The K-30 has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
- GPS Yes
Digital cameras that come with NFC and / or Bluetooth compatibility can be used wirelessly via smartphones. You will be able to copy images and in some cases adjust camera settings without the hassle of connecting directly with the camera.
Several apps also enable a Liveview and hit the shutter in case you are not near the camera. If the camera features a HDMI port, it can be attached to an external screen. A lot of cameras enable you to recharge the battery pack using the USB port.
Pentax K-30 Video details
The max video resolution in the Pentax K-30 is 1920 x 1080 and you can save in MPEG-4 and H.264 file format. 1080p resolution gives you an excellent balance in video quality vs file size but 1080p isn't going to leave you with any room to downsample. The body does not have a microphone and / or headphone socket which means you have zero control over the audio. It is perhaps a better idea to order a different model in case you need decent audio for your videos.
Pentax K-30 Weather Sealing
Pentax K-30 has weather proofing making it a very good option for use in rough conditions. This is particularly helpful in case you are not sure about the elements you might encounter in outdoor photography.
Pentax K-30 Screen and Viewfinder
The Pentax K-30 has got a 3 inch fixed display screen with a resolution of 921 thousand dots.
Sadly the display screen isn't a touch screen.
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a LandslideThe View Finder details for Pentax K-30 are as follows:
- ViewFinder Optical (pentaprism)
- ViewFinder Coverage 100%
- ViewFinder Magnification 0.61x
Viewfinders can be rather beneficial in sunny outdoor situations which can make the camera screen washed out and hard to see.
Pentax K-30 Shutter details
Pentax K-30 continuous shooting rate is 6.0 frames per second. The max shutter speed is 1/6000 seconds.
Pentax K-30 Flash and Hot shoe details
Pentax K-30 features both built in flash along with external flash support. The highest flash sync is 1/180 seconds.
Pentax K-30 Autofocusing details
Pentax K-30 features both Phase Detect Auto Focus as well as Contrast Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection focusing is a lot more faster & accurate compared to Contrast Detect focusing. The camera has got Face detection which is helpful for portrait photography.
The AF system has got 11 focus points to choose from. It also has Tracking Auto Focus for moving things. Pentax K-30 has the ability to use manual focus when needed in low light conditions or you want to have more precise control on focus.
Pentax K-30 Battery life
The battery pack (D-LI109,4 x AA) for the Pentax K-30 is made to last for 410 images based on the CIPA requirements making it lower as compared to it's rivals. The usual Advanced DSLR camera battery life is 909. Nikon D780 has the maximum (2260) battery life in this category of cameras.
Listed below is a collection of Advanced DSLR cameras with the strongest battery life:
Pentax K-30 for various styles of photography
The following chart gives a outline of the Pentax K-30 for various styles of photography. To find out more, go to the specific paragraph underneath.
Pentax K-30 as a Portrait photography camera
The Pentax K-30 receives a points total of 74 which is very good, and means the camera is a very decent option to use for portraits. Shooting portraits leans greatly towards sensor dimensions, RAW support and option to utilize external lighting.
Pentax K-30 Street photography highlights
Coming in at a nice points total of 68, the Pentax K-30 is a respectable fit to use in street photography. A good street photography camera features a good balance of image quality and portability.
Sports photography with Pentax K-30
A very good sports photography score of 67 indicates the Pentax K-30 is a good pick for shooting sports. A camera needs great tracking and fast continuous shooting for sports photography.
Pentax K-30 Travel photography information
Size is super important when buying a travel camera. All round, the Pentax K-30 gets a modest 60 as a travel camera which is reasonably suitable to take on your journeys.
Pentax K-30 Landscape photography advice
For anyone planning to choose a digital camera for landscape pictures, the biggest factor is going to be image quality. The Pentax K-30 with it's very good score of 73 for a landscape camera is a good pick among it's rivals.
Pentax K-30 Vlogging advice
A camera for vlogging ought to have a articulating display screen, mic port and ideally image stabilization. Taking everything into account, the Pentax K-30 is just not suitable for vlogging as it receives a dreadful score of 30.
Pentax K-30 Alternatives
If you are searching for alternatives to the K-30, here is a list of the highest rated cameras which fall into the class of Advanced DSLR.
The line chart here provides you an overview of the K-30 compared to it's highest rated competitors listed earlier.
There are more cameras you might take a look at as alternate options. To go through a extensive comparison, simply click on the "compare" link.