K30 to replace K-r ... (now official)

[Kym]

Apparently leaked via a French Pentax forum and posted on the Pentax forum...

The preliminary Pentax K30 specifications are as follows:


16 Megapixel sensor (likely inherited from the K-5)
Full HD video recording (framerate unknown, likely same as the K-01)
Weather sealed body
3-inch LCD
Uses AA or rechargeable batteries
6FPS shutter
ISO range: 100-25,600
11-point autofocus
100% viewfinder coverage
3 available colors


http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/855/k30boulanger.jpg/

http://www.pentaxforums.com/content/uploads/files/1/p507/Pentax-K-30.jpg

[VladM]

Interesting....wonder what price will be in Aus.
I have been thinking about upgrading from my K20 to K5.
The new K30 appears to be similar in spec to the current K5, so might wait for that.
On the other hand, the K5 replacement is rumored to be coming soon - may have to wait a little longer.

[Mat]

Woohoo I might be able to afford a K7 soon...:lol:

[Kym]

It's official...

http://www.pentaximaging.com/about/press/277

http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/pentax-k-30-officially-announced.html

[Kym]

So if this is the new entry level... what will the new high end be?

K-3 ?? 24MP ?? 10FPS ?? who knows!!

[knumbnutz]

Kym, you might be onto something there.
I dont know about 10fps, but I dont think 18-24mp will be out of the realms of possibility at all.
Everytime another company buys into pentax, they come out with something special. Hoya kicked in with K5, KR, Q and 645D, so far ricoh have been apart of K01 and K30.
I expect good things to come out of Pentax with Ricoh in charge, they are certainly entertaining new designs !

I also think people underestimate their target audience too.
In China I noticed a LOT of people and certainly a good mix of gender - using Pentax and I think westerners forget that the money is in China now and they buy on style as much as anything and this fits straight in to that category for them. While we might have mixed opinions, Pentax is winning the asian market over.



So if this is the new entry level... what will the new high end be?

K-3 ?? 24MP ?? 10FPS ?? who knows!!

[I @ M]

Very impressive specifications.
It would have to go to the top of the "entry level" list if the pricing is competitive.

[Cage]

Looking at the specs on the K30, one can't help but wonder what Pentax have in mind for the K5 replacement, to distance it from the K30.

That's a pretty impressive spec list for a mid range camera.

There was some talk about the Sony 24MP sensor and a wish for a higher flash speed, but with the K30's reported improved autofocus and a comparable specs sheet, there is not a lot of APS-C improvements available for the K5 update.

Hmmm, is that much speculated upon Full Frame close to the horizon?

[Kerrie]

How much difference is there really in an additional 4mps?

[knumbnutz]

Hi Kerrie,
There's not much really but it is the overall system refinement that should be emphasised rather than one aspect.
the MP race is almost a none event until you make major gains % wise. Like say 10mp to 16mp or 16 to 24 or as you've may have seen the Nikon D700 12mp got updated to the D800 and 36mp !

But this is a full system update not just MP, so combine MP gains with Auto focus, ISO performance etc and you will see the benefits the model.

Cheers
Neil

[Kerrie]

Thanks Neil. That's why I asked, because I thought my kr had all specs except the weather proofing and 16mps. Not sure about the viewfinder, but also has 6fps, 100 iso, etc.


Cheers for the help.



Think I'll wait for the ff :)

[kyteflyer]

I've been contemplating downgrading from my K-5 to a K-r, because I am having more issues with the weight and my osteoarthritis of the wrists (it may transpire that I'll have to get out of DSLR entirely) but this K30 is a great temptation. I'm going to wait though, until I see some real world testing and results, and the shots starting to turn up in the PPG.

[Cage]

I've been contemplating downgrading from my K-5 to a K-r, because I am having more issues with the weight and my osteoarthritis of the wrists (it may transpire that I'll have to get out of DSLR entirely) but this K30 is a great temptation. I'm going to wait though, until I see some real world testing and results, and the shots starting to turn up in the PPG.

Have you thought about using a lightweight tripod or a monopod?

I probably shoot about 90% of the time with a carbon fibre tripod.

Cheers

Kevin

[VladM]

I saw the K30 at the show, but the rep would not let me play with it due to it being pre-production model.
Styling looks a little overdone to me - I prefer simpler lines of the K5.
At the same time I had a play with a new K-01, as well as the K5.
The K-01 just does not feel right ergonomically. For me, the K5 feels really good in my hands.
So far, my next upgrade from K20 is pointing in the K5 direction, but I still want to see what the K5 replacement will be.

[Bennymiata]

I think it looks fantastic.
Sharp and very modern, especially the blue colour.

Hmmmmmmm, I've still got a very good Sigma 24-70F2.8 lens for a Pentax floating around, unused......................................

[Eberbachl]

I was standing next to a retailer who got to have a hold at the show and was able to see it up close and personal. I don't like the Blue colour, but I do like the design. I didn't get to have a hold, but the ergonomics look good. I imaging it would feel great to shoot.

;)

[Kerrie]

The K5 has dropped to $919 at b&h ..... Not much difference in price to the k30 now

Might upgrade :)

[Rattus79]

I think there will be further price drops yet too!
I will be hanging onto my k5 for more then a few years yet, but if the k3 turns out to have a FX sensor.......

[Kym]

My 2.2 cents worth (inc GST)...

Pentax chance of a 35mm sensor is about 0.01% -- they are not geared for that lens wise, and stated policy prior to the take over was not to do 35mm.

If Ricoh decide that they want to do that, then it will take at least 18-24 months to tool up and get some FA lenses back into play.

The most likely scenario is an upgraded 645D

[Rattus79]

Sadly, I think you're on the money there Kym.
But with DXO mark for the k5 still outshining the 5dMK3 I'm still a happy boy, and love the DR available.

One day that shiny 645 will be mine. or maybe a 617 instead......

[Kym]

http://vimeo.com/42691920

Waterproof !!

[Mat]

Very good Kym