Tasty Tech Toys Pentax K30 Waterproof DSLR Camera

Pentax K30

A Great Summer at the Beach Tech Toy

I wanted to share the new mid-level Pentax K30 Waterproof DSLR with our readers.  As it is the summer vacations and many of you will be spending time on the beach, I thought that this camera is a great must have mid-level moderately priced DSLR.

Pentax K30

Ideal for photographers with active outdoor lifestyles, the new PENTAX K-30 combines a compact, lightweight body with many advanced features found only in higher end DSLR camera models, such as a weather, dust and cold resistant body, a glass prism optical finder with 100% field of view, state-of-the-art autofocusing, and full HD video recording capabilities.

“No detail was overlooked when designing the dynamic new K-30 to be weather resistant,” explains John Carlson, Sr. Manager of Sales and Marketing, PENTAX.  “Every seam, every button, every hinge has been weather sealed for adventure-proof creative photography. Whether enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking in the Rocky Mountains or on vacation cruising along on the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls, photographers can stop worrying about weather conditions and start focusing on capturing the perfect shot.”

In addition to its versatile weather-proof capabilities, the new K-30 offers features including high-speed burst shooting at a maximum speed of six images per second, a high-speed shutter unit with a top speed of 1/6000 second, and convenient dual electronic dials for quick, fingertip access to exposure control and several Auto Picture and scene modes. Coupled with an ergonomic grip that provides firm, comfortable control of the camera, and a sporty, functional design, the K-30 assures dependable, flawless performance in the field. The new K-30 is available in three body colors: Crystal White and Crystal Blue, with brilliant, glossy finishes reminiscent of the finish of an exclusive sports car; and Black, for a traditional SLR look. It is also compatible with all PENTAX K-mount lenses.

Pentax-K30-Back

Major features include:

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.

Pentax K30 Auto Focus

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 (1920×1080 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).

Pentax K30 Top

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).

Pentax K30 Waterproof Sealing

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 (1920×1080 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.

Pentax K30 White

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).

Pentax K30 Blue

Backward Lens Compatibility

Takes all of the older K Mount lenses going back to the original K1000 series camera’s.

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.

Pentax DA 50 f1.8

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.

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

Pricing and Availability 
The new PENTAX K-30 will be available at retail outlets nationwide and online in July 2012 with a suggested retail price of $849.95 for body only, and $899.95 for the kit including the DA L 18-55mm zoom lens.

Pentax K30 Blue Back

♦ K-30 is a trademark of PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
 All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
♦ Designs and specifications are subjects to change without notice.

Pentax K30 Chassis

Specifications

Image Sensor
Image Sensor Type :
23.7 x 15.7mm (APS-C) CMOS
Effective Pixels:
16.3 MP
Total Pixels:
16.5 MP
Aspect Ratio:
3:2
Intelligent Orientation Sensor:
Yes
Filter Array:
primary color filter
Sensor Dust Removal:
Sensor movement w SP coating on low pass filter
Sensor Stabilization
Stabilization:
Sensor-shift SR w rotational compensation
Modes:
Composition Adjustment ( Automatic Horizon Correction- horizontally, vertically and axially) and ASTROTRACER
Effective Compensation Range:
3 stops max
Image Processor
Image Processor Type :
PRIME M image processing engine
Lenses
Lens Mount:
Pentax Kaf Mount
Storage
Memory Card Type:
SD, SDHC, SDXC
Exposure Control
Metering Mode:
TTL open aperture 77 segment metering, Multi 77, Center, Spot
Metering Range:
EV 0 to 22 (ISO 100, 50mm F1.4)
Exposure Compensation:
+/- 5 EV (1/3 and 1/2 steps)
Exposure Compensation Braketing:
3 frames, up to +/- 2 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps
AE Lock:
Yes
Shutter Type :
Electronically controlled, vertical-run, focal plane shutter
Shutter Speed:
1/6000 to 30 sec (1/3 or 1/2 steps), Bulb
Shooting Modes:
Hyper Program (P),
Sensitivity Priority (Sv),
Shutter Priority (Tv),
Aperture Priority (Av),
Shutter & Aperture Priority (TAv),
Hyper Manual (M),
Bulb (B), User (U1, U2),
Scene (SCN), Auto Picture (AUTO), Multi-exposure: 2-9 shots, auto exposure adjustment
Interval: 999 shots, 3 sec to 24 hr interval, time delay
HDR: Auto, HDR 1, HDR 2, HDR 3, pixel alignment, exposure bracket +/- 1-3 EV (1/1 steps)
Movie
Drive Modes:
Single, Continuous (Hi, Lo), Self-Timer, Remote (0s, 3s, continuous), Auto Bracketing (3 frames, standard, timer, remote)
Continuous Shooting:
Continuous Hi: Approx 6.0 FPS (30 JPG, 8 RAW)
Continuous Lo: Approx 3.0 FPS (unlimited JPG, 10 RAW)
Self Timer :
12s, 2s
ISO Sensitivity:
Auto: 100-12800 (1/1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), expandable to 100-25600, auto range selectableManual: 100-12800 (1/1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), expandable to 100-25600
White Balance
White Balance Settings:
Image sensor detection w light wavelength sensor assist,
Auto preset modes: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent (D, N, W, L), Tungsten, Flash, CTE
WB fine adjustment: +/- 7 steps A-B axis or G-M axis
White Balance Personal:
3 manual and 3 Kelvin temperature presets, copy WB settings from a captured image available
Focusing
Focusing Type:
SAFOX IXi+ TTL phase-detection wide autofocus system w light wavelength sensor and diffraction lens
AF System Points :
11 point (9 cross)
AF Point Selection:
Auto 11 pt, Auto 5 pt, r>Center
AF Working Range :
EV -1 to 18 (ISO 100)
AF Modes:
AF.A (auto),
AF.S (single, w focus lock, focus/shutter priority selectable),
AF.C (continuous, w focus/FPS priority selectable),
Manual
Predictive AF:
Yes
AF lock :
Yes
Manual Focus :
Yes
AF Assist Beam :
Yes via dedicated LED AF assist lamp
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Type:
Low profile glass pentaprism viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage:
100%
Viewfinder Magnification:
0.92X (w 50mm F1.4 at infinity)
Viewfinder Dioptre Correction :
-2.5m to 1.5m
Viewfinder Focusing Screen :
Natural-Bright-Matte III (interchangeable)
Depth of Field Preview:
Optical (diaphragm stop-down), digital
Live View
Liveview:
True-to-life Live-View image
Live View Frame Rate:
60 frames per second
Live View Grid Overlay:
three grid display patterns including Golden Section
Live View Autofocus:
focus-assist function to improve manual-focusing accuracy
Monitor
Monitor Type:
3’’ (7.6cm), TFT color LCD monitor with AR coating
Resolution:
921,000 dots
Brightness:
brightness/color adjustment
Flash
Flash Hotshoe:
Hotshoe (P-TTL), high speed sync
Flash Xsync:
1/180 sec
Flash compensation:
-2 to 1 EV (1/2 steps)
Redeye Reduction:
Yes
External Flash Wireless Sync:
wireless w PENTAX dedicated flash
Built in Flash:
Retractable P-TTL popup flash
Guide Number:
12m (ISO 100)
Media Types / Sizes
Image Size:
16M (4928×3264),
12M (4224×2816),
8M (3456×2304),
5M (2688×1792)
Still Image Format:
RAW (DNG), JPG (EXIF 2.3), DCF 2.0 compliant, DPOF, PIM III
Movie:
Full HD(1920×1080,16:9,30fps/25fps/24fps)
HD(1280×720,16:9,60fps/50fps/30fps/25fps/24fps)
VGA(640×480,4:3,30fps/25fps/24fps)
Movie Format:
h.264 compression
Movie Length:
25 min max time per clip
Other Features
Firmware Update:
Update possible by the user.
Histogram:
Yes
Photo Effects:
Auto Picture mode:
automatically selects from Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Night Scene, Blue Sky, ForestScene Mode:
Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Sunset, Blue Sky, Forest, Night Scene, Night Scene HDR*, Night Snap, Food, Pet, Kids, Surf & Snow, Backlight Silhouette, Candlelight, Stage Lighting, Museum*JPEG only
Playback Zoom:
Yes
Image Erase:
Card format, All photographs delete, Selected photographs delete
Image Erase Protection:
Yes
Menu Languages:
English, French, German,
Spanish, Portuguese, Italian,
Dutch, Danish, Swedish,
Finnish, Polish, Czech,
Hungarian, Turkish, Greek,
Russian, Korean,
Traditional/Simplified Chinese,
Japanese
Accessories
Lenses:
PENTAX KAF3, KAF2, KAF, and KA (K mount, 35mm screwmount, 645/67 med format lenses useable w adapter and/or restrictions)
Connectivity
Computer Interface:
USB 2.0 hi-speed
Other Conection Interface:
AV out, cable switch Video out: NTSC, PAL Microphone: Built-in monaural
Power Source
Power Source:
Li-Ion battery D-LI109 (included), AA battery holder D-BH109 for 4* AA batteries (sold separately)
Battery Life:
Li-Ion approx 480 (410 w 50% flash, CIPA),
AA lithium approx 1600 (1000 w 50% flash, CIPA)
Physical Specifications
Body Materials:
Reinforced polycarbonate over stainless steel chassis
Weather Sealing:
Fully weather sealed throughout body, coldproof
Width:
96mm
Height:
128mm
Depth:
71mm
Weight:
650 g (loaded and ready with the dedicated battery and SD Memory Card), Approx. 590 g (body only)
OperatingEnvironment:
-10 to 40°C
About Benjamin Kanarek
Fashion and Beauty Photographer. Some of the magazines I have shot for include: VOGUE (China, Portugal, Brazil, Italia, Paris and South America & Mexico editions), RG VOGUE Brazil, Harper’s BAZAAR (China, en Español & Latin America, Hong Kong, Italy editions), L’Officiel Paris, ELLE (Spain, Portugal and Greece editions), Madame Figaro (France), Cosmopolitan (France and Italy editions), Glamour (France), Votre Beauté, Jardin des Modes, Dépêche Mode, New York Daily News, Fashion District News, New York Times Magazine, W (British edition), WWD, Fashion Magazine (Canada), Flare (Canada), Oyster, Tank, WestEast…