Pentax K-30 Specs and Scores
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General
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Pentax K-30
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Price | |
Brand | Pentax |
Model | K-30 |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2012 |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | May 22, 2012 |
Camera Type |  DSLR |
Camera Size | |
Camera Weight |
The Pentax K-30 receives a score of 56/100 for its general specifications. Launched in 2012 with a price tag of $470, this DSLR camera measures 130 x 97 x 71mm and weighs 1.43lbs (650g). Although it has been almost a decade since its release, the K-30 still holds up decently in today’s competitive market. With its compact size and moderate weight, this camera is a solid choice for those seeking a user-friendly DSLR experience.
Pentax K-30 Overview and Optics
The Pentax K-30 receives a score of 60/100 for its optics. This camera features 16.3 megapixels, a shooting speed of 6, a CMOS sensor type, and a Prime M processor. With a DXOMARK score of 79 for its sensor, the K-30 is equipped with an APS-C sensor size, a Pentax KAF lens mount, image stabilisation, and a 3:2 aspect ratio.
Comparing the K-30’s optics to other cameras in today’s market, it has decent specifications. However, it falls short in certain aspects, such as megapixels and shooting speed. Many modern cameras boast higher megapixels and faster shooting speeds, offering better image quality and performance. Nonetheless, the K-30’s image stabilisation and lens mount compatibility with a wide range of Pentax lenses are noteworthy features.
While the Pentax K-30 may not be the top choice for photographers seeking cutting-edge optics, it remains a reliable and versatile option for those who value the Pentax lens ecosystem and require image stabilisation.
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Optics
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Pentax K-30
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 16.3 MP |
Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4928 x 3264 px |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.7 x 23.7 mm |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 6 fps |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Pentax KAF |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Prime M |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 12,800 |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 25600 |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 6000 s |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 11 |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentaprism) |
Pentax K-30 Video Performance
The Pentax K-30 has a video score of 57 out of 100. Its video capabilities include a maximum resolution of Full HD (1920 x 1080) and a maximum frame rate of 30fps. Additionally, the camera has built-in time-lapse functionality.
Despite these features, the Pentax K-30 falls short in comparison to the video capabilities of other cameras in today’s market. Many modern cameras offer 4K resolution, higher frame rates, and more advanced video features. However, the K-30’s Full HD resolution and 30fps frame rate are still suitable for casual videographers and hobbyists.
While the Pentax K-30 may not be the top choice for professional video production, it remains a reliable option for users seeking a camera with decent video capabilities and additional features such as time-lapse functionality.
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Video
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Pentax K-30
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  |
Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 px |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 30 p |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4 |
Pentax K-30 Features and Benefits
The Pentax K-30 features a score of 54/100, reflecting its specifications in comparison to other cameras in the market. With a 3-inch screen size and a resolution of 921,000 dots, the display provides decent quality for users. However, the lack of a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities might make the K-30 seem outdated compared to more recent camera models.
Despite these shortcomings, the Pentax K-30 still offers reliable performance and quality for photography enthusiasts. The camera’s specifications may not be the most advanced, but they are sufficient for users who prioritize function over cutting-edge technology. The K-30 remains a viable option for those seeking a dependable camera without the need for the latest features.
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Features
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Pentax K-30
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  |
External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |   |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  |
Screen Type | LCD |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  |
Screen Size |  3" |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 921,000 dots |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  |
Wi-Fi |  |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  |
Pentax K-30 Storage and Battery
The Pentax K-30 storage and battery score is 24/100. This camera has one memory card slot, supporting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. In the current market, many cameras offer dual memory card slots for more storage options and backup. The battery life of the K-30 is 410 shots, which is below average compared to other cameras in its class. The camera uses a D-LI109 battery type and does not support USB charging, limiting the charging options for users.
Considering the storage and battery specifications, the Pentax K-30 falls short in today’s competitive camera market. The limited memory card slots and below-average battery life make it less appealing to potential buyers seeking convenience and reliability.
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Storage and Battery
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Pentax K-30
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
Dual Memory Card Slots |  |
Battery Type | D-LI109 |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 410 shots |
USB Charging |  |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Pentax K-30
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |
Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 23.7 bits |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 13 EVs |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 1129 |
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Scores
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Pentax K-30
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User Scores
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Pentax K-30
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B&H photo video |