Pentax has created a bunch of excellent SLR
models in recent years and once again K-30 expanded the limit.
Pentax
K-30 With WR 18-55mm Lens
Viewfinder uses pentaprism rather than
pentamirror for brighter vision, besides 0.92x zoom and 100% coverage are
bigger than from any models in this segment. It’s hard to exaggerate how this makes
such difference, just like upgrading from 19in screen to 24in one.
There’s dual command dials on the front and
the back for direct accesses to aperture and shutter speed. An electronic
spirit level was built in, with feedbacks popping up on screen or via
viewfinder’s window. Like most SLRs of Pentax, optical stabilization is
integrated into the sensor thus it is available for any lens. The most
surprising feature is water-proof body (you should purchase this kit lens as it
is only $30 more than the standard version having no WR suffix).
Unbelievable weight
K-30 lacks passive LCD screen (for
displaying capture settings) that is common in hi-end SLRs, like 60D. It also has
no articulated screen which other 900-dollar SLRs do. However, this reduces the
weight. Lack of HDMI appears less excusable, plus 410-shot battery life from
the thin Li-ion is below medium. It can be run by 4x AA batteries with the help
of optional battery holder ($45). You can also buy an alternative Li-ion
battery ($68).
The viewfinder hump and pop-up flash form a
sharp edge in the front. The camera is comfortable held, with a molded handgrip
and a contoured back for the thumb to rest on. The viewfinder points a few millimeters
out from the back and we found it difficult pressing our eyes close enough to
avoid light from our peripheral vision.
Controls are achievements. We highly
appreciates that there’re 2 command dials in manual mode but they are really
good in program mode. It’s simple and a breakthrough in term of program shift. It’s
also handy when being able to switch to priority modes instantly from current
exposure settings rather than last used manual settings.
Other controls were as good as those we have
seen in this price range. There’re not so many buttons but Pentax exploits them
all, combining self-timer, continuous shooting and exposure bracketing to make a
single drive mode button. We were especially fond of pressing IOSO, bringing
access to not only manual ISO setting but also the upper and lower values of Auto
ISO mode.
K-30 was quite slow starting, taking 1.5sec
for the first shot, but it passed other tests. It spent 0.35sec between shots
in normal use and 2.3sec with flash set at full power. Continuous mode took
place with 5.7fps at 48fps before falling down to 3fps – the fastest we have
ever seen in a SLR of the segment.
However, these results could be achieved
when lens distortion correction was disabled. When it was activated, the figure
fell down to 1fps after 6 frames. Enabling CA correction didn’t affect
performance much. We could manage to live with image distortion but chromatic
aberration appeared more annoying so we left the camera at these settings to
exploit its full speed. Canon EOS 650D requires user to make difficult decision,
with CA correction that damages continuous performance.
You have been framed
Video can be at 1080p resolution with the
options among 24fps, 25fps and 30fps. AVC compression gave the clip duration of
20min (25fps) before 4GB file limit stopped it. Image quality was good rather
than excellent, with fewer details we have ever seen from 1080p videos of other
SLRs, along with common problems with moiré interference. Program,
aperture-priority and manual modes were available but AF malfunctioned right
after recording started. Though, the screen’s sharp 920,000p resolution
assisted manual focus and there’s no need to switch to manual mode as focus
ring is always usable. Our biggest concern with video was that background music
accompanied with a rhythmic chattering noise.
Video
can be at 1080p resolution with the options among 24fps, 25fps and 30fps.
Colors were accurate and detail felt crisp
in frame’s corners with kit lens. Canon EOS 650D offered a quite sharper
details in default settings but there was nothing. Noise level was impressive
low.
Pentax owns the biggest viewfinder with
fastest performance and best controls at this price while image quality is
great. Water-resistant ability makes the deal more appealing and drives you to
ignore the quirky appearance. It resoundingly won Best Buy award.
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Info
·
RRP: $900
·
Provider: www.jessops.com
·
Sensor: 16.1MP (4928x3264)
·
Zoom: 3x optical (27-82.5mm)
·
LCD: 3in (921,000p)
·
Storage: SDXC card
·
Battery: Li-ion or 4x AA
·
Size/weight: 99x127x148mm/880g
·
Warranty: 1-year RTB
·
Battery life: 410 shots
Verdict
·
A comprehensively good camera with quite high
price
·
Ratings: 5/5
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