The Pentax K-30 information was leaked.
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| K-30 looks pretty cool! |
Update: See official information on PentaxForums.com
EDIT: Some updates for new information…
Specifications so far I personally think are valid:
- Traditional digital SLR camera.
- 16 Mega-pixel sensor with video capabilities like the K-01
- Weather resistant (Pentax WR).
- Uses AA or rechargeable batteries. Basically the same power system as the K-r.
- ISO range from 100 to 25600.
- Black, white, and blue body panels in the USA.
- 3-inch LCD like existing K-7/K-5/K-01 cameras.
- Dual scroll wheel operation.
- The shutter/mirror system appears to be from the K-r, so 6fps operation and 1/6000th maximum shutter speed (the negative being louder compared to the K-5’s).
I personally like the rugged look, especial since I think it will be able to back up the claim. This will be one of the smallest large-sensor weather resistant cameras out there. The Olympus OM-D is probably the only real competition, but Pentax has it topped in affordable WR glass and the positives of a traditional SLR camera system.
If Pentax completely moves rugged with their entire DSLR line, that is the smartest thing they will do in a long time. This is the type of differentiator they need to sway people from other systems. Seriously, if this gets into retails stores, I could see it being very appealing to the average customers who like the outdoors. I’d like to see all of the lenses in the K-mount line up eventually be revamped to incorporate WR (some would probably have two versions for cost reasons). I saw some talk that the camera will be offered in Target, which would be a big step for them.
Not having a top LCD is probably going to be a bit difficult to transition to, but the suggested price needed some compromises to work. I also hope they didn’t skimp on the mirror/shutter system and decided to use a k-5 or better shutter in the sound department. I think this might be my K-7 replacement and be the Robin to my K-5 Batman. I’m hoping that the camera will use D-LI90 batteries like the K-7/K-5/K-01 use. Signs currently point to something like the K-r battery setup, which I feel apathetic about. It will mean I need to lug around different types of batteries and chargers for when I attend conventions.
Modes:
- AUTO, SCN, U1, U2, B, M, TAv, Av, Tv, Sv, P, and Movie.
- It’s nice to see that lineup is more like the K-5 and anything else. TAv and Sv on the dial are a big plus. I also am glad to see U1 and U2 as separate items. I don’t like how the K-5 handles the 5 offered user modes by popping up a display to select one out of the 5 when the USER mode is selected.
- A cheap WR camera body seems to have an unintended consequence. The photos seem to indicate that ports are missing. It looks like the panel is large enough for a mini-USB port and I see one on the other side for the cable release. That probably means no MIC input port and no HDMI…
- A Pentaprism with 100% view is a great addition to this level of camera (0.92x magnification).
- Newegg lists the release date as 07/09/2012 at a price of $899.95 with a DA-L kit lens. A bit more expensive that I was expecting.