One of the benefits to photographers of Canon and Nikon being so dominant in the market is that other companies like Pentax have to think a little bit harder to offer prospective buyers something different.

In several cases this has resulted in manufacturers turning to compact system cameras (CSC) and abandoning their SLR line-up.

So after its flurry of activity in the compact system camera (CSC) market, bringing out the teeny-tiny Pentax Q and chunky K-01, it’s great that Pentax is still interested in SLRs and has introduced the K-30. And with a weather-sealed body, high resolution LCD screen and a 100% viewfinder it seems like quite a compelling option sitting below the K-5 in Pentax’s two camera SLR line-up.

Features
At the heart of the Pentax K-30 is an APS-C (23.7×15.7mm) format CMOS sensor with 16.28 million effective pixels.

This sensor is able to shift to correct camera shake. Pentax’s Shake Reduction system functions just about whatever lens is mounted and can be set to the correct focal length if the camera cannot automatically detect the information.

In addition, when the Shake Reduction system is activated the K-30 can rotate the sensor automatically by up to 1 degree to correct the composition and avoid a sloping horizon. There’s also a digital level display option for the viewfinder and LCD screen.

The same system allows image composition to be adjusted up, down or left or right by up to 1mm over 16 steps. It’s hard to imagine this being used very often, but a 1mm movement at sensor level makes a reasonably significant difference, which could prove useful with critical still life or macro set-ups.

NEXT PAGE: The Pentax K-30 Verdict

READ MORE

99 common photography problems (and how to solve them)
33 myths of the professional photographer
44 essential digital camera tips and tricks
49 awesome photography tips and time savers

Pentax has announced a new DSLR to sit in its line-up, featuring a weatherproofed body and shake-reduction technology.

The company says that the features found in the K-30 are more commonly found in higher specced cameras, but the body shape and size is more reflective of an entry-level model.

Featuring a 16.2 million pixel CMOS sensor and a PRIME M image processor, which enables the K-30 to shoot full HD video at 30fps. A wide sensitivity range of between ISO 100 and ISO 12,800 (expandable up to ISO 25,600) is also available.

Built to be weather-resistant, dustproof and coldproof, the K-30 is designed to be used outdoors, and also features a large group intended for a secure hold of the camera.

An optical viewfinder is included, which offers a nearly 100% field of view and approximately 0.92x magnification.

The K-30 features a Pentax designed Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen to assist with manual focusing. This can be replaced with a standard focusing screen, or a cross-lined and scale type screen, which has been designed to accommodate more specialised photography.

Pentax claims that the K-30′s SAFOX IXi+ autofocusing module is “state-of-the-art” and that it is designed for high-precision autofocusing and responsiveness. Nine of the 11 AF points are cross type sensors, while the AF algorithm has been updated in all areas.

A high speed shooting function allows for shooting at upto 6fps (in JPEG format only). Other features include Live View at 60fps with a focus-assist function to improve precision when manual-focusing, Auto Picture and Scene modes and Pentax’s own Shake Reduction mechanism.

A number of image processing tools, such as Bleach Bypass and Cross Process are also available and can be added after the shot has been taken.

Pentax has also announced a new 50mm f/1.8 K-mount lens. It features the company’s Super Protect coating to fend off dust, water and grease.

The Pentax K-30 price is yet to be confirmed, but it will be available from the end of June.

READ MORE

44 essential digital camera tips and tricks
Digital camera effects from A-Z
Photographers Rights: the ultimate guide