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General Features
Playback and Editing Features
Connections
Battery Information
Supplied Software

General Features

Overview: The Pentax K-30 is a D-SLR camera with a rugged reinforced polycarbonate over stainless steel chassis. It is fully weather-sealed to resist water, fog, snow, sand, and dust, to give you outstanding performance in the elements, as well as the studio. It is also coldproof, making it ideal for use in sub-freezing, wet, snowy winter conditions (down to 14°F). This K-30 kit comes with the SMC Pentax-DA L18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens. The K-30 will accept other Pentax K-mount lenses to give you a variety of shooting options.

Note: The K-30 is not submersible and may be damaged by water under pressure.

3.0" LCD Monitor: The camera features a large, bright 3.0" LCD monitor for viewing the camera settings, framing your shots with Live View, and playing back recorded still images and movies. The monitor's 921,000-dot resolution gives you crystal clear images, and features approximately 100% field of view.

Viewfinder: In addition to the 3" LCD monitor, the K-30 has an optical, pentaprism viewfinder with 100% field of view. A diopter adjustment lets you focus the viewfinder to your personal eyesight, if needed. The viewfinder's focusing screens are interchangeable.

Electronic Level Display: The K-30 has an electronic level display which shows a bar scale indicating the horizontal camera angle at the bottom of the LCD screen and a vertical camera angle on the right side. In the viewfinder, a horizontal angle display is available. The level display can be turned on/off in the shooting menu.

Compatible Lenses: The K-30 has a KAF2 bayonet mount with an AF coupler and lens information contacts (a K-mount with power contacts). Lenses with KAF3, KAF2 (power zoom not compatible), KAF, and KA mounts can be used. These lenses include DA, DA L, D FA, and FA J lenses.

Supplied Lens: This camera kit comes with the SMC Pentax-DA L18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens. The wide angle-to-normal zoom lens' focal length is equivalent to 27mm-84.5mm in the 35mm format. The minimum focus distance is 9.84". It is ideal for general use, especially indoor photography, as well as portraits and landscapes. The lens features the Pentax SP (Super Protect) coating to repel dust, water, and grease.

Image Sensor: The K-30 is equipped with a large, 16-megapixel APS-C sized (23.7 mm x 15.7 mm) CMOS image sensor, which delivers high resolution image quality with accurate colors and low noise. It has 16.49 million total pixels and 16.28 million effective pixels. The sensor features an SP coating and Dust Removal function that shakes the sensor with ultrasonic vibrations every time the camera is turned on and off.

Shake Reduction (SR): The K-30 is equipped with the Pentax Shake Reduction (SR) system, which uses a magnetic force to move the image sensor at high speeds, compensating for camera shake. The Shake Reduction function allows you to take pictures at approximately 4 steps slower shutter speed without risk of camera shake. Movie Shake Reduction is also available for movie recording.

Recording Media: The camera can record still images and movies onto SD Memory Cards, SDHC Memory Cards, and SDXC Memory Cards.

Still Image Formats: The K-30 can shoot JPEG still images in 4 sizes in 3:2 aspect ratio. You can set the image quality level (compression ratio) for each size to Best, Better, or Good. In addition, uncompressed RAW images can be recorded using the full output of the CMOS sensor. The RAW files are recorded in the DNG (Digital Negative) format. RAW images must be "developed" and converted into JPEG files using the RAW Development function in the camera or using the provided Silkypix Developer Studio 3.0 software. When the camera is set to RAW+JPEG, images in both JPEG and RAW formats are captured. Image sizes include:

• 16M: 4928 x 3264 (JPEG and RAW)
• 12M: 4224 x 2816
• 8M: 3456 x 2304
• 5M: 2688 x 1792

Movie Recording: High Definition movies can be recorded in the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format with audio recorded with the built-in monaural microphone. You can choose from Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 30 or 24 frames per second, or 1280 x 720 at 60, 30 or 24 fps. Standard def movies can also be recorded at 640 x 480 pixels (4:3) at 30 or 24 fps. The Quality Level can be set to Better, Best, or Good.

Interval Movie: You can take still pictures at a set interval from a set time, and save them as a single movie file. The interval can be set to 3 sec, 5 sec, 10 sec, 30 sec, 1 min, 5 min, 10 min, 30 min, or 1 hour. The recording time duration can be set from 12 seconds to 99 hours. The first picture of the interval movie can be taken immediately, or at a set time in the future.

Focus Modes: You can set the focus mode switch to AF-S (auto focus-single), AF-C (auto focus-continuous), or MF (manual focus). In Auto Focus mode, the camera automatically focuses on the subject when the shutter release button is pressed halfway. In Manual Focus mode, you can adjust the focus by turning the focus ring on the lens.

AF Assist Light: In Auto Focus mode, when the subject is in a dark location, the AF Assist Light automatically turns on when the shutter release button is pressed halfway. You can turn off the AF Assist light, if desired.

AF Point: You can choose the part of the viewfinder to set the focus to: Spot, Select, or Auto. In Select mode, you can set the focus area to any of eleven points in the AF frame. In Auto mode, the camera selects the optimum AF point, even if the subject is not centered. You can select between 11 or 5 AF points. The active AF point is illuminated, superimposed within the viewfinder frame.

Drive Modes: The K-30 offers several options for shooting single and multiple images at once. You can choose from the following Drive Modes:

• Single Frame: Photos are taken one at a time with each press of the shutter release button.
• Continuous Shooting: Multiple photos are taken while the shutter release button is pressed fully at approximately 6 frames per second (high speed) or 3 fps (low speed).
• Self-Timer: A single photo is taken after approximately 12 seconds to allow the photographer to get into the picture. A 2-second self timer can be used to avoid camera shake when the shutter release button is pressed.
• Remote Control: Using the optional remote control, the shutter is released immediately after the shutter release button on the remote is pressed. A 3-second delay Remote Control setting is also available. You can also use the remote control for continuous shooting. Pentax offers the optional Remote Control F or Waterproof Remote Control O-RC1.
• Exposure Bracketing: You can take three consecutive images at different exposure levels when the shutter release button is pressed. The selected images are saved with each release, at standard exposure, one underexposed, and one overexposed. You can set the order of the exposures as desired. The bracket value can be set at +/- 5EV at 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV intervals. Auto Bracketing can be used with the remote control or the self-timer.

Metering: You can select the portion of the image sensor to use for measuring brightness and determining exposure:

• Multi-segment: The sensor meters the brightness in multiple zones (77).
• Center-weighted: Metering is weighted at the center of the sensor.
• Spot: The brightness is measured only within a limited area at the center of the sensor.

Exposure Modes: The top-mounted Mode Dial lets you set the desired Exposure Mode. You can select from the following:

• Auto: Automatically selects the optimal capture mode for the subject. Possible modes include Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Sunset, Blue Sky, and Forest.
• Scene Mode: Lets you choose the capture mode from various scene styles. Scenes include: 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 and Museum.
• Exposure Modes: You can select from the following on the Mode Dial:
  • Program AE (P): The camera automatically sets the shutter speed and aperture value to obtain a proper exposure.
  • Sensitivity Priority AE (Sv): You set the sensitivity to suit the brightness of the subject. The shutter speed and aperture values are automatically set.
  • Shutter Priority AE (Tv): Lets you set the desired shutter speed for expressing moving objects. The aperture value is automatically set to give the proper exposure.
  • Aperture Priority AE (Av): Lets you set the desired aperture value for controlling depth of field. The shutter speed is automatically set to give the proper exposure.
  • Shutter & Aperture Priority AE (TAv): You can set both the desired shutter speed and aperture to take the picture. The sensitivity is automatically set so the manually set shutter speed and aperture will give the proper exposure.
  • Manual Exposure (M): After the shutter speed and aperture are automatically set for the proper exposure, you can change both settings to obtain the effect you desire.
  • Bulb Exposure (B): The shutter remains open as long as the shutter release button is pressed. Use this setting for shooting night scenes and fireworks which require long exposures.
• Movie: Lets you record movies in High or Standard Definition with sound.
• User 1/User 2: You can save up to two exposure settings and recall them when needed.

EV Compensation: You can deliberately overexpose or underexpose a picture using EV Compensation. The compensation value can be set between -5 and +5 EV (-2 and +2 EV in Movie Mode). The step interval can be set at 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV.

White Balance: White Balance is a function for adjusting the color of an image so that white objects appear white. You can choose Automatic White Balance (AWB), or a preset White Balance depending upon the lighting source: Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light (4 types), Tungsten, Flash, CTE (Color Temperature Enhancement), or Manual. You can save three settings in the Manual and Color Temperature white balance modes.

ISO Sensitivity: You can set the sensitivity to suit the brightness of the surroundings. The sensitivity can be set to ISO AUTO or manually to ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, or 12800. The sensitivity range can be expanded to a range of 100 to 25600.

Flash: The K-30 has a built-in pop-up flash for use in low-light situations. The camera also has a top-mounted hot shoe for attaching an optional external flash unit, such as the AF540FGZ, AF360FGZ, AF200FG, or AF160FC. There are several Flash Modes to choose from:

• Auto Flash: the flash automatically fires based on brightness of the scene
• Auto + Red-eye Reduction: the flash fires automatically with a pre-flash for red-eye reduction
• Flash On: the flash fires with each picture when manually popped up; does not charge when retracted
• Manual + Red-eye Reduction: the flash fires when popped up with a pre-flash for red-eye reduction
• Slow-speed Sync: the flash fires during a slow shutter speed; lights foreground subject while maintaining a distant lit background
• Slow-speed Sync + Red-eye Reduction: the flash fires during a slow shutter speed, with a pre-flash for red-eye reduction
• Trailing Curtain Sync: the flash fires immediately before closing the shutter to capture moving objects as they leave a trail behind.
• Wireless Mode: Synchronizes a dedicated external flash, such as the AF540FGZ or AF360FGZ, without using a sync cord.
• Flash Off: the flash does not fire regardless of subject brightness

Playback and Editing Features

Quick Zoom: Single images can be magnified up to 16 times in playback mode. While the image is magnified, you can use the 4-way controller to move around in the magnified area.

Multiple Image Display: You can display multiple images on the LCD monitor at once. You can choose the number of images to be displayed in the monitor: 4, 9, 16, 36, or 81. Images can also be displayed by folder or in a calendar filmstrip.

Image Editing: The Playback Mode Palette lets you perform playback and editing functions on recorded images and movies. Some of the functions include:

• Image Rotation: When pictures are taken vertically, the vertical position sensor activates and rotation information is added to the image to enable playback with the correct image orientation. You can set the desired rotation direction in the menu.
• Digital Filter: You can edit images using the following digital filters: Monochrome, Extract Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Color, Tone Expansion, Sketch, Water Color, Pastel, Posterization, Miniature, Soft, Starburst, Fish-eye, Slim, and Base Parameter Adjustments (Brightness, Saturation, Hue, Contrast, Sharpness).
• Resize: Change the number of recorded pixels and quality level and save it as a new image.
• Cropping: Cuts out only the desired area of the selected image and saves it as a new image. Cropping can also change the aspect ratio from 3:2 to 4:3, 16:9 or 1:1, and rotate the image from -45° to +45° in increments of 1°.
• Index: Allows you to join multiple images together and display them as an index print. You can also save the displayed index print as a new image.
• Protect: You can protect images from being deleted.
• Slideshow: play back still images one at a time in slide show fashion. You can adjust the interval (3 sec, 5 sec, 10 sec, or 30 sec) and the screen effects (fade, wipe, stripe, no effect).
• Save as Manual WB: Allows you to copy the white balance setting of a captured image and save it as Manual WB.
• Save Cross Processing: Allows you to save the settings for an image captured in Cross Processing mode of Custom Image to Favorite.
• RAW Development: Converts captured RAW files into JPEG or TIFF files.
• Movie Editing: Movies can be divided and unwanted segments can be deleted.
• DPOF: You can order conventional photograph prints by taking the SD Memory Card with recorded images to a store for printing. DPOF (Digital Print Order Form) settings allow you to specify the number of copies, and whether to imprint the date.

Connections

Video/PC Terminal: The proprietary Video/PC terminal can be used to connect the camera to your computer via the supplied I-USB7 cable. The terminal is USB 2.0 High-Speed compatible. You can also connect the camera to a TV using an optional I-AVC7 AV cable. The cable has composite video and mono RCA audio plugs. The AV output is automatically set based upon the hometown entered at the time of initial setup, in accordance with that region. The video output format can be manually set to NTSC or PAL, if necessary.

Cable Release (optional): A 2.5mm sub-minijack is provided for the optional CS-205 Cable Switch for operating the camera shutter release button.

Battery Information

Lithium-Ion Battery: The Pentax K-30 is powered by the D-LI109 Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery (7.2V / 1050mAh / 7.8Wh). The battery charges in approximately 240 minutes using the supplied D-BC109 battery charger. The image storage capacity with a fully charged battery is as follows:

AC Adapter (optional): When using the monitor for a long time, or connecting the camera to a computer or AV device, it is recommended to operate the camera on AC power. The optional K-AC128 AC adapter kit lets you operate the K-30 on ordinary household current. The AC adapter kit includes the D-AC120, a DC coupler (D-DC128) that can be inserted into the battery chamber, and the AC plug cord.

Battery Holder (D-BH109): The optional D-BH109 Battery Holder allows you to use AA batteries in the K-30. The battery holder can hold 4 AA batteries, and inserts into the battery compartment. You can use the following types of batteries:

Supplied Software

Silkypix Developer Studio 3.0: The K-30 comes with Silkypix Developer Studio 3.0 Software on the supplied CD-ROM. With the software, you can develop RAW files, adjust the color of the images and other settings, and save the new images in JPEG or TIFF format.

Compatible Operating Systems: The PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software is compatible with the following operating systems:

• Windows:
  • Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit)
  • Windows Vista (32-bit, 64-bit)
  • Windows XP (SP3 or later, 32-bit Home/Pro)
• Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.5, 10.6, or 10.7