List Price: $1,049.95
Sale Price: $730.29
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I received this kit on 06/12/2013 and I have shot over 1000 pictures so far.
There are lots and lots of reviews of the K-30 around the web and all of them will tell you that the camera can make great pictures. The 16 MP sensor is made by Sony and this sensor can also be found in higher priced Nikon and Canon cameras. To obtain the best out of the camera and kit lenses all pictures should be recorded in RAW/DNG format not JPG. The files are bigger at around 14 MB vs. 7 MB for a JPG but the improvement in quality is worth it. I compared RAW/DNG samples from Pentax, Nikon, and Canon and found that each recorded the image very well. At some point I found myself zooming in by some unnatural value like 300% 500% to look for differences and that's not a fair test unless you're going to print mural sized images. Get a ruler and *zoom-out* until the image on your screen matches 4"x6", 5"x7", or 8"x10". The pictures will look superb!
Read the manual carefully and learn all the functions. Your best shots will come from the manual modes where you have control of the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO setting. I use TAv mode and limit my ISO speed to an absolute max of 1200. Yes, it can go higher but I am a pixel peeper and I abhor even the slightest idea that there could be a slim chance of minor sensor noise! :-)
One of the joys of this camera is the availability of lenses. Any K-mount lens will fit, including the manual lenses of the past. Certain automatic functions may not work like aperture setting from the camera or exposure metering but they can all be engaged manually. Honestly, it's not hard to do and it's even a pleasure to work the settings. It puts you firmly in control of the shot. You can also get a M42 screw mount adapter and use vintage lenses as well. Those vintage lenses can produces stunningly good images! Don't discount them. However, be aware that a lot of them can be pretty bad too. Still, with over 30 million K-mount lenses alone having been since 1975 your chances of getting a good one are pretty good!
Speaking of lenses, the kit lenses are not weather resistant. That means there are no seals. Water could get in if you blast a garden hose at the camera. I have not had any issues with this and I'm not babying the setup. Just use it, treat it well, and it will treat you well in return. Also be aware that the lens bodies and body mating surfaces are made of plastic. That's not a bad thing nowadays. Plastic engineering is much more advanced than it was 20-30 years ago. These lenses will last just fine.
Be aware that when you are buying into a DSLR you are buying into a system. Five to seven years from now you'll upgrade to the newest snazziest model of camera body. The body almost becomes disposable. However, the lenses you will keep forever!
Ergonomics are good. The camera is bulky but very comfortable to hold. Learn where the buttons are and you'll find their position to be very natural.
The screen is fixed and does not articulate. Articulating screens are a 1% use case in my mind. If you want to use a screen for taking pictures then get a point and shoot camera. The screen will amplify dark pictures and make you think they came out OK when in truth they should be trashed. Use the viewfinder. It's a genuine pentaprism that gives 100% coverage of what your picture will look like. Understand contrasts, shadows, and how light reflects. You'll know if your shot is good or bad without having to look at the screen.
Battery life is as advertised. It's plenty for me but I would recommend a spare. You can also use AA batteries with a battery clip adapter. This is very convenient. You may not find a Pentax battery in the jungles of Africa or the deserts of Iran but AA batteries are as universal as oxygen.
I absolutely enjoy using this camera! It has reignited my passion for photography!
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