Pentax new K30 SLR might be just the camera for you if you a) have a collection of K-mount lenses knocking around and b) you like to knock your camera around. The headlines: The K30 is a tough, weatherproof DSLR with a 16MP APS-C sensor, a top shutter speed of 1/6000sec, 1080p video (at 24p and 30p) and a maximum ISO of 25,600.
Pentax’ K-mount dates back to 1975, and was as close as the world ever got to an open standard for bayonet-mount SLR lenses. It was used not only by Pentax, but also pretty much every second-tier manufacturer, which meant that there was (and still is) a huge range of lenses out there for next to nothing. Of course, old lenses won’t autofocus or anything like that, but if you’re used to using Lensbabys, then you won’t care.
The camera itself looks very capable, especially for the low price of $850, and is notable in that it uses knobs and dials for many functions instead of forcing you to dig through menus to access them.
In addition to the K30 body, Pentax has also launched a new 50mm ƒ1.8 lens, design for APS-C cameras (where it will become a 75mm portrait lens) for $250. The K30 will go on sale in July.
