Pentax K 30

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/179510-k-r-successor-photo...

16 MP, weather sealed, 799 €

Looks a very reliable rumour. Great specs. Rather hideous pentaprism design though!

It's like a new version of the old k200d with the addition of twin wheels, video, and probably a lot more besides.

maybe it is hybrid evf pentamirror? meant to compete with panasonic 4/3 rds?

Doubt it will be an EVF, as in-spite of the dubious angle of the front of the mirror box, it is still big enough for a Pentamirror or Pentprism.

The Looks are clearly not photoshopped, so it does look like the new mid-range model to replace the K-r.
One ergonomic I do like it the angled shutter button. That looks like it will be even more comfortable to use than my K-5.

With this model about to come out, I take it that the K-5 replacement (K-3?) will not be too far behind with a Pentax tweaked 24MP sensor?

Actually, I am rather interested in it.
Could be a great backup to the mighty K-5. Same sensor, same WR, dual dials (it would appear) same menus, but smaller. Would look great with the tiny Limiteds I have. Plus the AA battery option too (ala K-r)
If all is true, there may be a well used but well kept K20D and excellent *istDS on the market as a result (my K10D I am keeping.......)

Now, I am wondering if it has the very useful TAv mode too....

It's certainly real. It's already listed on Amazon (link) (in three colours) and in the online catalogue of 'Boulanger', which is I guess the French equivalent of Argos, on page 67.

http://www.boulanger.fr/content/static/bfr/_catalogues/2012/05_A_vos_techno_marq...

Amazing that it's for sale before any official announcement.

It looks very good. Also it's an indication that Pentax is going to be an enthusiasts' brand as it is a very expensive entry level model indeed (if that is what it is going to be). I thought Pentax got it bang on strategy wise with the Kx.

looks and sounds quite an intriguing one does that

Priced very close to the K5. Guess that will be discontinued soon. Otherwise its nearest competitor would be its stable mate.

Well the street price might be lower than those quoted so far. From the buttons and the write-up, this looks as if it may offer a lot of camera for the money and it is weather-sealed as well. So while it may or may not be Pentax's entry-level model it will be much more than that compared to the Canonikon entry level models. We can already be sure that it will offer top-notch image quality if that 16-meg sensor is the one in the K-01. I wonder if there'll be focus-peaking in live view ...

for the pdf of the catalog, page 67

http://www.boulanger.fr/content/static/bfr/_catalogues/2012/05_A_vos_techno_marq...

Probably. It is indeed the usual way that Pentax introduce the mid-range camera. The did it with the K200D when the K10D was still around.

Still, the K-5 is a mighty camera, even now, and it will take something for the K30 to usurp it. But bear in mind, Canon (tish) have both the 600D and 7D, with both having the same sensor, yet the 7D is still the better camera.

Ultimately it would be nice for Pentax to have a multi model range
Beginner - A sort of K300, possibly with the 16MP sensor, yet with fewer features
Mid-range - K30. Same sensor, but better features and build.
Semi-Pro - K-5 (or replacement) as is, if with the same sensor (remember it still has the top ISO), or replacement
Pro - The usual FF request, or at least a larger APS-C body with bigger buffer bigger dynamic range AF etc etc. Think of it as a Nikon D300/D400 type

With the Canons that difference is relected in the pricing

It seems the K30 will be about £700, which is very much in the same ball park as the K5. They will be fighting for the same market sector

True, but when the K-5 first came out, it was listed at £1200.
Yes, the K30 will be ballpark £600-700 on release, but it will settle down to £450 ish in a few months, whereas the K-5 has probably seen its bottom price. In the meantime the K30 might hurt sales of the K-5 a bit (those who don't want the K-5 or want the newest) until the K-5 replacement is out a couple of months later.
Having said that, there is a place for both the K30 and K-5, IF they are at the right price, and the marketing puts the message across correctly (as Canon do with the aformentioned 600D and 7D)
Mind you, what we must remember is that the K-5 is, even now, is a bargain compared its proper rivals of the 7D and D300s. It is just that the K30 might just usurp that. Still, Nikon don't seem to be worried about the D3200 (24MP) and D7000 (16MP) hurting sales of the D300s (12MP) at the moment

OK, 2 questions

Why hasn't this camera been advertised/anounced here in the UK?

Does it actually exist?