Sub-pixels in a UV²A screen.

Some TV makers have apparently already decided to integrate apps compatible
with the Nvidia system, as seen in the LG TV above.

Sony Bravia KDL-26EX553, reviewed yesterday

Compared with the K20D, the K-7 was a huge step forwards in design and handling with improved build quality, a lighter body, a 100% viewfinder, etc. But, in the meantime, the K200D was replaced with a pared-down K-m, ditching the weatherproof finish and the second screen.

This created a pretty big gap in the range—a gap transposed into the 2011 Pentax SLR series with a jump directly from the quite basic K-r—which holds its own against competitor models (see K-r vs D3100 vs EOS 1100D)—and the K-5, a robust experts' SLR. There was therefore plenty of room to slide in an intermediate model to rival bestsellers like the Nikon D5100, Canon EOS 600D and Sony Alpha 65.

And so here is the camera we've all be waiting for, the Pentax K-30. The '30' follows on from the K20D, which makes it crystal clear who this camera is aimed at—advanced users who don't want to spend a fortune on a camera (the K-30 is expected to launch at around £700, although exact UK pricing is still TBC).

In terms of technology, the K-30 is basically a K-5. It uses the same 16-Megapixel sensor, 100% viewfinder—which is probably a first in a camera in this price range—as well as the same autofocus system and light metering. It also inherits two settings thumb-wheels and Full HD video but with added stereo sound.

However, to cut costs, Pentax has scaled down the design in some ways. The K-30 has been stripped of its second control screen (which is especially practical when using the camera on a tripod), the flash sync port and controls for selecting the autofocus mode and exposure zones. It's therefore not quite as easy to access certain handy functions for advanced users, but this helps push the retail price down considerably.

The K-30 has been treated to a re-designed body, with a chiselled, angular kind of look (especially around the focus assist light). Plus, like other Pentax consumer SLRs (such as the K-x and K-r), it'll be available in black or electric blue.

Nevertheless, with two settings wheels, a 100% viewfinder and a weatherproof finish, this camera gives you more than the average £700 SLR. The Pentax K-30 could therefore be set to follow in the footsteps of the K10D, launched at the end of 2006, which was the first weatherproof SLR to sell for well under £1,000, not to mention one of Pentax's most successful cameras.
 

Customisable cameras are Pentax's thing, it seems, as the firm's SLRs are available in several colours and some of its compacts can be user-modified. Last year's RS1500, for example, came with a selection of pre-cut paper patterns that could be used to brighten up the front of the camera under a perspex cover.

This year's customisable compact is the LS465. Instead of using paper templates, this model comes with interchangeable face plates that slot into clips on either side of the front face. The cover is then fixed in place with a circular locking system around the lens.

Otherwise, the LS465 has a 16-Megapixel sensor (although it's still a CCD) and a new 28-140 mm lens. This isn't particularly fast (f/3.9 at wide-angle, f/6.3 at telephoto) but we still hope it'll manage to do a better job than its predecessor in the RS1500.

The 2.7-inch screen keeps its 230,000-dot resolution and video is still 720p with mono sound. Plus, the LS465 has no optical or mechanical stabilisation, as Pentax's customisable camera is a decidedly entry-level snapper. And seeing as it's expected to sell for around £150 (although UK pricing is still TBC), the customisable aspect should help it stand out in the market.
 

Panasonic's engineers came all the way from Japan to
present their new firmware for the DT50. We tested the results in an exclusive preview.