Pentax K-30 Highlights:

16.2MP CMOS sensor
6fps burst shooting
ISO 100-12,800(25,600 extended)
Weather-resistant, dustproof and cold-proof
11-point AF system
1080p HD video
Available in three colours

Though the Pentax K-30 is designed for the entry-level user, it features an impressive specification.

Featuring an 16.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor with an ISO range of 100-12800 (expandable to an ISO equivalent of ISO 25,600), the K-30 can record video at 1080p (30fps) thanks to the PRIME M imaging engine.

There’s an 11-point AF system, with 9 of these AF points cross-type variants for greater speed and precision when acquiring focus. There’s an optical viewfinder with ‘nearly’ 100% coverage – possibly 95% in keeping with most other DSLRs in this sector, though we can’t confirm this at the moment.

The K-30 also promises to shoot at up to 6fps (frames per second) when shooting JPEG, while the rear screen is 3in in size with a resolutions of 921k-dots. There’s also 11 Custom Images that can be applied to your shots, including Bleach Bypass and Cross Process, along with 19 Digital Filters.

What’s most impressive though is the potential ruggedness of the K-30. Thanks to 81 weather seals round the body, the K-30 is designed to be weather-resistant, dustproof and cold-proof (with proven functionality in temperatures as low as -10°C). There’s also a large handgrip and plenty of rounded, soft-rubber casing placed on the body.

There’s a choice of two power supplies as well – the K-30 will run of either the bundled lithium-ion battery or will accommodate four AA-size batteries.

Available in three colours (black, white and blue), priced at £649 with the 18-55mm lens and will be available from the end of June.