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Pentax K-x DSLR Camera

October 11, 2010 Posted by admin under Pentax
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The Pentax K-x was in several ways a breakout item for the company; it provided extremely fast overall performance, low-noise photos, and a powerful feature set in a rainbow of colors, all for a real affordable price that it could not help but make waves in a marketplace heretofore locked up by Nikon and Canon.

In some ways it is simple and easy to do better than them, since they do not launch new products at the bottom of the food chain – they just often let more aged models sink in price.

The Pentax K-x features a 12.4 megapixel APS-C format sensor, 720p HD Video, 4.7 fps continuous shooting, and Live View with face detection.

So what exactly is an underdog to do for an encore in the murky step-up industry? There you have to fight with Nikon and Canon’s existing products, additionally you have to provide noticeable benefits over your less expensive product, but without running into major cost increases. Pentax appears to be cautious with its new K-r, essentially retaining what’s good about the K-x with just enough developments to appeal to the more price-elastic customer.

Sample Shots

Pentax Kx price and Basic Specifications

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Cool built-in HDR and Cross Process features
  • CTE control for pin point white balance
  • Small body
  • Good price point
  • Excellent noise performance

Cons

  • Weather sealing would be nice
  • Batteries need to be better

Bottom Line

The Pentax K-x manages to offer plenty of functionality in a small package, and produces images of a high standard. As a beginner’s camera it provides plenty to explore, while equally it wouldn’t be out of place as backup to a more expensive model, given its portability. The lack of AF-point illumination and the low-resolution LCD screen may put some off, but for such foibles it makes up in other areas such as the impressive focusing system.

It might not be for everyone, but as a contender to Canon and Nikon’s alternatives it puts up a mighty good fight.

Product Pictures

Similar DSLR Cameras from Pentax

Pentax K-30

  • 16 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
  • Full weather sealing for worry-free use in any weather condition; Rugged cold-proof design for sub-freezing use (-10C, 14F)
  • Full 1080p30 HD video features h.264 compression, flexible exposure control, and HDR finishing options
  • Advanced SAFOX IXi+ autofocus engine features AF assist lamp, light source sensor, and improved optical components
  • 3-inch LCD is wide angle viewable, and features 921,000 dots of resolution

Pentax K-r

  • 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor; compact, lightweight body
  • Kit includes 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
  • Widescreen 720p HD video at 25fps; powerful automatic shooting modes including Pentax Auto Picture
  • 3-inch LCD with 921,000 dots of resolution; wide range of in-camera image processing and special effects filters
  • Capture images and video to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards (not included)

Pentax K-5

  • 16.3-megapixel CMOS sensor; 80-12800 ISO range with improved noise performance
  • Kit includes 18-55mm lens
  • Widescreen 1080p HD video at 25 FPS, with sound via built-in or external 3.5mm stereo microphone jack
  • 6-7fps captures fast action shots; 11-point SAFOX IX+ autofocus system with dedicated AF assist lamp and light wavelength sensor
  • Large 3-inch LCD with 921,000 dots of resolution; fully weather-sealed and coldproof design
  • SDXC memory card compatibility (via firmware update)

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