Pentax K-x review
The K-x combines solid photographic performance with a wide array of
advanced features at an affordable price. It features PENTAX’s
innovative in-body Shake Reduction mechanism for sharper blur-free images,
12.4 megapixel CMOS sensor, comprehensive Dust Removal system, HD movie
capture and high-speed continuous shooting of approximately 4.7 frames per
second in its ultra-compact body. These features, along with the
user-friendly PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode and Live View with a choice
of three different focusing modes assure great results every time. The K-x
one-lens kit includes the smc PENTAX-DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens which
covers the wide-angle to medium-telephoto ranges. Colour Choices:
High-quality image reproduction The 12.4 MP CMOS image sensor assures
high-speed image data readout and more flexible response to varying ISO
sensitivity levels and can faithfully and accurately reproduce true-to-life
images with fine detail and rich colour depth. It not only offers a wide
sensitivity range between ISO 200 and ISO 6400, but also allows you to
expand the sensitivity range between ISO 100 and ISO 12800 via a custom
function, giving greater creative freedom to the more adventurous
photographer. The PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II imagine engine,
offers greater data processing speed and enhanced capability to produce
higher-quality images with richer, more accurate colour rendition, as well
as faster transmission speed of movie data.
High-precision 11-point AF sensor The wide-frame SAFOX VIII autofocus
system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned
in the middle) to automatically capture even off-centered subjects in
sharp, crisp focus. Select from 11 or 5 points or manually select any one
of the sensors as the focusing point to accommodate specialized
applications.
Compact, lightweight body Despite the incorporation of the large 23.6mm x
15.8mm image sensor, the K-x is one of the most compact, lightweight
digital SLR cameras available. It offers easy one-handed operation.
Live View function with choice of three focusing modes The Live View
function allows you to view the image on the LCD monitor during shooting.
Select from a choice of three different focusing modes during Live View
shooting: Contrast AF, which optimizes the focus based on the
subject’s contrast; Face Detection AF, which automatically detects up
to 16 faces, selects the main subject’s face from multiple faces,
then captures it in sharp focus; and Phase Difference AF, which uses the AF
sensor positioned in the camera body to optimize focus on the subject.
Coupled with the half press focus activation, this gives unprecedented ease
of use in Live View.
HD Movie Capture The movie recording function extends the benefits of
high-quality SLR photography to the world of movie shooting. It captures
beautiful, true-to-life movie clips in 16:9 high-definition TV proportions
(1280 x 720 pixels) at a frame rate of 24 frames per second.
PENTAX-original SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism The PENTAX-developed SR
(Shake Reduction) mechanism effectively compensates the adverse effect of
camera shake by as much as four shutter steps, assuring sharp, blur-free
images even under demanding shooting conditions. This innovative mechanism
is compatible with almost all existing PENTAX interchangeable SLR lenses
– both old and new.* * Lenses compatible with this mechanism are: the
PENTAX K-, K A -, K AF -, K AF2 -, and K AF3 -mount lenses; screw-mount
lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter).
Some functions may not be applicable with certain lenses.
High-speed continuous shooting The K-x’s high-speed continuous
shooting mode records as many as 17 images (in JPEG recording format) at a
maximum speed of approximately 4.7 images per second at 1/125 second
shutter speed. Its top shutter speed of 1/6000 second allows you to
preserve sharp, crisp images of fast-moving subjects.
Innovative image processing functions to produce distinctive photographic
effects (i) Digital filter function This function allows you to process
recorded images in a variety of creative ways within the camera and produce
highly creative visual expressions. With a choice of 16 different filters,
you can even apply different filters, one after another, to a single image
to create more personalized visual effects. (ii) Cross process mode The K-x
features the new cross process mode, in which the camera automatically and
randomly shifts photographic parameters for each exposure to create
eye-catching images with unique colours – just like pictures treated with
the cross process*** in film photography. This playful mode adds the
elements of surprise and unpredictability to digital photography as you
cannot expect the outcome until the captured image is actually displayed on
the camera’s LCD monitor. *** A film development technique that takes
advantage of unconventional film developers to create a distinctive
finishing touch with intriguing colours.
Other features Capture up to 1900 shots with universally available,
easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH
rechargeable and alkaline batteries). Custom Image function to create
unique finishing touches including the exclusive PENTAX B&W Infrared
Mode DR (Dust Removal) mechanism to eliminate dust spots on recorded images
and DUST ALERT to visually check for the adhesion of dust to the image
sensor. 2.7-inch, high-resolution wide viewing angle colour LCD monitor
with approximately 230,000 dots Auto Picture mode for effortless, automatic
selection of the most appropriate shooting mode, even during Live View
shooting True HDR image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single
picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail. White
balance control, featuring a new CTE mode to emphasize the colour
components of sunset scenes features preview of the white balance while
adjusting settings. The white balance can be saved from an existing image
Status screen for easy, at-a-glance confirmation and adjusting of various
settings on the LCD monitor Ten scene modes, with selection via simple
icons Automatic compensation for lens distortion and lateral chromatic
aberration (available only with DA and D FA series lenses) In camera RAW
processing of single or multiple images is possible with adjustment of the
image parameters. Includes the PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software
package, with RAW-data processing and browser applications
Capture up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA
lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline
batteries).
Custom Image function to create unique finishing touches including the
exclusive PENTAX B&W Infrared Mode
DR (Dust Removal) mechanism to eliminate dust spots on recorded images and
DUST ALERT to visually check for the adhesion of dust to the image sensor.
2.7-inch, high-resolution wide viewing angle colour LCD monitor with
approximately 230,000 dots
Auto Picture mode for effortless, automatic selection of the most
appropriate shooting mode, even during Live View shooting
True HDR image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with
outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.
White balance control, featuring a new CTE mode to emphasize the colour
components of sunset scenes features preview of the white balance while
adjusting settings. The white balance can be saved from an existing image
Status screen for easy, at-a-glance confirmation and adjusting of various
settings on the LCD monitor
Ten scene modes, with selection via simple icons
Automatic compensation for lens distortion and lateral chromatic aberration
(available only with DA and D FA series lenses)
In camera RAW processing of single or multiple images is possible with
adjustment of the image parameters.
Includes the PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, with
RAW-data processing and browser applications