Pentax Adds K-x DSLR

(Credit: Pentax Imaging) Pentax's K-x DSLR is available in a gleaming red shell

Pentax freshened its entry-level DSLR lineup with the announcement of the 12.4-megapixel Pentax K-x. The new model shares the same body and LCD size as the K2000, but the K-x adds a live view on the LCD and packs the body with more resolution, HD videos, and updated features. The Pentax K-x will go on sale in October for $649 as a kit that includes an 18-55mm lens.

The biggest upgrade on the new Pentax K-x is the image sensor. The older K2000 has a 10.2-megapixel CCD, but the new K-x has a 12.4-megapixel CMOS that is paired with a second-generation version of Pentax’s PRIME image processor. This is the same image processor included in the more expensive Pentax K-7 and enables more detailed images and a faster 4.7 fps burst mode, among other improvements.

Both the K-x and K2000 have 2.7-inch LCD screens with 230,000 pixels, but the new K-x adds a live view function that many manufacturers save for pricier models. The live view sports three autofocus modes: contrast detection, phase difference, and face detection. The autofocus system has 11 points, as opposed to the K2000’s 5-point autofocus.

New on the K-x is the HD movie mode that can record 1280 x 720 pixels at 24 fps. The flagship K-7 DSLR can also record HD movies at the same resolution, but at a slightly faster 30 fps frame rate.

The Pentax K-x offers complete manual control along with an Auto Picture mode and 10 scene modes. It also comes with a host of digital filters and color modes. These were all included on the K2000, but the K-x makes a few additions to its roster: a High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode merges three bracketed images into a single shot and a Cross Process mode automatically and randomly adds some finishing color to mimic the film processing technique. According to the company’s Sept. 16 press release, “This mode adds a whimsical element to digital photography since photographers don’t know the results until the captured image is actually displayed on the camera’s LCD monitor.” Interesting.

Like other Pentax DSLRs, the K-x comes with sensor-shift image stabilization and functions on AA battery power. It is also compatible with SD and SDHC media, a popular memory choice for most compact digital cameras. The combination of SD media compatibility, live view on the LCD, and compact size make the K-x attractive to point-and-shooters who are looking to upgrade to the DSLR frontier. To sweeten the deal, Pentax is releasing the K-x in black, white, and limited editions of red and navy.

The Pentax K-x will sell in three configurations, all of which include the standard 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. The first kit will sell with that basic lens for $649. The second kit will come with a 55-200mm lens added to the mix for $749. The third kit will sell for $849 and will include the camera body, an 18-55mm lens, and a 55-300mm f/4-5.8 lens. The 55-300mm lens is newly announced and exclusive to the Pentax lens kit. It weighs almost as much as the camera body itself at 15 oz.