PENTAX announces K-x a Entry-Class Digital SLR Camera

This is likely to be of interest to our members. Pentax has launched an entry level DSLR with movie recording. The camera is also available in red colour. :eek: The press release is reproduced below.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

PRESS RELEASE

HOYA CORPORATION PEN

HOYA CORPORATION

PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-x, a new lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera. This new model combines solid photographic performance with a wide array of advanced features, including Live View function and high-quality movie recording, extending high-quality digital SLR photography to all users. Its compact, lightweight body also enhances portability and maneuverability, making it ideal for many different photographic occasions.

The K-x design is based on the PENTAX K-m, an entry-class digital SLR camera launched in October 2008 that early on gained popularity for its compact, lightweight body and simple, user-friendly operations. With the addition of a newly designed CMOS image sensor and an upgraded high-performance imaging engine, the K-x offers outstanding photographic performance at nearly the same level as upper-class models. This includes high-resolution, fine-detailed images delivered by approximately 12.4 effective megapixels, super-high-sensitivity photography and high-speed continuous shooting. The K-x also features an array of advanced functions, including Live View shooting and movie recording. It also provides a pair of handy functions designed to produce highly personalized images with great ease: an upgraded digital filter function to accommodate more sophisticated image processing, and a new cross process mode to produce unexpected, eye-catching finishing touches with unique, intriguing colors. The K-x is not only the perfect camera for first-time digital SLR camera users, but also serves as the ideal backup camera for more experienced photographers.

Along with the K-x, PENTAX will also launch the smc PENTAX-DA L 55-300mmF4-5.8ED super-telephoto zoom lens as part of the K-x Twin Lens Kit package. This zoom lens was designed to be lightweight without compromising the exceptional optical performance common to all PENTAX lenses, making super-telephoto photography easier and smoother for K-x users.

For details please check:
http://www.pentax.jp/english/news/2009/200918.html

The PENTAX K-x retails at online stores at around 650 to 700 USD (with the 18-55 Kit lens) and seems to be a great entry level DSLR for those migrants from the PnS world.

Rajan

Wow! Unusual to see PENTAX news in India!

Being one of the only two PENTAX users on this forum, and one of the handful in this country, let me indulge in some brand loyalty :D The K-x is a solid bargain for beginners. Like all PENTAX cameras it packs a solid features for price ratio. The built in sensor shift Shake Reduction (SR) is a proven performer and up to 3-4 stops are frequently gained. And since it is built into the body, ANY lens mounted on a PENTAX DSLR is stabilised. Unfortunately PENTAX didn't make this camera weather sealed- a feature now almost considered standard across the PENTAX range. Even the kit lenses are now weather sealed! The HD video recording is supposed to be of the same quality as the one that comes with the top end K-7. That, along with 4.7 fps and 12.4 mp CMOS sensor are perhaps all firsts in entry level DSLRs. The DA L 55-300 lens mentioned in the news is perhaps going to be a scaled down version of the DA 55-300 (no 'L'). The first such 'scaled down' lens was the DA L 18-55, a scaled down (and colourful!) version of the kit lens. This cheaper version comes with plastic mount and no hood.

For beginners looking to get the K-x and shoot wildlife, following are the lens options:

PENTAX SMC DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8
PENTAX SMC FA-J 75-300mm f/4-5.8
TAMRON Di 70-300mm f/4-5.6 MACRO
SIGMA APO DG 70-300mmf/4-5.6 MACRO
PENTAX SMC DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6
SIGMA APO DG 50-500mm f/4-6.3
SIGMA APO DG 150-500 HSM f/4-6.3

Macros:

PENTAX SMC D FA 100mm f/2.8
TAMRON SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di
SIGMA APO DG 105mm f/2.8

A few other macros from PENTAX in shorter focal lengths exist.

Beginners will most probably not be interested in primes and high end zooms, but for those who are here are the options:

PENTAX SMC DA* 300mm f/4 ED(IF) SDM (Silent Drive Motor)
PENTAX SMC DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED(IF) SDM
PENTAX SMC FA* 600mm f/4 ED(IF) (On order)
PENTAX SMC FA* 300mm f/2.8 ED(IF)
SIGMA APO DG 500mm f/4.5
PENTAX SMC DA* 60-250mm f/4 ED(IF) SDM
PENTAX SMC DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED(IF) SDM
TAMRON 70-200mm f/2.8
SIGMA 70-200mm f/2.8

PENTAX is rumored to be testing a DA* 500mm/600mm lens for its DSLRs and should be out with it in about 6 months. Along with it, we'll receive a weather sealed, SDM enabled 1.4X TC.

Since all PENTAX DSLRs are 100% back compatible with every PENTAX lens ever made, you can also explore the long list of historical lenses many of which are available used. Most of these are gems available for pretty cheap. Some rather expensive rarities include the likes of the FA* 250-600mm f/5.6 ED(IF). Cheaply available primes, especially the old Takumars, though manual, are assets for any photographer and still outresolve the 14.6 mp sensors of the K 20D and K-7!

For those who want to go higher with a PENTAX system, do explore the PENTAX K-7. It is nearly bullet proof and packed with mind blowing features. Image quality, true to the brand, remains unmatched right through the line up. For medium budgets, there's the K 200D. For those with super high budgets who want to rise above 35mm/APS-C DSLRs, have a look at the 645D and other PENTAX digital medium format bodies and lenses.

Its sad that a brand as legendary as this should suffer so badly simply due to poor marketing. With its merger with HOYA hopefully that should change.

Very few wildlife photographers go pro with PENTAX. Here is a very unbiased comparison between the Canon 40D and PENTAX K 20D (soon to be discontinued) by Marc Langille, one of the few who shoot pro with PENTAX.

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/p...rspective.html

Keep in mind that this comparison was made before the K-7 was launched!

Cheers,
Aditya

Well, I don't want to comment on an opinion posted by someone in another forum. It is a different matter that the person is a moderator of a Pentax forum commenting on Canon. I had used a 40D for a year. It is not as good as my 1D Mark II. However, I have used it in pouring rain without protection and in low light. It is is a fine piece of equipment.