Pentax K-x

Written by Digital Photo Guru on February 19th, 2010

Pentax K-x

Last update (18 February’10):
- Review & Sample Photos @ Neutralday

Pentax K-x is a 12.4 megapixel DSLR camera features Auto Picture and Scene Modes, Creative Processing and Filter Modes, HDR Image Capture, 4.7 Frames per Second Capture Speed, 11 Point Wide Angle Focus, Widescreen HD 720p video at 24 FPS, and a 2.7 inch LCD with Live View and Face Detection. The camera measures (W x H x D): 4.8 x 3.6 x 2.7”, weighs approx. 20.5 oz and is running on AA lithium batteries.

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Latest Price Info

Expert Reviews

Pentax K-x Reviews

NeutralDay reviews the Pentax K-x and writes;
“the K-x is very small, while still being quite comfortable to handle…because the K-x is so fun to use, takes such good pictures, and is so darned affordable, it’s not just highly recommended, it’s “Essential“.”
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

LaptopMag reviews the Pentax K-x and writes;
“While there are other DSLRs, such as the $629 Nikon D5000, that offer better image quality for both photos and videos, there’s no question that the Penatx K-x is still a good value.”
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

PCMag reviews the Pentax K-x and writes;
“Breaking the boring, black D-SLR mold, the colorful Pentax K-x is the least expensive HD-video-capable D-SLR you’ll find. And it takes great pictures, too, even in low light..”
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Video Review by JakesTechBox;

DCI reviews the Pentax K-x and writes;
“The bottom line is precisely that: a price-performance judgment call. If good-enough image and video quality is good enough for you, the Pentax K-x is a fun and flexible camera..”
Rating: N/A

WDC reviews the Pentax K-x and writes;
“The 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.”
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

DigitalCameraHQ reviews the Pentax K-x and writes;
“…the noise has a film-like quality that adds character rather than distraction to the images. It’s a genuine joy to use a camera that can shoot clean images at ISO 1600 and produce extremely usable shots at 3200 and sometimes 6400. (ISO 12800 isn’t recommended except when you absolutely must have a shot for documentary purposes.).”
Rating: N/A

Pocket-Lint reviews the Pentax K-x and writes;
“For those looking for (nearly) all the latest must haves in one package, the Pentax K-x feature set offers a good value return for your money, whilst also being friendly to use via the prominence of its auto settings. Results straight out of the camera require minimal post processing too”
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Photocracti reviews the Pentax K-x and writes;
“Buy it. The Pentax K-x is fun and easy to use. And it’s a bargain! If you’re worried about the batteries, you’ll probably do okay just carrying around a spare set of lithiums.”
Rating: N/A

PhotographyBlog reviews the Pentax K-x and writes;
“Noise is well controlled by the Pentax K-x, starting to appear at ISO 1600 and becoming more easily detectable at the faster settings of ISO 3200 and 6400 when viewing images at 100% magnification on screen”
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

DCR reviews the Pentax K-x and writes;
“he K-x performed very solidly in our lab tests. We measured shutter lag (press-to-capture, pre-focused) at 0.03 seconds, which is just below the Olympus E-620. AF acquisition (using the viewfinder) came in at 0.25 seconds, while the K-x’s continuous shooting reigns supreme at the top of the pile, at a fast 4.4 fps”
Rating: N/A

PhotoReview.au reviews the Pentax K-x and writes;
“Pictures taken with the test camera were similar to the shots we took with the K-m. Contrast and saturation were restrained; out-of-camera sharpness was acceptable and colours were natural-looking. Autofocusing was acceptably fast and metering was accurate across a wide variety of subjects and with all metering modes.”
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

TechRadar reviews the Pentax K-x and writes;
“The K-x takes absolutely superb pictures, and that’s the main thing. It handles noise well and the extended ISO range isn’t just bragging on the specification sheet – there are times when it’s genuinely useful.”
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

ePhotozine reviews the Pentax K-x and writes;
“It’s unfortunate that this is the case with the K-x as the picture performance is very good. The colour chart is punchy in the primary colours and I like the balance of the earth brown and forest green. The skin tone pink could be stronger and there’s a distinct lack of colour in the pastel tiles.”
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

User Opinions

Pentax K-x User Reviews

Excellent entry level DSLR Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
“..I think Pentax K-x is super buy for the beginners. Not only it has all the features needed, it outperforms higher grade DSLRs in certain area like low noise…” – by Jinsoo

Simply Awesome Camera Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
“I bought this for my daughter, and she had it working and taking pictures in less than 3 minutes after the initial configuration. Low light, bright light, macro and even stopping the blades of a helicopter with the 1/6000 of a second shutter speed make this camera one with the specifications of a high end model, at an entry-level price….” – by Waldo

More user opinions | Write your opinion

Samples

Pentax K-x Sample Photos

- Pentax K-x Sample Photos @ NeutralDay
- Pentax K-x Sample Photos @ PhotographyBlog

Pentax K-x Sample Videos

Download

Pentax K-x User Manual (PDF)

Click to view or right click and select Save Target As..(Firefox) or Save link as.. (IE) to download

- Download Pentax K-x User Manual (PDF – 16.4 MB)

Pentax K-x Firmware Version 1.01

* Added 3 effects to the Cross Processing presets 1, 2, and 3.
* Added Cross Processing function to the Green Mode.
* Improved battery level indicator accuracy and stability.

- Download Pentax K-x Firmware Version 1.01 for Windows
- Download Pentax K-x Firmware Version 1.01 for Mac

PREPARATION

* You will need a blank, formatted memory card with a capacity of 32 MB or higher.
* You will need your camera’s USB cable, or a memory card reader.
* Make sure your batteries are fully charged (or that you are using an optional AC adapter) to prevent power interruptions during the update process.

FIRMWARE UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS – WINDOWS

1. Click the Windows link below to download the self-extracting firmware archive file (kx_e101w.exe). Click SAVE to save the download file to your computer’s hard drive. Saving it to your desktop, for example, will make it easy to find after the download is complete. Please note: this download file is not the firmware update file itself, but a compressed archive that must be expanded in the following step.
2. Next, double click the download file to expand it. Once expanded, you will see a readme text file (README.TXT) and the firmware update file itself (FWDC206B.BIN). The readme file contains instructions similar to what you are reading on this page.
3. You must now copy the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) to your camera’s memory card. When you connect the camera directly to your computer (or if you use a card reader), the memory card appears as a removable disk drive in the My Computer window. Make sure you are using a blank/formatted memory card, then drag & drop (or copy & paste) the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) from the desktop to your removable disk window, which is the camera’s memory card. Please note: You must put the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) directly onto the removable disk; it cannot be in any sub-folders. It must be on the top (or root) level of the memory card.
4. Now that you have copied the firmware update file (FWDC206B.BIN) to your camera’s memory card, you are ready to install it. Make sure your camera is turned off and disconnected from the computer. Make sure that the memory card containing the firmware update file is inserted into your camera. Also, make sure you that you have adequate power in your camera with fully charged batteries.
5. To begin the update, turn your camera on while holding down the MENU button. If you have followed the above instructions precisely, the camera will begin to load the new firmware. You will see the message “NOW LOADING” then the camera will display the firmware update menu.
6. Select “YES” using your camera’s 4-way controller (the default is “NO”) then press your camera’s OK button.
7. The camera will now update its firmware. This may take a couple of minutes, so be careful to not interrupt the process.
8. When the update is complete, you will see “COMPLETE” on your camera’s LCD screen. Turn the camera off and remove the memory card.
9. With the memory card removed from the camera, check your new firmware version by turning the camera back on while holding down the MENU button. Before you begin to take pictures again, be sure to format your memory card to erase the firmware update file.

FIRMWARE UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS – MACINTOSH

Mac users can follow this same process after clicking on the Macintosh download link below.

* Download and save the Macintosh download file.
* Decompress it with your Stuffit expander program if necessary (this step may be automatic).
* Connect the camera to the computer.
* Copy the firmware file (FWDC206B.BIN) to your camera’s memory card, then disconnect the camera from the computer.
* Proceed with the installation of the firmware as outlined above.

Features

High-resolution 12.4-megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.

Large 2.7-inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).

Capture widescreen HD video in full 720p resolution (1280×720) at 24fps cinematic framerate, using any Pentax 35mm lens.

Highly compact DSLR body design allows for 1 handed operation and comfort when travelling.

Powerful automatic modes, including Pentax Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.

Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.

True HDR image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.

Fast 4.7fps capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the Pentax PRIME II image processing engine.

Responsive 11-point wide-angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.

Capture up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).

Expanded ISO range covers sensitivities from 100-12800 for extreme low light photography.

What’s in the Box

* USB Cable I-USB7
* Strap O-ST53
* Hotshoe Cover FK
* Eyecup FQ
* Body Mount Cover
* Software CD-ROM S-SW99
* AA Lithium Batteries (x4)

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