pentax digital cameras

List Price: $849.95

price:$659.99

 

 Average customer review: (35 customer reviews)

29 new or used available from $659.99

Product Description

The K-x camera design is a 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. True HDR image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail Responsive 11 point wide angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects Expanded ISO range covers sensitivities from 100-12800 for extreme low light photography Capture up to 1900 shots with easy-to-find AA lithium batteries Specifications Effective Pixels - approx. 12.4 megapixels Image Sensor - CMOS with a primary color filter Lens Mount - PENTAX KAF2 bayonet mount Monitor - 2.7 TFT color LCD Live View - TTL by Image Sensor Viewfinder - Fixed molded penta-mirror type Storage Media - SD memory card , SDHC memory card Image Formats - JPEG, RAW (12bit) (PEF, DNG), RAW+JPEG File Size - Up to JPEG or RAW - (12M) 4288x28; Movie - (0.9M) 1280x720,

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #519 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Pentax
• Model: K-x 18-55mm & 55-300mm Kit
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 2.70" h x 3.60" w x 4.80" l, 1.30 pounds
• Display size: 2.7

Features

• 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor with Pentax Shake Reduction; HDR image capture
• Kit includes 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL and 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED lenses
• Capture widescreen HD 720p video at 24fps; 2.7-inch LCD with autofocus and Face Detection Live View
• 4.7fps capture rate with 1/6000 sec max shutter speed; 11-point wide-angle autofocus
• Powered by AA lithium batteries; capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory (not included)

From the Manufacturer

Choose a camera that redefines the entry-level digital SLR category. The Pentax K-x offers high-end features including Live View, HD video and photographic performance that challenges higher class models. Since there’s no rule that SLR cameras must come in one color, try the K-x in a choice of white or black, as well as special, limited edition red and navy. With a one-handed shooting design that is extremely compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use, the very affordable K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point-and-shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.

Pentax K-x Features & Highlights

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 (1280x720) 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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Customer Reviews

Why I decided on the Pentax Kx
I am an avid reader of reviews and many times use this information to help in my buying decision. Since I suppose I am like most others who shop, compare, read, read some more and still can't decide I hope this might help in your quest for the right camera. Of the cameras I tried, all were very nice and I would be happy with any of them.

I have been looking for a camera that will give me the biggest bang for my buck! I hope to spend more time using my camera as a hobby. Until now have used my point and shoot Canon S3IS digital for kids, family, show choir and sporting events. The Canon S3IS is a great camera; I just want to step up a bit.

I started looking at used Nikon camera bodies as I had an old Nikon 2020 35mm film camera with the 35-70mm & 70-210mm AF lens. I stopped by my local camera shop and found my old lenses would work on the Nikon D50, D70, D80 and D90 bodies. I didn't find anything used locally or on eBay (too expensive) that I wanted so I looked at the new Nikon D90. Since Canon is the other big player in this field I decided to consider their cameras as well.

Both manufacturers offered what I wanted in a camera; the ability to capture video, able to shoot in low light and had quick and accurate autofocus capabilities. I tried both brands back and forth for several weeks and preferred the Canon T1i. I proceeded to sell my older Nikon equipment to help pay for the Canon T1i and move that direction

While saving for my new purchase and reading about digital SLR cameras I became aware of some of other SLR brands. I found several online reviewers that had good comments about these less popular cameras. Sony, Olympus, etc had nice features but for one reason or another I took them out of contention. Sony, I thought the lenses were too expensive. The Olympus just didn't click with me.(pun intended) Pentax had very good remarks and had similar capabilities as the Canon T1i. Best of all, the Pentax is considerably cheaper than the Canon.

What helped me to lean towards the Pentax Kx was that I was able to watch some video shots taken with the Nikon, Canon and Pentax on Google. I preferred the Pentax video, it didn't seem jerky in motion. Still pictures side by side were also very similar in clarity. I also read several reviews comparing the Canon and Pentax side by side with very similar remarks about the performance of both cameras. The biggest positive comment about the Pentax was the exceptional low light pictures it could take. The biggest complaint with the Pentax Kx was a battery issue mentioned by a number of reviewers. I called Pentax and spoke with a technical rep about the battery issue and any other issues Pentax might be having. I was told the battery issue has been taken care of with a firmware update. I must say I was impressed with the tech rep. He was very helpful, took time to discuss his products and said that if I ever had a problem with my Pentax to give them a call as they were here to help me out.
I can use any Pentax lens, new or old on this camera. The lenses I will likely use most is the 55-300mm or the 18-55mm. Both these are included in the kit I purchased. Since vibration reduction is built into the body of the camera instead of the lens, any lens I use will automatically be a vibration reduction lens.

I purchased the Pentax Kx with the 18-55mm and 55-300mm lens package for $653.00 on Amazon. It stated the Pentax camera kit would ship in 1-4 months but I ordered it on Friday and it arrived the following Wednesday, less than a week's time, not bad!

My thoughts about the camera.
Positives:
-It's a fairly compact body but not too small. My wife likes the size and it's not heavy hanging around the neck.
-The menu is fairly straight forward (I haven't had to pull the book out yet and can still get around easy enough!)
-Takes very good pictures in several of the modes I tried. Very pleased.
-The auto focus is relatively fast and hits dead on at what I am pointing at.
-Some nice filter features are included in the menu options, great to play with but doubt I'll use them much.
-The low light pictures I've taken so far are impressive. When I downloaded pictures they were very clean, without any or very little noise even set at the high ISO setting!
-Used the batteries that are included and absolutely no problems.
-Lenses seem a bit light but balance well on the camera and focus smoothly.

Negatives:
-The shutter action could be quieter. This is my biggest complaint. It's not like everyone will turn around everytime you take a picture but I'd rather not hear it!
-The dust reduction feature rattles inside when you turn the camera to its side but I read that was normal as was mentioned by a reviewer. Otherwise I would have thought something was loose inside.
-I liked the view finder of the Canon. I think the information inside is a bit larger.
-The Pentax does not have auto focus points that light up when looking through the view finder but to me that doesn't make any difference. As I said when I pointed at what I intended to point at, it focused right on it, so this to me is a mute point.
- It seems a bit slow when first reviewing my picture after each shot but I think that is due to the cheap memory card I'm using. I'll get another one tonight and expect it to correct the slow process. If it doesn't, I'll update this review and mention it! Otherwise, assume it was taken care of with a faster card.

Overall Impressions:
Would I say it feels quite as solid as the Canon? No, but I really like the Canon! However, I am still very impressed with the Pentax Kx. The Pentax isn't quite as thick or wide and I think the size might be most of the difference. You know you're shooting a SLR and my wife likes it! For the price, I figure I saved close to $400 over the Canon with similar lenses. If you want a Nikon or a Canon I'm sure you will be perfectly happy. If you decide to purchase the Pentax you won't be disappointed in this camera either. It's not the big name of Nikon or Canon but I bet you'll start to see more of Pentax with what all they offer and at the price point it is offered for! My budget was limited to $1600.00 but of course I was hoping to spend less. That's a lot of money to spend on a camera and I could have bought up to a higher level camera which I considered but I am comfortable this camera will give me what I'm looking for and saved me quite a bit in the process. I added a few pictures on flickr that were taken with this camera to give you an idea of the photo quality. Remember, I'm not a pro, I just enjoy taking pictures. Go to flickr and search for scubaguy4409

Tips to consider:
I suggest when buying online you check the retailer thoroughly. I searched several sellers on both Google and Bing and found prices from $400.00 to $900+for a Pentax Kx camera kit. The two low priced sellers I checked on had horrid reviews about shipping and more importantly when I called to ask about their camera packages they were very short with me on the phone. I don't like to spend anymore than the next guy but i figured if I had a problem with my purchase I would be %$#% out of luck with this guy!


PENTAX Time!
Seems the time has come for a PENTAX.

Being loyal to Canon and loving Nikon DSLRs, I just gave this new camera the chance and think its going to change the top list for the first time.

So long, it has been a fight between Canon and Nikon, but now PENTAX got ready to go for it.

My decision was made taking into account the price for what you get, and the rivals where Canon Xti and Xsi and Nikon D5000 and D3000, but think this PENTAX kit is a real rival if not better in many features (my case, fps is an issue for my action pictures) and the price of course.

Go ahead for it and do not let others make you worry about this choice!

March 10th 2010

Just an update:

So far, my camera is doing great!

Some people complained about the AA batteries, so I wanted to state that my camera has not shown any trouble with batteries, maybe because its software is the last version, but aside of that, I just found it works great with Sony AA CYCLE ENERGY batteries: Sony Cycle Energy AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries (4-Pack)

When buying, take also into account that the filter for lens 18-55 is a 52mm and the one for the 55-300 is a 58mm.

The bag I am using for this camera, both lenses, an aditional fisheye, batteries, and a couple of things more is the Lowepro Adventura 170, which is good on quality, space, and price: Lowepro Adventura 170 Camera Case (Black)

Best Buying Decision Possible!
Don't let other brand loyalists sway you away from Pentax. You can buy EXCELLENT vintage lenses for these cameras. Manual focus is truly where it is at, at least for me. If you do not agree, Pentax has plenty of new AF lenses to suit anyone. However, excellent manual focus optics are easy enough to try for much less money than newer lenses of any brand. Nobody..... and I do mean NOBODY else offers the total lens compatibility of millions of vintage lenses available only to Pentax users. This particular camera is one hell of a buy. I had the money to buy a D5000 or D90 if that is what I wanted. When it comes to Image Quality, I feel I bought every bit is much camera without sacrificing any features that were important to me. This camera takes beautiful pictures and I have only scratched the surface of its abilities. The two lens package (18-55 and 55-300) was an unbelievable deal at $643. Amazon delivered the camera WAY ahead of the crazy shipment date they list. Do not hesitate. If you are considering this package, pull the trigger. Do a keyword search to find online Pentax Forums if you need more information about Pentax products.