New Pentax K-x

The K-x has been entirely designed by Pentax in-house. Using the same body design as 2008’s K-m, the K-x features a new high performance CMOS image sensor and an upgraded filter function. Live view shooting, movie recording, 12.4 megapixels and high-speed continuous shooting are also included.

Housed in a compact body, the K-x still packs in a large 23.6mm x 15.8 mm image sensor and features a wide sensitivity range of ISO 200 - ISO 6400. These can be expanded to ISO 100 and ISO 12800 via a custom function.

Although you may be wondering why ISO 100 is not included as a standard setting, Pentax claims that ISO 100 can limit the dynamic range and so increase the likelihood of ‘white wash’, and opted to make it available via expansion instead.

A high-speed PRIME (Pentax Real Image Engine) II imaging engine drives the K-x. It promises faster data processing speeds, higher quality images with improved colour rendition.

The K-x features a wide-frame SAFOX VIII autofocus system with 11 sensor points, nine of which are the more precise cross-type sensors.

Live View mode features three different focusing options:
Contrast AF - this optimises the focus based on the subject’s contrast
Face Detection AF - automatically detects up to 16 faces, selecting only the main subject for sharp focus
Phase Difference AF - uses the AF sensor positioned in the camera body to optimise focus on the subject.

Shake reduction, to help minimise blurred shots, is available via the Pentax-developed SR mechanism. As it’s a body-based shake reduction system it means that almost any lens will benefit from the effects.

High-speed continuous shooting mode is capable of recording up to 17 JPEGs at a maximum speed of around 4.7 images per second. Pentax claims that this makes the K-x the fastest of all entry-class models.

The shutter unit has been extensively tested, and can reach a top shutter speed of 1/6000th second.

The K-x also packs the high dynamic range mode that debuted in the K7, as well as an extensive set of built-in digital filters and effects. New to the K-x is a Cross Process mode that mimics the classic film technique.

Additional features include dust removal, a 2.7 inch, high-resolution colour LCD, 10 scene modes and advanced white balance control.

Also launched is the Pentax-DA L 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED super-telephoto lens featuring Extra-low Dispersion glass optical elements. Designed to be lightweight but without losing performance, the lens comes as part of the K-x twin lens Kit package (RRP £750).

The K-x is available from October, with single kit lens (18-55mm DAL), RRP £599.99 or double kit lens (18-55mm DAL and 55-300mm DAL), RRP £749.99. As well as being available in black and white body colours, there will be a limited run of K-x available in navy blue and red.

For more information, visit the Pentax website.