PENTAX K-x - An Entry-Class Digital SLR Camera with Sophisticated Features
PENTAX UK is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-x lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera. The K-x combines a variety of advanced features and user-friendly functions to ensure an outstanding level of photographic performance within a compact, lightweight body.
The K-x design is based on the award winning PENTAX K-m, an entry-class digital SLR camera launched in October 2008 that gained popularity for its compact, lightweight body and simple, user-friendly operation. The K-x features a newly designed high performance CMOS image sensor and an upgraded filter function. It also features a whole host of advanced features such as live view shooting and movie recording, approximately 12.4 megapixels and high-speed continuous shooting. The K-x is the perfect camera for first-time digital SLR camera users, as well as an ideal backup camera for more experienced photographers.
The K-x is launched in conjunction with the smc PENTAX-DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED super-telephoto zoom lens. This zoom lens is 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. The smc PENTAX-DA L 55-300mm comes as part of a K-x twin lens Kit package.
Main Features of the PENTAX K-x:
1. High-quality image reproduction
(1) Approximately 12.4 effective megapixels for true-to-life image reproduction
The K-x incorporates a newly developed CMOS image sensor to assure high-speed image data read-out at varying ISO sensitivity levels. With approximately 12.4 effective megapixels, this image sensor can reproduce true-to-life images with fine detail and rich depth of colours. The K-x also offers a wide sensitivity range between ISO 200 and ISO 6400 and allows the user to expand the sensitivity range between ISO 100 and ISO 12800 via a custom function, giving greater creative freedom.
(2) High-performance, high-speed PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II imaging engine
Thanks to new technologies supplied by Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited, this new imaging engine offers greater data processing speed and enhanced capability to produce higher-quality images with richer, more accurate colour rendition, as well as faster transmission speed of movie data.
2. Compact, lightweight body
Despite the incorporation of the large 23.6mm x 15.8mm image sensor, the K-x is one of the most compact, lightweight digital SLR cameras in its class.
3. Live View function, with Face detection of up to 16 faces
The K-x features a live view function, which allows the user to view the image on its LCD monitor during shooting. The K-x also offers a choice of three different focusing modes during live view shooting: Contrast AF, which optimises the focus based on the subject’s contrast; Face Detection AF, which automatically detects up to 16 faces, selects the main subject’s face from multiple faces, then captures it in sharp focus; and Phase Difference AF, which uses the AF sensor positioned in the camera body to optimise focus on the subject.
4. High-quality recording at 1280 x 720 pixels, with HDTV-proportion movie recording at 24 frames per second
The K-x provides a movie recording function* which captures beautiful, true-to-life movie clips in 16:9 high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels) at a frame rate of 24 frames per second. This extends the benefits of high-quality SLR photography to the world of movie shooting.
5. PENTAX-original SR mechanism for sharp, blur-free images
The K-x features the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism. This innovative mechanism extends its benefits to almost all PENTAX interchangeable lenses - even those designed for film-format cameras.** Thanks to this mechanism, the K-x produces sharp, blur-free images even under demanding conditions prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without a flash illumination, and taking pictures of sunset scenes.
** Lenses compatible with this mechanism: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2- and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mounted lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.
6. High-speed continuous shooting at approximately 4.7 images per second
The K-x’s high-speed continuous shooting mode records as many as 17 images (in JPEG recording format) at a maximum speed of approximately 4.7 images per second - the fastest of all entry-class models. The K-x also features a new, reliable shutter unit, which proved its dependability and ruggedness through a demanding action test of more than 100,000 shutter releases. Its top shutter speed of 1/6000 second allows the photographer to preserve sharp, crisp images of fast-moving subjects.
7. Innovative image processing functions to produce distinctive photographic expressions
(1) Digital filter function
The K-x’s digital filter function allows the user to process recorded images in a variety of creative ways within the camera and produce highly creative visual expressions. With a choice of 16 different filters, the user can even apply different filters one after another to a single image to create more personalised visual effects.
(2) Cross process mode
The K-x features the new cross process mode, in which the camera automatically and randomly shifts photographic parameters for each exposure to create eye-catching images with unique, fanciful colours — just like pictures treated with the cross process*** in film photography.
*** A film development technique that takes advantage of unconventional film developers to create a distinctive finishing touch with intriguing colours.
8. High-precision 11-point AF sensor
The K-x’s high-precision, wide-frame SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to automatically capture even off-centered subjects in sharp, crisp focus. The photographer can also select one of the sensors as a focusing point to accommodate specialised applications.
9. Other features
(1) Energy efficient circuit design for longer battery life, capable of capturing
approximately 1,900 images with four AA-size lithium batteries
(2) Custom Image function to create unique finishing touches
(3) DR (Dust Removal) mechanism to eliminate annoying dust spots on
recorded images and visually check for the adhesion of dust to the image sensor
(4) 2.7-inch, high-resolution colour LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots
(5) Auto Picture mode for effortless, automatic selection of the most
appropriate shooting mode, even during Live View shooting
(6) HDR (high dynamic range) function to create one composite image with
an extra-wide dynamic range from three images with different exposures
(7) White balance control, featuring a new CTE mode to emphasise
the colour components of sunset scenes
(8) Status screen for easy, at-a-glance confirmation of various settings
on the LCD monitor
(9) Ten scene modes, with selection via simple icons
(10) Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic
aberration (available only with DA and D FA series lenses)
(11) PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, with
RAW-data processing and browser applications
Major Features of the smc PENTAX-DA L 55-300mmF4-5.8ED lens
1. A lightweight super-telephoto zoom lens for focal lengths between 84.5mm and 460mm (in the 35mm format)
2. ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements to assure true-to-life image descriptions and faithful colour renditions through effective compensation of chromatic aberrations over the entire zoom range.
Pricing:
K-x with kit lens 18-55mm DAL: £599.99
K-x with double kit lens 18-55mm DAL + 55-300mm DAL: £749.99
Availability:
September 2009
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PENTAX K-x Specifications
Type |
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TTL autofocus, auto-exposure digital SLR digital-still camera with built-in retractable P-TTL auto pop-up flash |
Effective Pixels |
|
approx. 12.4 megapixels |
Image Sensor |
Total pixels |
approx. 12.9 megapixels |
|
Type |
CMOS with a primary colour filter |
|
Size |
23.6mm x 15.8mm |
Recorded Pixels |
Still Picture |
JPEG: [12M] 4288x2428 pixels, [10M] 3936x2624 pixels, [6M] 3072x2048 pixels, [2M] 1728x1152 pixels |
|
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RAW: [12M] 4288x2428 pixels |
|
Movie |
[0.9M] 1280x720, 16:9, [0.3M] 640x416, 3:2 |
Sensitivity ( Standard output sensitivity ) |
|
Auto, Manual: 200-6400 (1EV steps or 1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps) |
|
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Bulb mode: up to ISO1600, Could be expanded to ISO 100-12800 |
Recording Format |
Still Picture |
RAW (Original/DNG), JPEG (Conforms to Exif 2.21), Conforms to DCF (Design rule of Camera File system) 2.0 |
|
Movie |
Motion JPEG (AVI) 24FPS |
Image Formats |
|
JPEG - Baseline (Three star: Best, Two star: Better, One star: Good) |
|
|
RAW (12bit) (PEF, DNG ) |
|
|
RAW+JPEG: available |
Storage Media |
|
SD memory card , SDHC memory card |
White Balance |
|
Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light (W, D, N, L (Light Bulb) ), |
|
|
Flash, CTE, Manual setting, with WB fine adjustment |
Viewfinder |
Type |
Fixed moulded penta-mirror type |
|
Focusing screen |
Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen |
|
Field of view |
approx. 96% |
|
Magnification |
approx. 0.85X (with 50mm F1.4 lens, infinity, -1m-1) |
|
Diopter adjustment |
approx. -2.5 - +1.5m-1 |
Live View |
Type |
TTL by Image sensor |
|
Display |
Enlargement (2X, 4X, 6X in case of AF mode, 2X, 4X, 6X, 8X, 10X in case of MF mode), |
|
|
Grid pattern, white/black out warning display, Histogram display |
|
Autofocus Mode |
Contrast detection + Face detection / Contrast detection / Phase difference detection |
Monitor |
Type |
TFT colour LCD monitor, Brightness adjustable, Wide angle view |
|
Size |
2.7 inch |
|
Dots |
approx. 230,000 dots |
Preview Method |
|
Optical/Digital preview *This function can be allocated to green button through Menu. |
Playback |
|
Single frame, 4-image display, 9-image display, 16-image display, 36-image display, |
|
|
Zoom display (up to 16 times, scrolling possible), Image comparison, Rotating, Folder, |
|
|
Calendar, Slideshow, Histogram, Bright/Dark area, Resize, Trimming, Index |
Digital Filter |
|
Rec. mode: Toy camera, High contrast, Soft, Star burst, Retro, Extract colour, Fish eye, Custom |
|
|
Playback: Toy camera, High contrast, Soft, Star burst, Retro, Extract colour, Illustration(Pastel, Water colour), |
|
|
Fish Eye, HDR, B&W, Sepia, Colour, Slim, Miniature, Brightness, Base Tweaking, Custom |
Focusing System |
Type |
TTL phase difference detection, 11-point wide autofocus system (SAFOX VIII) |
|
Focus Mode |
AF.A(auto), AF.S(single, with focus lock), AF-C(continuous)*, Manual focus |
|
|
* Auto Picture and Picture mode: only when the Action mode is selected. |
|
|
* Scene mode: only when the Kids, Pet, Stage lighting and Night snap mode are selected. |
|
|
* P/Sv/Tv/Av/M/B: AF.A, AF.S or AF.C selectable |
|
Focus Point |
5-point auto, 11-point auto, AF point select, Centre |
|
AF assist lamp |
available (by Built-in Flash) |
Exposure Control |
Metering System |
TTL open-aperture 16-segment metering (coupled with lens and AF information) |
|
Metering Mode |
(1) Multi-segment metering (2) Centre-weighted metering (3) Spot metering |
|
Exposure Range |
EV1-21.5(Standard Output Sensitivity 200 50mmF1.4) |
|
Modes |
(1) Auto Picture mode (2) Picture mode (3) Scene mode (4) Program AE (5) Sensitivity-Priority AE |
|
|
(6) Shutter-Priority AE (7) Aperture-Priority AE (8) Metered Manual (9) Bulb |
|
Picture mode |
Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night scene portrait, Standard Flash-Off |
|
Scene mode |
Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Food, Sunset, Kids, Pet, Candlelight, Museum, |
|
|
Stage lighting*, Night snap* *The image is fixed to only JPEG. |
|
Exposure Compensation |
±3EV (0.5EV steps or 0.3EV steps) |
|
Auto-bracketing |
3 frames within range of ±0.5EV, ±1.0EV, ±1.5EV (0.5EV steps) or ±0.3EV, ±0.7EV, ±1.0EV (0.3EV steps) |
|
AE Lock |
This function can be allocated to AF button in Menu. |
Shutter |
Shutter Type |
Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter |
|
Shutter Speed |
Auto: 1/6000 - 30 sec. and bulb, Manual: 1/6000 - 30 sec., and bulb |
Drive Modes |
Continuous shooting |
Single-frame , Continuous (Hi, Lo), Self-timer (12s, 2s), Remote control (0s, 3s), Auto bracket |
|
|
approx. 4.7 fps, sequence: 17 frame (JPEG and Continuous (Hi)) 5 frame (RAW) |
|
|
approx. 2 fps , sequence: until the memory card becomes full (JPEG and Continuous (Lo)) 11 frame (RAW) |
Built-in Flash |
Type |
Built-in retractable P-TTL pop-up flash |
|
Guide number |
approx. 16 (Standard Output Sensitivity 200/m) 12 (Standard Output Sensitivity 100/m) |
|
Angle of view coverage |
28mm wide-angle (equivalent to 35mm) |
|
Flash Exposure Compensation |
-2 EV - +1EV (1/2EV steps) |
Flash Synchronisation |
|
Hot shoe, sync-speed: 1/180 sec., P-TTL, high-speed-sync, wireless-sync with PENTAX dedicated flash |
Image Stabiliser |
Type |
Image sensor shift mechanism, Max 4 steps |
Dust Removal |
Type |
Image sensor moving mechanism and SP Coating |
Time |
World Time |
75 cities (28 time zones) |
Data Folder |
Folder Name |
Date (100_MMDD・・・), PENTX (100PENTX, 101PENTX・・・) |
Power Sources |
|
Four AA (lithium, alkaline, and rechargeable Ni-MH) batteries |
|
|
Optional AC adapter also available. |
Battery Life |
Number of recordable images (Lithium) |
approx. 1900 (Normal Recording)*2 , 1100 (50% use Flash)*1 |
|
Playback time |
approx. 680 minutes*2 |
|
Number of recordable images (Ni-MH 1900mAh) |
approx. 640 (Normal Recording)*2 , 420 (50% use Flash)*1 |
|
Playback time |
approx. 390 minutes*2 |
|
Number of recordable images (Alkaline) |
approx. 210 (Normal Recording)*2 , 130 (50% use Flash)*1 |
|
Playback time |
approx. 350 minutes*2 |
Interfaces |
|
USB/Video |
|
|
USB 2.0 (HI-SPEED) |
Video Output |
|
Compatible with NTSC and PAL formats |
Lens Mount |
|
PENTAX KAF2 bayonet mount |
Usable Lens |
|
PENTAX KAF3-, KAF2-, KAF-, and KA-mount lenses |
|
|
* Power zoom function is not available. K-mount lenses usable with restrictions. |
|
|
S-mount lenses, 67/645 lenses usable with adapter and with restrictions. |
Dimensions |
|
approx. 122.5(W) x 91.5(H) x 67.5(D)mm (4.8 x 3.6 x 2.7 inches) |
Weight |
|
approx. 515g (18.2 oz.) without battery and SD memory card |
|
|
approx. 580g (20.5 oz.) loaded and ready with lithium battery and SD memory card |
|
|
approx. 615g (21.7 oz.) loaded and ready with alkaline battery and SD memory card |
Included accessories |
|
USB cable I-USB7, Strap O-ST53, AA lithium battery 4pcs. , CD-ROM S-SW99 |
|
|
Eyecup FQ , Hot shoe cover FK, Body mount cover |
Bundle software |
|
PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4.0 |
*1 Recording capacity shows approximate number of shots recorded during CIPA-compliant testing. Actual performance may vary depending on operating conditions.
*2 According to the result of PENTAX in-house testing.
- PENTAX, K-x, and PENTAX Digital Camera Utility are trademarks of HOYA CORPORATION.
- HDMI, the HDMI Logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
- All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
- Designs and specifications are subjects to change without notice
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