Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Red)
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Discontinued
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The Pentax K-x Digital SLR incorporates advanced DSLR features - including Live View and HD 720p video - in a very capable entry-level camera for those looking to step beyond the limitations of point-and-shoot digicams. Bundled with a Pentax 18-55mm zoom lens (a 27 to 82.5mm zoom on a conventional 35mm camera), the compact Pentax K-x makes the transition to a 'serious' camera system with interchangeable lenses easy and painless.
The Pentax K-x contains a 12.4-megapixel APS-C format CMOS sensor that incorporates a sensor-shift Shake Reduction System that allows you to hand-hold the camera at shutter speeds up to 4-stops slower than normal under low-light situations and still maintain image sharpness. Aside from the K-x's bright optical finder, you can also compose images in Live View mode using the camera's 2.7" LCD.
Despite the K-x's entry-level price point, still images can be captured at a fast 4.7 frames-per-second at shutter speeds up to 1/6000th-second as JPEGs or RAW files. And along with conventional still imaging, you can also capture wide-screen, full resolution 720p (1280x720) HD video at 24fps using the full range of Pentax optics. For travel or everyday family events, the Pentax K-x makes for an ideal imaging companion.
Other advanced features found on the Pentax K-x include an 11-point, wide-angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system, a variety of automatic and manual scene modes, and a True High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature that captures a series of 3 bracketed images and combines them into a single optimized image with a full range of highlight, midrange, and shadow detail.
The Pentax K-x can capture up to 1900 exposures on a set of AA lithium batteries and is also compatible with AA NiMH and alkaline batteries.
- 12.4-megapixel APS-C Format CMOS Sensor
- The K-x incorporates a newly developed CMOS image sensor to assure high-speed image data readout and more flexibility with varying ISO sensitivity levels. With approximately 12.4 effective megapixels, this image sensor accurately reproduces true-to-life images with fine detail and rich color depth. The K-x offers a wide sensitivity range between ISO 200 and ISO 6400 and allows users to expand the sensitivity range between ISO 100 and ISO 12800 via a custom function to offer greater creative freedom to photographers.
- Wide Screen HD 1280x720p Video Recording @ 24 Frames-per-Second
- The Pentax K-x movie recording function* captures 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. Compatible with every Pentax interchangeable lens ever made, the Video Capture mode opens a new world of creativity for Pentax K-x owners.
- 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. This is the fastest of all entry-class models. The K-x also features a more reliable shutter unit, which passed a demanding action test of more than 100,000 shutter releases. The top shutter speed of 1/6000 second allows the photographer to preserve sharp, crisp images of fast-moving subjects.
- High-Performance, High-Speed PRIME II Imaging Processor
- The K-x features the newly developed PRIME (Pentax Real Image Engine) II, that is an upgrade of the original PRIME imaging engine. This new imaging engine offers greater data processing speed and enhanced capability to produce higher-quality images with richer, more accurate color rendition, as well as faster transmission speed of movie data.
- Live View Function with Face Detection of up to 16 Faces
- In addition to the camera's viewfinder, the K-x features a Live View function that allows users to view subjects on the LCD monitor during shooting. The K-x also offers a choice of three different focusing modes in Live View: Contrast Auto Focus, Face Detection Auto Focus, and Phase Difference Auto Focus.
- Digital Filters
- The K-x's digital filter function allows users 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 including Color Extract, Retro, Soft, Starburst, Toy Camera, and more (including a custom filter for building multiple effects), photographers may apply multiple filters to a single image for customized effects.
- Cross Process Mode
- The K-x features a new Cross Process mode that automatically and randomly adds finishing touches to exposures to create eye-catching images with unique, intriguing colors (just like images treated with Cross Process* in film photography). This mode adds a whimsical element to digital photography since photographers don't know the results until the captured image is actually displayed on the camera's LCD monitor.
- High-Precision 11-Point AF Sensor
- The high-precision, wide-frame SAFOX VIII autofocus system of the K-x features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to automatically capture even off-centered subjects in sharp, crisp focus. Photographers also may select one of the sensors as a focusing point to accommodate specialized applications.
- Additional Features Include:
- Custom Image modes offer high quality processing for images, a 2.7" (230,000-dot) high-resolution color LCD, Auto Picture mode for effortless, automatic selection of the most appropriate shooting mode, even during Live View shooting , a Status screen for easy, at-a-glance confirmation of various settings on the LCD, 10 scene modes, including Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Sunset, Kids, and Museum available via simple icon selection, and Pentax Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, with RAW-data processing and image browser functions.
Go To
| Camera Type | Digital SLR |
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12.4 Effective Pixels |
| Sensor | APS-C Format CMOS with Primary Color Filter |
| Bit Depth | 8-bit JPEG, 12-bit RAW |
| File Formats | RAW (PEF, DNG), JPEG (EXIF 2.21) |
| File Size | 12M (4288x2428), 10M (3936x2624), 6M (3072x2048), 2M (1728x1152) |
| Color Spaces | sRGB |
| Creative Color Modes | Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Muted, Monochrome. Color modes include gamut radar and fine adjustment for saturation, hue, key, contrast, sharpness (regular and fine adj). Monochrome mode includes adjustment for film filter effects (green, yellow, orange, red, magenta, blue, cyan, infrared), toning (sepia warm/cool), key, contrast, sharpness (regular and fine adj). Cross Processing mode available for creative random effect generation. |
| Image Stabilization | Sensor-shift Shake Reduction (4 stops max) |
| Crop Factor | 1.5x |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens | DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 |
| Zoom | 3x |
| Lens Mount | PENTAX KAF2 bayonet |
| Focus Type | Auto focus, and manual |
| Focus Range | 9.84" (25cm) to infinity |
| Accessory Lens/Filter Mount | 52mm |
| Shooting Controls | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity |
Auto: 200-6400 (1, 1/2, 1/3 EV steps), up to 1600 in Bulb, expand to 100-12800 Manual: 200-6400 (1, 1/2, 1/3 EV steps), up to 1600 in Bulb, expand to 100-12800 |
| Shutter Speeds | 1/6000 to 30 sec, bulb available |
| Metering | Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Metered Manual, Bulb (available in Metered Manual) |
| White Balance | Auto preset modes: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent (D, N, W, L), Tungsten, Flash, CTE |
| Mirror Lock-Up | NA |
| Burst Capability | Approx 4.7 FPS (Continuous Hi: 17 JPEG, 5 RAW), 2 FPS (Continuous Lo: unlimited JPEG, 11 RAW) |
| Self Timer | Yes, 12-seconds & 2-seconds |
| Interval Recording | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Remote Control | Yes (infrared, 0s, 3s) |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Retractable P-TTL auto/manual pop-up flash |
| Effective Flash Range | Guide number: 12 |
| External Flash Connection | Hot shoe |
| Dedicated Flash System | P-TTL, high speed sync, wireless w PENTAX dedicated flash |
| Max Sync Speed | 1/180th |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | None |
| Memory Card Type | SD, SDHC |
| Still Images per GB |
12M - 138/244/479 10M - 163/289/564 6M - 267/468/902 2M - 805/1373/2518 |
| A/V Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes |
| Video Resolution | 1280x720p24 (16:9), 640x416p24 (3:2) |
| Video Clip Length | NA |
| Audio Recording | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | Pentamirror |
| Viewfinder Coverage | Approx 96% |
| Display |
2.7" TFT color LCD monitor w adjustable brightness Resolution: 230,000 dots |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity |
Ports: USB 2.0 hi-speed, AV out Video out: NTSC, PAL |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows: Windows XP/Vista/7, USB 2.0 port Mac: Mac OS-X 10.3-10.5, USB 2.0 port |
| Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Operating/Storage Temperature | 32-104°F |
| Weatherproofing | NA |
| Durability | NA |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | 4 AA (lithium, NiMH rechargeable, alkaline) |
| Power Adapter | AC Adapter Kit K-AC84U (Optional) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | (W x H x D): 4.8 x 3.6 x 2.7" |
| Weight |
Without battery or removable memory: 18.2 oz Loaded and ready: 20.5 oz |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 16 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (3)
- Good image quality (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 16 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-16
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Red):
I ordered the Pentax K-x 35 mm digital SLR camera[...] Very Pleased. Wouldn't hesitate to order from B&H again.
- Ease of Operation:
- 10
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Red):
x
- Ease of Operation:
- 7
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
Cons
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Red):
This really is a great camera for the price. The lenses are fairly cheap for it since the image stabilization is in body. However, battery life is pretty abysmal.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
- Quiet
- Tilt /Swivel LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Red):
The contrast, the picture frame, the motion pictures all make this a wonderfull camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- price
- Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Red):
Use it mainly for animal photography. It does an awesome job. I had not used an SLR style camera for 20+ years, so it took a little bit of getting used to again. The camera had everything I needed to take great pics, and once I did a little refresher reading on certain settings, I was good to go, and able to change the looks of my pics while taking them.
The camera seems very sturdy and well-built. Balance is pretty good.
The LCD screen needs a little more resolution to show the images better, but for a quick check of what you just snapped, it works fine.
Built in flash is a little weak, but then again, that really isn't the flash you should use for better pics, but it did do a good job since most of my pictures were taken close up. Nice to have the built in flash though.
Battery life is very good with the included Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries. I took a couple hundred pics with them, and they never showed any power problems.
I then switched to the Sanyo Eneloop batteries, and would say that they work about just as well. I took about 1000 more pics on one charge of the Eneloops, and the camera would show the battery power down a little every once in awhile. But if I turned the camera off for a little bit while working with something else, when I turned it back on, they would show full charge again.
Video quality is also very good. I did a video of hummingbirds, and it had no noticeable trailing blur in them flying by.
Once you learn the settings for an SLR style camera, this camera will do great for you.
I do recommend that you get the kit that has the two lenses. We got the standard kit with the single lens, and after taking some of my pics, I wished I had the additional zoom lens for some of the shots.
- Recommended:
- Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable batteries
Pros
- Great Value
- Quick as a cat
Cons
Best Uses
- Super all round camera
Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Red):
we bought the Pentax Kx; it's simple enough for all the family to use, yet more than complex if desired. solid as a rock - great quality.
Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Red):
It's cute,light and super simple to use!
Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Red):
[...]easy to hold and manipulate settingslove the red color
Pros
- Attention grabbing color
- Easy menu maneuvering
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Red):
I bought the camera to photograph my artwork (both 2d and 3d). It's my first sSLR, and I don't feel let down in the slightest! My first week of having it I took it along on vacation and discovered what amazing photos it can snap on some of the basic auto settings. I am slowly learning what a dSLR is capable of, and the menus on the K-x make it very, very easy to figure out. I can't help but mention that I get complimented and questioned about the model-- I love the red!
Pros
- AutoManual Focusing
- Easy to use controls
- Live Viewing
Cons
- 4 "AA" batteries
Best Uses
- New to DSLR
Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Red):
Good camera, with easy to use functions. Very happy to have a "live view" screen. Being able to switch from auto focus to manual focus is a great option for first time DSLR users. Only downside so far is that the camera doesnt have a rechargable battery system, it takes 4 "AA" batteries. However, the battery life so far has been good.
Pros
- Direct exposure meter
- Great movie function
- High ISO looks great
- Quick engine
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Red):
I just used that camera for make tests. I`m totally satisfied with the camera`s functions and presets.
but i found a little bug about the auto-focus function, that sometimes looks so confused.
Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Red):
its amazing i love it, the red is so traffic stoping and the camera image quality is perfect. Way better than the nikon and canon and much cheaper
Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Red):
I am a professional children's portrait painter & a serious long time amature slr user. I use my cameras to shoot hundreds of action photos of young children. The shutter speed is great, I don't miss a nuance in their expressions...I see it I get it!! Placement of controls make sense.It took a few minutes to change the camera's settings to accept my o-l-d pentax lenses, but I don't have to reset it to change between new & old again. Although the lenses are 25 years old & manuel focus I don't lose any time getting what I want & shooting. We have nick-named the camers Lil' Red, and I couldn't be happier. The size and weight are a plus for me too. My daughter loves her Nikon D-60 but is much impressed with Lil Red! I wish the video was higher than 720 but at this price I'm happy just to have it!!
Pros
- User friendly
- Works with older lenses
Cons
- have not found any
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Red):
Bought this to use with my old lenses, it works great with my older 200mm zoom I have had for 25 years I was amazed. Quality of the pictures is great. I was really impressed [...]
Pros
- HD video
- Low Light Capability
- Red
Cons
- No focus indicator
Best Uses
- Indoor Sports
Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Red):
Everything is good. Camera is better than I expected. I have 4 years of experience with my Pentax K100, and it is good to see how far technology has come, especially regarding the low light capability of this camera. [...]
Pros
- A convenient weight
- Good Quality photos
- Speedy and precise
Cons
- No suitable storage bag
Best Uses
- Family gathering
- landscape
- Sports
Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR with 18-55mm Zoom Lens (Red):
I do a lot of landscape and family photos. The extreme precision and the clearness of the photos.
I am enjoying immensely. Only few weeks since I bought, but a lot of pleasure taking photos and exploring differents ways of immortalizing moments. I am actually the time to discover it and to know very well its capabilities.
Its design is sober but still attractive.
Displaying reviews 1-16
Memory Cards
Required item: Memory is not included so be sure to have enough storage capacity.
- Price: $9.95
Batteries & Power
Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.
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- Original: $8.95
- Save: $0.89
- Price: $8.06
Lenses
Get a wide-angle, zoom, or other effect for various photography applications.
- Price: $429.95
- Click to see current price
Not compatible with "full-frame" (35mm size) cameras
Filters
Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect.
- Price: $8.95
Flash & Accessories
Get a flash to add light to your picture.
- Price: $339.95
- Click to see current price
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
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- Original: $34.95
- Save: $1.75
- Price: $33.20
What's in the Box
- SMCP-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens
- Body Mount Cover
- Eyecup
- Hotshoe Cover
- Strap
- USB Cable
- AA lithium Batteries
- Software CD-ROM
- 1-Year Warranty
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