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Pentax K-x Digital SLR (Camera Body) (Black)

  • No Longer Available
  • B&H # PEKX1BB
  • Mfr# 16701

Product Highlights

  • Compact, Easy-to-Use, Entry-Level DSLR
  • 12.4-Megapixel APS-C Format CMOS Sensor
  • Still Images and 720p HD Video Capture
  • 2.7" 230,000 Dot LCD
  • Shake Reduction for Low-Light Imaging
  • True High Dynamic Range (HDR) Imaging
  • Up to 4.7 F/P/S Image Capture
  • 11-Point SAFOX VIII Auto-Focus System
  • Stainless-Steel Chassis
  • Up to 1900 Images Per Battery Charge
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Remember the Essentials

A lens and memory card are not included with the camera.
Get the type of lens for the shot you need, and a high-capacity memory card so you don't get caught without memory.

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. 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 highly 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 on the LCD of various settings, 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.
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 Not Applicable
Zoom Not Applicable
Lens Mount PENTAX KAF2 bayonet stainless steel mount
Focus Type Not Applicable
Focus Range Not Applicable
Accessory Lens/Filter Mount Not Applicable
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
Pentax K-x Digital SLR (Camera Body) (Black)
 
5.0

(based on 4 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (4)
  • Good image quality (4)
  • High ISO performance (4)
  • Image stabilization (4)
  • Fast shutter speed (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Landscape/scenery (3)
    • Low light (3)
    • Travel (3)
    • Wildlife (3)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (4)

    Reviewed by 4 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-4

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    5.0

    My first experience buying a camera onli

    By Doctor Skillet

    from Atlantic Beach, FL

    About Me Casual Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy To Use
    • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
    • Fast Shutter Speed
    • Good Image Quality
    • Good Image Stabilization
    • High ISO Performance
    • Large Clear LCD
    • Quiet

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Family Photos
      • Indoors/Low Light
      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Sports/Action
      • Travel
      • Wildlife photos

      Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR (Camera Body) (Black):

      Quick search, quick find, quick purchase [...]

      • Ease of Operation:
      • 10
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      So glad I ordered this camera

      By Mulley

      from Montpelier, VA

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Reviewer

      Pros

      • Easy To Use
      • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
      • Fast Shutter Speed
      • Good Image Quality
      • Good Image Stabilization
      • High ISO Performance
      • Large Clear LCD
      • Quiet

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Family Photos
        • Indoors/Low Light
        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Sports/Action
        • Travel
        • Weddings/Events
        • Wildlife photos

        Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR (Camera Body) (Black):

        I had the older istDS and ordered this a week before leaving on a 20 day cross country road trip. Many days I took over 1200 shots and needed 2 dvd's to back them up at night. I used it mainly on aperture priority or sometimes on landscape or sports mode and the pictures are amazing. I had six extra sets of B&H's most powerful AA batteries for the old Pentax. The first set lasted 5 days so I won't need to carry so many batteries from now on.

        • Ease of Operation:
        • 10
        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        "GREAT LITTLE CAMERA"

        By BLUEMAXKID

        from BROOMFIELD COLO.

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy To Use
        • Good Image Quality
        • Good Image Stabilization
        • High ISO Performance
        • Large Clear LCD

        Cons

        • Short Battery Life

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Travel
        • Wildlife photos

        Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR (Camera Body) (Black):

        This my second Pentax digital camera purchased from B&H. As a long time 35mm film shooter, it was hard to make the switch to digital. But the ease of operation and good quality photos produced by the K-X were very suprising. It is a rugged and easy to operate in the field. I would reccomend this camera to anyone.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Very happy with black body K-x

        By Dewey

        from San Francisco

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy To Use
        • Fast Shutter Speed
        • Good Image Quality
        • Good Image Stabilization
        • High ISO Performance

        Cons

        • Small LCD Screen

        Best Uses

        • Indoors/Low Light

        Comments about Pentax K-x Digital SLR (Camera Body) (Black):

        Shoots as well or better than price-equivalent Canons or Nikons. Shoots very well even at higher ISOs. Easy to navigate the menus. Lightweight. Available in many colors but I gave the red body to my girlfriend and kept the black body for myself because the red body attracted too much attention — all compliments, mind you, but it distracted me too much regardless. Cons are average autofocus and average LCD.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        Displaying reviews 1-4

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        Lenses

        Required item: A lens is not included. Get the type of lens for the shot you need.

        Pentax -  SMCP-DA 17-70mm f/4 AL (IF) SDM Autofocus Lens for Digital SLR
        • Price: $599.95
        • GBP 382.13
        USA
         

        Flash & Accessories

        Get a flash to add light to your picture.

        Pentax -  AF-360 FGZ P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash
        • Price: $339.95
        • Click to see current price
        • GBP 216.53
         

        Bags & Cases

        Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.

        Lowepro -  Rezo TLZ 20 Compact Holster-Style Bag (Black)
        • Price: $39.95
        • GBP 25.45
         
        View all Accessories

        What's in the Box

        Pentax Pentax K-x Digital SLR (Camera Body) (Black)
        • Body Mount Cover
        • Eyecup
        • Hotshoe Cover
        • Strap
        • USB Cable
        • AA lithium Batteries
        • Software CD-ROM
        • 1-Year Warranty
         
         
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