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 and 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.
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 eyecatching
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
