Below you will find this week’s firmware updates. Hit the manufacturer website links for more details and download instructions for the firmware. [Read more…]
Pentax K-x Gets Pink, Olive, Beige and Chocolate Color Treatments
The very popular (and colorful) Pentax K-x has received another series of color treatment updates, and is now available in pink, chocolate, olive and beige.
You can see the entire lineup of the K-x rainbow at the Pentax US webstore ($650 for body and lens).
Although, if you can live with black, you can get the K-x with lens for under $500 now.
Pentax Adds More Color to the K-x in America
The Pentax K-x has become a hit entry-level camera, and has been available in black, white, red and navy blue since its US release. However, it’s also been available in a ton of colors in Japan. Now, it seems US shooters will get a few more color options for the Pentax K-x – 4, to be exact – bright blue, orange, green and purple.
I’m generally not a fan of a DSLR in any other color but black; however, that orange camera is drawing me in. Go Vols!
What about you? Which color? And why?
In any color, the K-x will continue to retail at $649.95 as a kit with an 18-55mm lens. The new color options aren’t available on B&H Photo, Amazon or Adorama at the time of this post; however, you can get a pre-order at Pentax USA’s website if you can handle the wait.
Deal Alert: Pentax K-x Offers 12.4MP and 720p Video for Under $470
B&H Photo has some solid deals on the Pentax K-x kits. Along with the 12.4MP CMOS sensor, it has a 2.7 inch LCD screen, Live View, face detection, 720p HD video capabilities shooting at 24p, HDR bracketing, 4.7 fps, 11 point autofocus, and uses AA batteries.
Pentax K-x (black) w/ 18-55mm lens -$469.95
Pentax K-x (white) w/ 18-55mm lens -$468.95
Pentax K-x (red) w/ 18-55mm lens – $484.95
Pentax K-x (blue) w/ 18-55mm lens – $477.95
Pentax K-x (black) w/ 18-55mm & 50-200mm lenses – $573.95
Pentax K-x (black) w/ 18-55mm and 55-300mm lenses – $649.95
You’ll be hard pressed to find a more affordable entry into the DSLR realm with a camera as capable as the K-x.
Pentax K-x Firmware Update ver. 1.01
Pentax has issued a firmware update for the K-x DSLR. The firmware update version 1.01 address the following issues:
- Added three kinds of particular effect shooting function (Pre-set 1,2 and 3) on [Cross Processing].
- Added assignment of Cross Processing function to the green button.
- Improved accuracy of Battery Level Indicator under specific conditions and improved stability for general performance.
To download or learn more about the firmware update, visit Pentax’s website.
Pentax K-x Reviews and Resources
The Pentax K-x DSLR is geared toward entry level users. It has a 12.4MP CMOS sensor and a large number of higher end features. Additionally, the camera will come in black, white, red and navy.
The K-x continues on the for the Pentax K2000. The K-x has a one-handed shooting design is targeted to users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR. Along with the 12.4MP CMOS sensor, it has a 2.7 inch LCD screen, Live View, face detection, 720p HD video capabilities shooting at 24p, HDR bracketing, 4.7 fps, 11 point autofocus, and uses AA batteries.
Pentax K-x Availability
Check availability for the Pentax K-x at the following online retailers:
Along with the K-x, PENTAX announced the smc PENTAX DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED super-telephoto zoom lens. This lens will be exclusive to a K-x Twin Lens Kit package consisting of a K-x body, this new lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 lens.
The K-x will ship in October with three kit options:
- K-x single lens kit with body and an smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens for USD $649.95.
- K-x twin lens kit for $749.95 including a K-x body, the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 50-200mm zoom lens.
- K-x twin lens kit for $849.95 including a K-x body, the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 55-300mm zoom lens.
Pentax K-x Reviews
Photography Bay (hands-on)
For now, it looks like Pentax has a real winner on its hands. If the K-x tastes as good as it looks (although the jury is still out on the red version), the K-x will definitely deserve some consideration on everyone’s entry-level DSLR shopping list.
Small and light, the Pentax K-x seems like a well-built, no-nonsense digital SLR, with perhaps only one flaw: the lack of visible AF points.
The Pentax K-x is a worthy competitor for the major manufacturers out there, and is probably in line for the third best with the other smaller camera companies.
Image quality was very good, if not remarkable. And the AF system was largely on track, especially when it came to action photography.
The new Pentax K-x occupies the sweet spot between the entry-level K-m and prosumer K-7 cameras, combining the ease-of-use of the former with many of the advanced features of the latter.
Digital Camera Review (hands-on)
12.4MP, 720p video recording, live view, great build quality and access to some great fast primes, all for under $650? Not bad.
Pentax K-x Key Features
- High resolution 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.
- Large 2.7 inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).
- Capture widescreen HD video in full 720p resolution (1280×720) at 24 FPS cinematic framerate, using any PENTAX 35mm lens.
- Highly compact DSLR body design allows for 1 handed operation and comfort when travelling.
- Powerful automatic modes, including PENTAX Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.
- Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.
- True HDR image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.
- Fast 4.7 FPS capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the PENTAX PRIME II image processing engine.
- Responsive 11 point wide angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.
- Capture up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).
- Expanded ISO range covers sensitivities from 100-12800 for extreme low light photography.
Pentax K-x Press Release
PENTAX ANNOUNCES AFFORDABLE, NEW PENTAX K-x WITH HIGH-END FEATURES INCLUDING HD VIDEO AND LIVE VIEW
GOLDEN, CO (September 16, 2009)… PENTAX Imaging Company redefines the entry-level digital SLR category with the introduction of the K-x digital SLR. This latest PENTAX camera offers high-end features including Live View and HD video. And, since there’s no rule that SLR cameras must come in black only, the K-x will be available in a choice of white or black, as well as special, limited edition red and navy.
Priced at $599.95 USD (for body with DA L 18-55mm lens), the extremely compact and lightweight PENTAX K-x forges ahead on the trail initiated by the popular PENTAX K2000. With a one-handed shooting design and simple, easy-to-use operation, the K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.
The PENTAX K-x offers photographic performance that challenges higher class DSLR models and offers several features that set this camera apart in the entry-level category:
- High resolution 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.
- Large 2.7 inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).
- Widescreen HD video capture in full 720p resolution (1280×720) at 24 FPS cinematic framerate, using any PENTAX 35mm lens.
- Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.
- True High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.
- Fast 4.7 FPS capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the PENTAX PRIME II image processing engine.
- Powerful automatic modes, including PENTAX Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.
- Responsive 11 point wide angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.
- Captures up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).
All combined, the PENTAX K-x is the perfect camera for new digital SLR camera users as well as an ideal backup camera for more experienced photographers.
Along with the K-x, PENTAX announced the smc PENTAX DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED super-telephoto zoom lens. This lens will be exclusive to a K-x Twin Lens Kit package consisting of a K-x body, this new lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 lens. The lightweight design of this zoom lens offers the exceptional optical performance found in all PENTAX lenses for super-telephoto photography with the K-x and other PENTAX digital SLR camera bodies.
The PENTAX K-x is now available for pre-order in black or white on www.pentaxwebstore.com. Limited edition colors of red and navy will become available at select locations to be announced.
The PENTAX K-x (in black and white) will ship in October 2009 in three configurations: options:
- K-x single lens kit with body and an smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens for USD $649.95.
- K-x twin lens kit for $749.95 including a K-x body, the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 50-200mm zoom lens.
- K-x twin lens kit for $849.95 including a K-x body, the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 55-300mm zoom lens.
Complete information is available here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/about-us.aspx?p=press
Product images are available here: www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html
An informational video is available here: www.youtube.com/Pentaxian1
PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of a variety of digital cameras including weather resistant digital SLRs and compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For 90 years, PENTAX has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.