Pentax K-x Review | 108 Data compared

The Pentax K-x review highlights the camera as an ambitious entry-level DSLR that delivers exceptional value, scoring a 3 out of 5 stars from the editors. The camera's standout feature is its transition from an older CCD sensor to a highly effective 12-megapixel Sony CMOS sensor. This upgrade radically improves low-light performance, keeping images impeccable up to ISO 1600, and maintaining impressive noise control at ISO 3200. Additional strengths include a remarkably simple yet successful user interface, custom green button functionality, integrated sensor-shift stabilization, wireless flash control, and a rapid burst mode capable of capturing 4.5 frames per second. However, the review points out several significant drawbacks that limit the camera's overall score. A major point of frustration is the omission of autofocus point indicators inside the viewfinder, leaving the photographer blind as to where the multi-zone system is focusing. The camera's Live View autofocus is painfully slow and practically unusable for moving targets, while its 720p video mode feels entirely embryonic due to heavy Mjpeg file sizes, subpar monophonic audio, and disabled autofocus during recording. Finally, the camera operates...

The Pentax K-x is a highly regarded, compact entry-level DSLR known for offering, according to the review, image quality on par with more expensive cameras. Featuring a 12.4-megapixel APS-C sensor, the camera is specifically praised for its exceptional low-light capabilities, allowing for high-quality, low-noise images at ISO 1600 or 3200. Key advantages highlighted include a robust, customizable chassis, a fast 4.5 fps burst mode, and the practical use of four AA batteries, which offers significant convenience for travelers. Despite these strengths, the review notes certain drawbacks. The K-x lacks a top-panel LCD screen for checking settings, which might frustrate more advanced users accustomed to that feature. Furthermore, it does not include an image-processing engine specifically optimized for high-speed performance, and the autofocus system, while functional, is relatively basic compared to higher-end models. Finally, the camera lacks a dedicated HDMI output, which limits its connectivity options. DPReview

The review by Mobiworld frames the Pentax K-x as an excellent, budget-friendly entry-level digital SLR camera specifically tailored for travelers. A key highlight is its upgraded 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor, which marks a substantial quality improvement over the sensor used in previous models. Designed with high-utility functionality for remote areas, the camera can capture high-definition video, features a built-in image stabilizer, and runs on four standard AA rechargeable batteries (noting a slight discrepancy in the original French text mentioning AAA, while standard K-x specifications rely on globally available AA batteries). This battery configuration ensures that travelers do not have to worry about finding power outlets while abroad, as they can simply carry spares. Additionally, the review praises the camera for being lightweight for its class, quick to boot up, easy to handle, and uniquely available in 12 different colors. However, the review points out a few clear drawbacks to consider before purchase. The most significant structural downside is that the Pentax K-x is not weather-sealed (tropicalisé), a features downgrade from Pentax's older K200D model that could leave it vulnerable in harsh...

The Pentax K-x is a highly capable, entry-level digital SLR camera built around a 12.4-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and the PRIME II imaging engine. It stands out as an exceptionally budget-friendly yet feature-rich option, packing advanced functionalities usually reserved for higher-tier cameras into a remarkably compact and lightweight plastic chassis. Key performance strengths include a fast continuous shooting speed of 4.7 frames per second, an impressive maximum shutter speed of 1/6000 sec, and built-in sensor-shift image stabilization. For creative flexibility, the camera features an expansive suite of digital filters, custom modes like Cross-Processing, high-definition 720p HD video recording at 24 fps, and wide-ranging lens compatibility that seamlessly accepts older Pentax glass. On the downside, the camera relies on four AA batteries for power; while globally accessible, they add notable physical weight and require high-quality NiMH or Lithium cells to prevent rapid battery depletion. The physical operation can be quite loud due to a noisy shutter and clattering mirror mechanism, making it less than ideal for discreet candid shots. In terms of usability, the most serious engineering omissions are the complete...

Here is a summary of the comparison review between the Pentax K-x and the Sony Alpha 550: Review Summary The Pentax K-x stands out as a compact, lightweight, entry-level DSLR equipped with a 12-megapixel sensor that introduces live view and 720p HD video recording to its price tier. Its primary pros include exceptional noise management at high ISO sensitivities—allowing it to rival industry leaders Canon and Nikon—as well as highly competitive, amateur-grade responsiveness. However, its cons center around its positioning as a budget model, inheriting a simplified entry-level form factor from its predecessor, the K-m. The Sony Alpha 550 targets the mid-range amateur segment, competing directly against the Nikon D5000 and Canon 500D. Its standout pros include a high-definition tilting screen, an ultra-fast secondary-sensor live view system, an impressive burst shooting rate of 7 frames per second, and excellent low-light sensor sensitivity. On the downside, its major con is the complete lack of video recording capabilities, a feature increasingly common in its class.

The Pentax K-x is a highly maneuverable, lightweight entry-level DSLR with an iCamRank of 57, noted for its exceptional handling and portability, making it ideal for street photography. Key strengths include a fast shutter speed for action, a built-in body stabilizer, and an impressive battery life capable of up to 1,900 shots per charge. Conversely, the review notes significant drawbacks, including a lack of modern wireless connectivity and no weather sealing for environmental protection. Furthermore, the camera's raw image quality, operational speed, and versatility metrics fall below the average for its class.

The Les Numériques review evaluates the Pentax K-x as a highly capable reflex camera tailored for demanding photographers. The camera serves as a major technical step up from its entry-level predecessors, largely due to its 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor. This hardware upgrade delivers remarquable noise management and excellent detail preservation up to ISO 3200. Additional pros highlighted in the evaluation include its built-in sensor-shift image stabilization, on-the-fly correction of lens distortion and chromatic aberrations, high-definition 720p video recording at 24 fps, a continuous burst rate of 4.7 frames per second, and natively supported DNG RAW output. However, the review details specific compromises in design and build. The most notable con is that the K-x lacks weather sealing, losing the "all-weather" protective construction found on its predecessor, the K200D, in favor of a more standard body. Visually, the shell remains identical to the entry-level K-m, offering less exterior distinction. While the sensor delivers high image performance, the reviewer expresses disappointment that Pentax source-swapped the chip rather than using a new native component from its historical manufacturing partner, Samsung. Finally, structural limitations apply...

This review announcement introduces the Sony Alpha 550 and the Pentax K-x into the interchangeable-lens camera comparison database on Les Numériques. The review frames the Pentax K-x as a highly competitive, entry-level DSLR designed to challenge more advanced models. Its standout pros include exceptional electronic noise management at higher ISOs, a dedicated video mode, and live-view capabilities. However, a notable con of the Pentax K-x is its positioning as a baseline model, meaning it faces tough competition in a crowded entry-level market where it must constantly fight to stand out against high-performing rivals. The Sony Alpha 550 is highlighted primarily for its class-leading live-view performance, which serves as the camera's ultimate selling point. Among its primary pros are a lightning-fast autofocus system in live-view mode—which the reviewers note is far ahead of all its competitors across any market tier—and a highly practical, partially articulating tilt-screen. On the downside, a clear con is that its innovative features are additions to an existing formula rather than a complete industry reinvention, meaning users seeking an entirely groundbreaking design or full screen articulation may...