Pentax K-x SMC Pentax DA L 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 AL Review | 108 Data compared

The Pentax K-x is a compact, entry-level 12.4MP DSLR featuring a 4.7 fps burst rate, in-body shake reduction, and excellent low-light image quality with good high-ISO noise reduction. Its strengths lie in fast, responsive performance, solid ergonomics, and great battery life. Conversely, it lacks visible focus points in the viewfinder and suffers from limited raw dynamic range, no HDMI port, and slow live-view autofocus. Additionally, the buffer fills quickly when shooting raw, and video files are large.

The Pentax K-x is a compact, entry-level, $500 APS-C format DSLR that offers immense "bang for the buck" and excellent overall image quality. It features a 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor, an 11-point SAFOX VIII autofocus system, and can capture 720p HD video at 24 frames per second. In real-world testing—including trips to the zoo and a music tour in Europe—the camera proved to be a highly capable, travel-friendly companion with remarkably fast continuous shooting speeds of up to 4.7 frames per second. Its image quality stands out for its high ISO noise performance and rich dynamic range, even outperforming the brand's more expensive K7 flagship model in low-light file cleanliness. The camera's primary advantages (pros) include its compact and comfortable body size, superb battery life yielding 1,100 to 1,500 shots per charge on standard AA batteries, and highly effective built-in sensor-shift Shake Reduction. Additionally, it provides creative in-camera digital filters and a whimsical "Cross Process" mode. On the downside, the notable cons consist of a loud and clunky shutter sound, a less user-friendly video mode, and an autofocus system that occasionally...

The Amateur Photographer review of the Pentax K-x highlights the entry-level DSLR as a compact, functional camera boasting a strong 12EV dynamic range that matches more expensive models. It is praised for its responsive 11-point autofocus system and in-camera tools for managing highlights and shadows to produce print-ready JPEGs. Conversely, the review notes that the in-camera shadow correction can introduce digital noise at higher ISOs, while a low-resolution rear LCD and lack of illuminated AF points in the viewfinder hinder focusing accuracy. Furthermore, the camera has a tendency to render lower midtones too dark straight out of the camera.

Pentax K-x Review Summary The Pentax K-x is a highly competitive entry-level DSLR that offers high-end features at an attractive, budget-friendly price point of US$650, significantly undercutting rivals like the Nikon D5000 and Canon EOS 550D. Built with high-quality materials and a solid chassis, it includes a robust 12.4-megapixel sensor that rivals class leaders in RAW image quality and delivers impressive low-light performance up to ISO 3200. Performance is snappy across the board, highlighted by an advanced 11-point autofocus system, a shutter rated for 100,000 actuations, and a class-leading continuous burst speed of nearly 5 frames per second. Additionally, the camera features in-body sensor-shift image stabilisation, an intuitive menu interface with granular controls, and a comprehensive, user-friendly physical manual. Despite its strong value proposition, the K-x has several notable drawbacks. The most critical omission for users is the complete absence of active autofocus points inside the viewfinder. The camera also shows a consistent tendency to underexpose images in auto-exposure and aperture priority (Av) modes, requiring manual exposure compensation to fix. While it records 720p HD video, the video mode is...

The DPReview hands-on preview describes the Pentax K-x as a compact, entry-level DSLR packing a 12.4-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, 4.7 fps continuous shooting, and 720p video recording. It is praised for its high-end, low-light ISO performance and creative in-camera processing features, such as 3-shot HDR. Key disadvantages include the lack of active focus point display in the viewfinder, a small RAW buffer, and large file sizes for video, along with slow Live View contrast-detection autofocus. Additionally, the camera lacks an external microphone port and manual video controls, limiting its video functionality.

The Pentax K-x is an entry-level digital SLR camera that delivers fast performance and exceptional low-light image quality for its price class. Built with a solid and compact body, it stands out by offering 720p HD video capture at 24fps in an affordable kit, making it highly flexible for budget-conscious photographers. A major strength is its excellent noise profile, which keeps images clean and acceptable even at high ISO settings like 1,600 and 3,200. It features a zippy autofocus speed of 0.3 seconds in good light and a strong 4.2fps continuous shooting mode. Additionally, it provides unique Pentax-specific functions like Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) exposure mode, creative cross-processing filters, and a relatively large, bright viewfinder for a consumer model. However, the camera suffers from several notable design and functional drawbacks. Its image stabilization is unreliable, leading to noticeable camera shake and blurry photos even at fast shutter speeds. The optical viewfinder, while spacious, frustratingly fails to display autofocus points, leaving users unsure of which areas the camera has selected. Other downsides include a coarse, low-resolution LCD screen that is difficult to read...

The PentaxUser review highlights the Pentax K-x as a compact, aggressively priced entry-level DSLR offering exceptional high ISO noise performance and advanced creative tools, including in-camera HDR and Cross Process modes. While the camera provides high-quality imagery in a small, travel-friendly form factor, it is limited by a low-resolution 2.7-inch LCD and an optical viewfinder that lacks illuminated active autofocus points. Additionally, the review notes a quirky battery life indicator when using rechargeable AA batteries, yet concludes the camera punches above its weight class.

The Photo Review assessment of the 12.4-megapixel Pentax K-x praises its compact, lightweight design, which is available in multiple colors and offers excellent low-light performance and high-quality imaging for an entry-level, budget-friendly DSLR. Key advantages include fast operation, an in-camera HDR blending mode, and high value for beginners. However, the review notes significant drawbacks, such as the reliance on four AA batteries and a lack of active autofocus point display in the viewfinder. Furthermore, the camera suffers from an unreliable shake reduction system and subpar, unstabilized 720p video recording, according to the evaluation.

The Pentax K-x is a compact 12.4 MP APS-C digital SLR that offers excellent "bang-for-the-buck" for entry-level photographers and hobbyists. Tested in an urban environment, the camera features a user-friendly layout with a large, bright rear LCD screen that entirely replaces the traditional top-panel data display. It provides exceptionally fast standard autofocusing, reliable continuous AF tracking for action shots, and solid low-light performance. A major highlight is its extensive backward compatibility, allowing users to leverage older Pentax K-mount and M42 manual lenses with the camera's built-in sensor-shift shake reduction system. It also boasts a creative suite of built-in digital filters and an in-camera HDR blending mode.

The Pentax K-x is a solid, compact digital SLR that delivers impressive high-speed continuous shooting at 4.22 frames per second and an excellent 7-stop dynamic range at ISO 200, which handles high-contrast scenes effectively without losing detail. Upgraded with an 11-point autofocus system and built-in sensor-shift image stabilization, the camera provides direct-access buttons and a highly practical quick menu for easy handling. It also features an innovative post-shot image adjustment tool that allows photographers to re-adjust white balance or custom image settings on a shot JPEG using uncompressed buffer data. Additionally, a version 1.01 firmware update resolved early battery drain issues, significantly extending the lifespan of its 4 AA batteries. However, the camera has notable drawbacks, particularly regarding its 720p video mode, which suffers from an awkward 24p-only frame rate, lack of continuous autofocus, and an intensely loud autofocus mechanism. Viewing high-definition video on a TV is severely limited due to the total absence of an HDMI port, requiring users to purchase a proprietary $14.95 analog AV cable that is omitted from the box. Audio quality is equally poor, utilizing...