Pentax K-x

Pentax has followed up its well-reviewed K-7 digital SLR for advanced photographers with the new 12.4-megapixel K-x, an entry-level DSLR that borrows some traits from the K-7 and some from its predecessor, the K-2000.

I had a chance to test out a pre-production version of the K-x and while Pentax will not allow me to post any photos or HD video shot with the camera – since it's not a final model – I was able to put this prototype through its paces and was impressed with how well it performed. Though my findings are only preliminary – pending a full review with a final unit – the K-x seems like a good choice for first-time buyers, combining the ease-of-use of a beginner's DSLR with the firepower of a more advanced model.

First off, here are some feature highlights on the K-x which was just announced this morning. The camera will sell for $649 as a kit with a Pentax DA L18-55mm lens and is available in black, white or limited edition navy blue or fire-engine red. (Yes, red.)

• 12.4-megapixel CMOS imaging chip with built in "sensor-shift" Shake Reduction. In contrast to some other companies – Canon and Nikon – that have image stabilization in the lenses, Pentax puts it in the camera body.

• Speedy 4.7 frames per second shooting with 1/6000-second maximum shutter speed for freezing the action. Speed comes from Pentax Prime II image processor which is also used in the K-7.

• Shoots High Definition video at 720p resolution at a cinematic 24 frames per second.

• Same speedy 11-point autofocus system that's used in the K-7

• High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode which combines three images at different exposures to create one with improved shadow detail, boosted mid-range and highlight control. (That's the idea, at least. I found results varied: some looked great, others not so much. Also, since you can't employ Shake Reduction in HDR mode, it's best to use a tripod.)

• ISO 200-6400 with expansion to 100-12,800. (Though I don't recommend ISO 12,800.)

• 2.7-inch LCD with Live View and Face Detection autofocus for up to 16 faces. (Nice for big groups.)

• Available in black or white camera bodies along with limited edition red and navy blue models.

• Uses four AA batteries – good because they're easy to find but heavier than a single rechargeable battery. Rated at 1900 shots when using AA lithium batteries.

If It Ain't Broke…
Though it's been a while since I've played with a Pentax K2000, the K-x reminds me a lot of that camera physically. And while I didn't have a K2000 lying around to do a real side-by-side with the K-x, based on my memory and while looking at old product shots, I'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the two models.

The shape, design and button layout of the cameras are nearly identical and both have that distinctive silver metallic band along the top rim of the DSLR. The K-x also has a blue LED light beside the shutter button to indicate that the camera is on, a feature I'm divided about. On the one hand, while I like that the light reminds you to turn off the K-x when not in use, I found the blue glow to be distracting. That's a minor gripe though and one most beginners likely won't care about either way.

In comparing the K-x to the Nikon D3000, another entry-level DSLR I reviewed recently, I found the Pentax to be a little more boxy than the stylish and sleek D3000 though the K-x was easier for someone with bigger hands, such as myself, to hold. Overall, the K-x is a handsome little camera if not particularly striking which is fine by me. (If you want striking, try the K-x in white or in the limited edition navy blue and red versions. I'll pass.)

Like the D3000 – and most entry-level DSLRs – there's no top LCD screen on the K-x so all your info and settings come from the 2.7-inch LCD on back. The LCD screen is a notch smaller than the Nikon D3000's but offers 230,000 dots of resolution for sharp playback and clear rendering in Live View mode.

While balance and handling, overall, were nice on the K-x – not too heavy, not too light – the prototype I tested did have one odd quirk: it occasionally rattled when I carried it. This could be because it was just an early "beta" unit or because the AA batteries don't fully lock inside. (The camera still rattled when I took the batteries out but not as severely.) It was hard to tell without taking the camera apart which is something I, obviously, didn't want to do. Again, a minor quibble but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Fast Shooter
Though the K-x comes with a boatload of features for an entry-level camera, the one that stood out most for me is the very quick 4.7 frames per second shooting speed. I may be wrong but I can't think of another entry-level model that comes close to this level of speed. (Most beginners' models only offer 3 fps shooting speed.)

Combine that fast frame rate with 1/6000th of a second shutter speed and you've got a great camera for soccer moms and soccer dads to shoot family sports. Heck, throw in the very responsive 11-point "SAFOX VIII" autofocus system for tracking moving subjects and the K-x would not be bad for photographing high school or even semi-professional sports.

The shutter itself is considerably louder than the stealthy K-7 but I had no problems photographing fast moving wildlife including birds and cagey feral cats – hey, I live in the city – along with playground basketball, using the K-x with a Pentax DA 55-300mmm lens.

Live Mode & Movies
Switching into Live View mode on the K-x is about as easy as on the K-7 – just hit the LV button, autofocus and go – though the prototype camera was wonky and struggled to gain focus at times.

To switch to the HD video mode, there's an easy-to-access movie camera icon on the K-x's mode dial. Focus is then achieved either with a back button or the shutter button. (The prototype K-x also had trouble autofocusing in movie mode but this was most likely because it was an early version of the camera.)

The Nikon D3000, in contrast to the K-x, has no movie mode which is a definite feather in the cap for Pentax since both models sell at comparable price points. (The K-x is about $50 more.)

If you're a total beginner, I found the D3000 to be much easier to use overall. For anyone who's every tried a DSLR though, the Nikon camera will be frustratingly basic. There are barely any buttons on the D3000 – which newbies might like – and it has a built in Guide Mode to give you visual tips on the camera's LCD on how to take better photos.

But while there might be a slightly higher learning curve for using all of the K-x's features – such as the helpful HDR mode for capturing a properly exposed shot in tricky lighting conditions – taking decent photos is a no-brainer when using the camera's "Auto Pict" green mode. Just turn the dial, point, and then click.

There are also some fun "canned" filter settings on the K-x that beginners might like including Retro, Soft, Starburst, Toy Camera and others.

The Early Word
Since the K-x I looked at was not a final version I can't pass judgment on the image quality for either the still images or HD movies I captured. (Nor can I post them here, as I previously stated in this story.) I will say though that the K-x has a remarkable level of sophistication for an entry-level DSLR, so much so that I never felt dragged down or frustrated using it as I occasionally did while shooting with the Nikon D3000.

But it's something of an apples-to-oranges comparison. If you're a beginner but a quick learner who's not afraid to get creative, you might want to check out the Pentax K-x. If you're the type of person who's intimidated by technology but you still want to capture great photos, consider the Nikon D3000. And if you're a style hound who wants to turn heads as you sashay down 5th Avenue with your flashy DSLR at your side while capturing some great shots along the way, go with the limited edition fire-engine red or navy blue K-x. But get one quick before they run out.