Pentax K-x

I just updated the tests/reviews in the database of the SLR photo cameras, mostly for the Pentax and Samsung cameras (and some Nikon, Sony, Canon, too).

The user manual for the Pentax K-x is now available for free download (at Pentax Japan).

• Pentax K-x User Manual

RAW file conversion process

Ready to celebrate the arrival of 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau, a new version of the RAW conversion utility from Adobe is here: Camera Raw 5.6. It supports a whole lot of recent cameras:

• Canon EOS 7D
• Canon PowerShot G11
• Canon PowerShot S90
• Leaf Aptus II 5
• Mamiya DM22, DM28, DM33, DM56, M18, M22, M31
• Nikon D3s
• Olympus E-P2
• Pentax K-x
• Panasonic FZ38
• Sigma DP1s
• Sony A500
• Sony A550
• Sony A850

It also solves an issue in demosaicing of some Raw files on PowerPC Mac.

Download Adobe Camera Raw 5.6.

Not happy with black, white, red and blue colors for your next camera? Pentax Japan decided to go even further and allow you to customize the camera body with a wealth of different colors for the plastic body and the hand grip.

Pentax K-X couleur

Do you like this or not?

Source: Rye Clifton, via Engadget.

And I got the price, too. The PENTAX K-x (in black and white) will ship in October 2009 in three configurations:

• Pentax K-x single lens kit with an SMC Pentax DA L 18-55 mm lens, for US$649.95
• Pentax K-x twin lens kit for US$749.95 (with the SMC Pentax DA L 18-55 mm zoom lens and the SMC Pentax DA L 50-200 mm zoom lens)
• Pentax K-x twin lens kit for US$849.95 (with the SMC Pentax DA L 18-55 mm zoom lens and the SMC Pentax DA L 55-300 mm zoom lens)

There will also be a red and a navy blue options, in limited quantities.

Pentax K-X

One interesting hands-on (showing the red version with a red lens) is available at Engadget.

According to Photo-rumors, Pentax is going to announce tomorrow a new SLR photo camera named Pentax K-X. Its most prominent features are going to be:

• 12.4 MP CMOS APS-C sensor (Aspect Ratio 3:2)
• Sensitivity: ISO 100-6400 (exp. 12800 ISO)
• Shutter speed: 30s – 1/6000s, Flash Sync at 1/180s
• Live View mode with options: Contrast Detection AF with face recognition option
• Movie/Video capture with Mono-Audio recording (with built-in microphone),
• Supported video modes: 1280 x 720 Pixels (16:9 Standard High Definition), 640 x 416 (3:1.95), all modes at 24 frames per second
• Rear LCD screen: 2.7″ LCD, 230,000 colour dots
• Metering System: 16-segment
• AF System: SAFOX VIII AF System (11-Point, 9 Crossed)
• Focusing modes: AF-S, AF-C, AF-auto, MF; Via dedicated focusing mode selector level
• Dedicated AF button
• Built-in Flash: Auto-Manual pop-up, GN12 @ ISO 100
• Shake Reduction: in-body, by sensor displacement
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode (One composite image from 3 exposure-bracketed images)
• IR Remote Control, with front receiver
• Lenses: Pentax KAF2 compatible (K-mount, support AF KAF and SDM KAF2/KAF3 lenses)
• Viewfinder: Glass pentamirror, with 96% image coverage, 0.85x magnification
• Battery: compatible with AA batteries and AA-type recarcheable NiMH and alcaline batteries
• Storage Media: SD and SDHC cards
• Dimensions: 130.5(W) x 96.5(H) x 72.5(D) mm (5.1 x 3.8 x 2.9 inches)
• Weight: 516g (18.2 oz.), Body Only (without battery and SD card)

Pentax K-X

This makes it a quite nice little buddy. It seems that Pentax is aiming at a low cost (e.g. plastics rather than magnesium alloy, only 2.7″ LCD), but the photo features are going to be real fine: fast shutter, top sensitivity (up to 12800 ISO), top-of-the-line AF system.

The Pentax K-X camera should appeal to those who are not ready to compromise on the photo quality but have a tight budget. In these back-to-school times of recession-frozen salaries, it should be stealing a lot of attention.