Pentax K-x DSLR Review

See the first full review of the Pentax K-x, the new DSLR from Pentax.

Posted: 11/10/2009 - 14:19

Handling and features
Performance
Verdict
Specification

On the surface this looks like the Pentax K-m. But is it just that or a new model that looks suspiciously similar? That's what we plan to find out.

Pentax K-x Specification

• Resolution: 12.4Mp
• Sensor size:23.6x15.8mm
• Sensor type: CMOS
• Max. image size: 4288x2428
• Aspect ratio: 3:2
• Focus system: TTL phase difference detection
• Focus points: 11
• Focus types: AF/A (auto), AF/S (single), AF/C (continuous), Manual
• Crop factor: 1.5x
• Lens mount: Pentax K-AF2 bayonet
• File type: RAW (PEF, DNG), JPEG
• Sensitivity: ISO200-6400 (expandable to ISO100 & ISO12,800)
• Metering system: TTL open aperture, 16 segment
• Metering types: Multi, centre-weighted, spot
• Exposure compensation: +/- 3EV in 1/3 or 1/2 step increments
• Shutter speed: Bulb, 30sec - 1/6000sec
• Frames per second: 4.7fps (max. (JPEG) 17 frames, (RAW) 5 frames)
• Flash: Built-in, hotshoe
• Flash metering: P-TTL, guide no. 12 (ISO100)
• Flash sync speed: 1/180sec
• Image stabilisation: Shake reduction (max. 4EV)
• Integrated cleaning: Image sensor moving mechanism and SP (Super protect) coating
• Live view: Yes, TTL by image sensor
• HD Video: Yes
• Video recording: 1280x720p/24fps
• Viewfinder: Optical, fixed moulded penta-mirror type
• Monitor: 2.7in TFT LCD (230,000dot)
• Media type: SD, SDHC
• Interface: USB/Video, USB 2.0
• Power: 4x AA batteries
• Size: 122.5x91.5x67.5mm
• Weight: 515g (excl. battery and card)

Pentax K-x Handling & Features

It's been 9 months since the Pentax K-m was tested here at Pentax User and I was really impressed with it. It was easy, fun and well built for a camera of that classification. So how does the new Pentax K-x measure up in terms of upgraded features?

Similar features include the chassis, metering and viewfinder. That's it. Pretty much everything else in the camera is new or upgraded, so this could be classed as a new camera over a replacement. With the new release comes a change in the stand point from the manufacturer. Indeed, with the recent release of the Canon Powershot G11 giving a lower resolution than the camera it replaced, it seems that the pixel race could well be over. In fact, Pentax have researched what consumers find the most important features in a camera. In 2007, the five most important things customers looked for were: resolution, price, image quality, functions and brand. Two years shows a distinct shift in what people are looking for with price being the main factor followed by resolution, anti-blur, brand and product size/weight.

Good news for Pentax with their down sizing technology as the new camera lacks certain features such as an articulating screen and a HDMI port to keep the size down. But if the research is accurate then why are manufacturers turning their attention to innovative features when functions aren't even in the top five? Why are we also seeing cameras coming out more expensive in this economic climate? Well the Pentax K-x is listed at £599.99 with the 18-55mm DAL lens or £749.99 if you get the new 55-300mm DAL in the twin lens kit.

My first impressions are that the K-x replaces the K-m, but certain factors seem to point to the camera being an addition to the range. Take the sensor, it's a 12.4Mp CMOS which sits in between the K-m at 10.2Mp and the K-7 at 14.6Mp. However, the new PRIME (Pentax Real Image Engine) II processor has been used in the new camera meaning the larger file sizes of the higher resolution can be downloaded quicker. On board 12bit A/D conversion has also been used for speedier transfers.

Expandable ISO is a feature being more commonly seen on DSLRs and Pentax have actually given us a reason why they've done it on the K-x. In a paper from Pentax Japan, they state that “ISO100 limits the dynamic range and therefore increases the likelihood of whitewash.” continuing with “Lower ISO equals lower gain which doesn't necessarily mean higher quality.”

As well as the core features having an overhaul, the menu screen has also been revamped. The main menu is the same which is actually not a bad idea as it means that current owners will be using a familiar UI. Pressing the Info button brings up a separate menu system which displays the fun, or some would say “interesting”, features of the camera. It comes up in a similar fashion to the current Olympus UI showing the options in rows. You navigate through the options using the navigation pad on the back.

One of the best features I think this camera has is the newly developed Cross Processing mode. It's an extension to the digital filters that were introduced on the K-m and expanded with the K-7. It gives the simulated effect that cross processing a film gives you and to add even more fun to the mode, there's a “random” option so the camera chooses what filters and patterns to apply to the image. It's certainly hit and miss but that's all part of the fun. It works by applying custom colours to the image and then adds a special pattern which Pentax are keeping close to their chests.

In camera HDR has been added which, like the K-7, takes three successive images and merges them together to get the best dynamic range possible. There's also CTE (Colour Temperature Enhancement) which works as a white balance override system. If you take a shot of a lot of grass, for example, and the camera starts to compensate because it thinks there's a cast, you can choose CTE in the white balance menu to correct the picture in playback or use live view to correct it before shooting.

On the subject of live view, it's a similar system to the previous models using multiple focus types including phase difference detection, contrast detection and face detection. HD Video recording is at 1280x720p running at 24fps. Not quite full HD but still HD nonetheless. Any video is recorded in Motion JPEG and the format is AVI.

Pentax K-x Performance

It's an engineered plastic shell covering a K-m chassis. To keep size and weight down (and I think to not tread on the toes of the K-7), weather proofing and dust proofing hasn't been included in the build. That matches the K-m and I actually think it's a shame. Pentax could offer a full line up of cameras that have weather proofing and be one step ahead of their rivals.

Interestingly, the camera is 10g lighter than the K-m yet feels heavy in the hands. It's probably down to the AA batteries as they've been preferred over Lithium-Ion. Pentax say this is because the customer base looking at this model appreciate the availability and flexibility of AA over Li-Ion. It's true that they're more readily available and you can get regular Nickel Cadmium or decide to upgrade to Nickel Metal Hydride which are available as rechargeable. Lithium batteries are now available and as rechargeable and I think the only major concern with this battery format in these modern times is the weight of them. Strange then that Pentax, advocates of lightweight technology, should consider a heavier product.

The buttons are firm and responsive and the menu is easy enough to navigate. The addition of the new menu when pressing the info button is still an easy to use concept.

We've seen the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 in it's dark red colour scheme and opinion over that is divided. Pentax have gone with a similar styling and made the K-x available in bright red, white, navy blue and black. Stephen Sanderson, Product Coordinator for Pentax UK said “Sales of the Pentax K-m in white were sold out in Japan before they'd even hit the shelves. They hope to copy that popularity with the different coloured versions of the K-x.” Releasing the camera in red, white and blue could be a nod towards the UK market, it could be blue, white and red to signify Pentax Europe's HQ move to Paris from Hamburg or it could just all be a happy coincidence. Either way, I reserve my opinion on the coloured cameras until I see them in the flesh.

Pentax K-x Photos of Equipment

Pentax K-x Performance

After talking quite positively about AA batteries for what could possibly be the first time in my life, I found the power consumption too much to handle. I used four new AA Lithium batteries and they were dead in 24hrs. I didn't use the camera excessively although I did use live view, so that could be the issue.

For clarification, the batteries were from an unopened packet so I knew they'd not been used previously. From my time in retail, I know that manufacturers can use half charged batteries to give away because they're cheaper but I'd still expect a lot more from this type. I didn't use live-view constantly, but possibly used it more than a photographer would because I was testing it.

It's unfortunate that this is the case with the K-x as the picture performance is very good. The colour chart is punchy in the primary colours and I like the balance of the earth brown and forest green. The skin tone pink could be stronger and there's a distinct lack of colour in the pastel tiles.

Portrait mode looks pretty good although I think it could be warmer. However, this could be down to the white balance interfering with the program as I selected a custom setting. There's plenty of detail in the hair and the exposure is pretty good. Adding flash has filled in the darker areas, added attractive catchlights and balanced out the tone.

Getting on to the fun stuff and the Pentax K-x has had the digital film effects from the K-m added to it. Therefore you can indulge in the cool options such as Toy Camera, Soft and Retro which can be individually tampered with to give an even wider amount of options for you.

The great thing about the Toy camera mode is that if you're using it and make a mistake, it usually doesn't matter because it gives the same effect as an older photograph from a time when technical accuracy of a picture of your house was less sought after. Think of pictures your parents or grandparents took and how badly composed they are, but still look good.

One of the standard scene modes found in the camera is the sunrise/sunset mode and I managed to use this really well when the morning light filtered through the leaves of a tree while I walked through a nature reserve. I took a shot without the mode on to see the differences and you can instantly see it's a lot warmer to accentuate the golden glow of the early sun.

Pentax K-x Sample Photos

Pentax K-x Noise

I was hoping for a good result in the noise test because so far I'm very impressed by how the camera works and the results it's given me.

ISO100 isn't a true setting for the reasons that are explained earlier but it's still a great result. The image is super smooth and this carries on throughout the entire set of photographs. In fact I'm overwhelmed with how good the noise test images are. Noise starts to distort the image at ISO6400 to a point that the detail of the petals is disappearing and small amounts of colour are invading the shadow areas of the grey card. ISO12800 is the same as ISO100 in that it's an equivalent and both have to be activated in the custom menu section. Even at this level, there's still some detail in the petals which is pretty astounding for a camera of this classification.

Pentax K-x ISO test images

Pentax K-x Verdict

Initial impressions of the new Pentax DSLR were impressive and I'm glad to say that they still are. It's unfortunate about the battery issue and judging by the comments at the bottom of this review, the K-m has suffered similar problems. Maybe it's time to start using Lithium Ion batteries in all DSLRs from now on because I'm unsure that AA types - even the lithium variety - have the capacity to cope with the new technology that uses so much power.

Still, using the camera was such fun with the HDR and Cross Processing modes, I never knew what I was going to get. Even simple photographs look great when they've been processed with a digital filter. I think if you have a few old Pentax lenses and you're looking to go to digital or feel that your work is stagnating and you need an injection of fun, you need this camera in your life.

Pentax K-x Specifications

Manufacturer	Pentax
Lens
Effective Magnification	1.5x
Image Sensor
Pixels	12.4Mp (Megapixels)
Pixels (W)	4288
Pixels (H)	2428
Sensor Type	CMOS
Sensor Size	No Data
Sensor Size (width)	No Data
Sensor Size (height)	No Data
Aspect Ratio
LCD Monitor
LCD Monitor	2.7in
Screen resolution	No Data
Touch Screen	No Data
Focusing
Focusing modes	Autofocus
Exposure Control
Shutter speeds shortest	30sec
Shutter speeds longest	6000sec
Bulb mode	Yes
Exp modes	Program Aperture-Priority Shutter-Priority Manual Scene modes
Metering	Multi Pattern Spot Centre-weighted - Average
ISO sensitivity	200 - 6400
White balance	Auto Manual
Exposure Comp	+/-3
Viewfinder
Magnification	No Data
Shooting Options
Continuous shooting	0fps
Video
Movie mode	Yes
Video Resolution
Video FPS	No Data
Stereo Sound	No Data
Optical Zoom with Video	No Data
Other Features
Image Stabilisation	No Data
Interface
HDMI	No
USB	USB 2
Wi-Fi	No Data
Storage
Card Type	SD
File Type	JPG RAW
Power Source
Battery Type	4x AA
Battery Life (CIPA rating)	No Data
Box Contents
Box Contents	No Data
Dimensions
Weight	515g
Width	122.5mm
Height	91.5mm
Depth	67.5mm

 

Members gallery photos using: PENTAX K-x

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