pentax kxCompared to its predecessor, the Pentax KM, the Pentax 12.4 megapixel KX SLR can be viewed more as a whole new camera as opposed to an upgrade. What stayed the same? Only the Metering, Viewfinder and Body! The rest is a complete makeover.

Instead of giving this camera unnecessary features, Pentax has put the cost into what they believe consumers really want when buying a camera. A survey conducted by Pentax showed them that customers weren’t really interested in the things they thought they should be improving in a camera model. The five most important aspects that a buyer would have been looking at two years ago, in 2007 were: Price, Resolution, Image Quality, the Function of the camera and the Brand Name.

Now, in 2009, this has shifted. While price is still the biggest factor and brand still features, the other three have changed to Anti-Blur features, resolution and the size and weight of the camera.

When piecing together the magnificent KX, Pentax kept these things in mind and this camera is aimed directly at fulfilling the consumer’s wants. It’s always nice to know someone is actually paying attention to our needs!

Firstly, Pentax has created this camera as a hybrid, with both still and video options. This means that you would save yourself the cost of purchasing a video camera. Two in one! No one can complain about that!

You are able to record video at 1280 x 720p / 24 frames per second. All video formats are AVI.

Instead of putting in a swivel screen, Pentax has included the 2.7in TFT LCD with 230,000 dots. Not fancy, but saves unnecessary expenses and allows them to keep the cost of the camera down.

Great features like HDR have been included and the camera will take three images right after eachother and then merge them automatically giving you a stunning result with the best dynamic range available.

Another feature is CTE, Colour Temperature Enhancement. This feature can be used before or after the shot has been taken and helps to balance the colours temperate and contrast instead of the camera trying to compensate for lighting incorrectly.

A new Pentax Real Image Engine II Processor has been featured and this helped a lot when it came to downloading large images from the camera to my computer. The addition of the 12bit A/D also goes for faster transfers.

If you are a portrait photographer you will be very please to know that Pentax has included the Orientation Sensor.

Pentax have been a little innovative when deciding on what power source the KX should have and settled on 4 X AA batteries being sufficient.
The reason being that consumers prefer the ease of access to AAs over Li-Ion batteries. I agree. If you are out on a shoot or on holiday and something happens to your Li-Ion, it would be a bit of a nightmare to obtain a new one…AAs on the other hand are available pretty much everywhere.

ISO ranges from 200 to 6400 (an expandable range is included at 100 – 12800).
Metering, staying the same as the KM: Multi, Centre Weighted and Spot.
The Pentax KX shoots at an incredible 4.7 frames per second and weighs in at 515 grams.
The camera features an 11 point focus system which worked quickly and effectively and you are able to select which point you want to be the ‘active point’.

Pointless and FUN! The Pentax KX comes in a series of really awesome colours!
a few of the pentax colours

All in all, I found this camera to be a fun and easy to use. The pictures I took were clear and the colours were intense. Pentax have done a great job focusing on the necessary. This is a great camera for beginners and simple availability of different colours makes you feel like your camera is a reflection of your personality, which ultimately, is what it is!