| Author: | | Showing Reviews 1-15 of 60 | | Senior Member Registered: May, 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 144
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 21, 2011 | I can recommend the Pentax K-x: Yes |
Price: $745.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Compact, solidly built,high image quality, ergonomics, features | | Cons: | Video control, AF illuminator, view finder, LCD | | Years Owned: 1.5
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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By Oct-2011, I completed 15 months wiht my k-x and around 10k photos. I feel I can review this DSLR now.
It all started with a fascinatin for Pentax K-7 when I was in Germany. Due to oversight I lost a considerable amount of money in an auction and could not get that back. Neverthless I wanted to have a DSLR. So the only option was to buy K-x as it was affordable. After much deliberation, one weekend I walked straight into the PhotoPlanet shop, asked for K-x, paid cash and brought back the kit in 30 min.
The initial days were a bit difficult and exciting due to transition from P&A to DSLR. But very soon I started loving my camera and the pictures it's producing.
K-x is really a bang for the buck. As DPReview proclaims this to be one of the best low light performers (at that time and still) where I am impressed is the high image quality. Over all these months I have been fortunate enough to compare K-x's picture quality with semi-pro cameras of other brands and to my surprise I don't find much difference.
I have to find words for describing it's low light capabilities. I had many moments of "Is that one shot at iso-1600???!!!" Because of it's low light capabilities even slow lenses could be very much usable and thats a good thing for a starter like me. Shots at iso-3200, when resized look splendid with no grain at all. Even the grain it produces is artistic :-)
My K-x was paired with cheapos much of the time until I bought DA 16-45mm lens. And I could see the jump in image quality. Although I never got a chance to mount DA* lenses I am sure that combo will out me in awe.
For looks this may seem like plastic, but no, it is well built for a mid-range DSLR. The grip so good and it's compact body perfectly fits into my small hands (never realized it's imprtance until I handled my friend's Canon 60D one full day)
My complaints are very minimal and they are not really drawbacks
1. The AF could be a little bit faster
2. AF point illuminator in the view finder
3. A brigher view finder
4. A brighter LCD with more resolution (On a bright day its' difficult to see)
5. Full manual control in video mode
After all these 15 months I can never really justify an upgrade from my K-x. There is still a lot of juice in this one and I will be waiting till I outgrow this body.
Cheers
Guna
| | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2011 Posts: 3
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: August 17, 2011 | I can recommend the Pentax K-x: Yes |
Price: None indicated
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | price, small & lightweight, image quality | | Cons: | no af point in viewfinder | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 7
Value: 10
Image Quality: 8
Noise: 8
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I've been using this camera for two years and very satisfied with it. There's almost nothing bad about this camera considering its price range. The only drawback is its lack of AF point in viewfinder, which I already knew before I got this one. I think of rather having it occasionally when some of my photos' wb are off. Otherwise very little noise even under high ISO and details are retained. Overall I highly recommend this camera.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: January, 2011 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 69
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 11, 2011 | I can recommend the Pentax K-x: Yes |
Price: $650.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | low noise, fps, body construction, IQ, value | | Cons: | no af point indicator | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 7
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
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This is an amazing camera, especially looking at it's price. The sensor is simply outstanding and can beat much more expensive cameras. The body is rugged and althought it's not weather sealed it can stand some bad weather conditions, I photographed in the Sahara desert without any problems at all (no sandstorm though  ). The low amount of noise with higher sensitivities is great. Also the dynamic range is huge, sometimes I can't even believe what I can pull back of the shadows. The speed of continuous shooting is also a big plus, althought it runs out of buffer quickly when shooting RAW (5 shots). I also love the backward lens compatibility and in-body stabilisation. It doesn't have a lot of hardware controls, but the menu system is good, I can change things quickly and as I like to. Lack of AF light is a pity, because the camera can really hunt in bad light conditions, so you need to pop-up the flash to correctly focus and then put it back. Also the lack of visible AF points indicator is a shame, but nothing I couldn't live without, I actually use just the center focus point and recompose. Anyway, for the money - very recommended!!!
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: December, 2011 Location: Somewhere in Northern NJ, USA Posts: 4 | | Review Date: April 26, 2012 | I can recommend the Pentax K-x: Yes |
Price: $500.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Lightweight, solid build. Great image quality in HQ JPEG and RAW. Terrific low light performance. Usable Live View mode. Looks great in the Navy shell. | | Cons: | Sometimes, slow AF. No AF points in viewfinder. No AF during video recording. | | Years Owned: 1 yr., and 6 mos.
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 7
Autofocus: 7
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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This is my first DSLR, a K-x in the Navy color.
My experience with the K-x has been quite good. I've taken plenty of photos with it, especially night shots, and have been amazed at the results. The default setting for noise reduction works really well. The high ISO and in-body shake reduction have allowed me to take flash free shots, even with a superzoom lens like the Tamron 18-200 Di-II.
With flash, the built-in unit is okay for filling in light, and snapshots. I also use an external Polaroid bounce flash when I want more professional results.
if I do upgrade, hopefully I can maintain the K-x as a backup.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: July, 2009 Location: Croatia Posts: 72 | | Review Date: April 9, 2012 | I can recommend the Pentax K-x: Yes |
Price: $820.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | fast, responsive, great image quality, live view | | Cons: | focusing points not visible in viewfinder, no top LCD, plastickly | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 9
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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Too bad that this camera didn't have build quality of K200D.
| | | | | New Member Registered: October, 2010 Location: Almaty Posts: 17 | | Review Date: February 8, 2012 | I can recommend the Pentax K-x: Yes |
Price: $560.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Image quality, High ISO, SR | | Cons: | | | Years Owned: 1.5 years
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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It was my first Digital SLR and i love it. I think K-x is perfect backup camera with high iso performance.
Lots of opinions were added here already, so i will not write down any story.
Just like K-x's ergonomics and performance, af speed is enough for my needs, however it is not super fast.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: July, 2011 Posts: 62 | | Review Date: February 2, 2012 | I can recommend the Pentax K-x: Yes |
Price: $450.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Good low light performance, | | Cons: | Blown highlights, Video mode not very good | | Years Owned: less a year
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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Although I bought this camera from ebay a few months ago I had already tried it sometime in the beginning of 2010 when I test rode a friends k-x for a few weeks. I was impressed then and didnt pay much attention to certain things then but did it once I bought this. Anyway prior owning this camera I have owned a fuji s2 pro, olympus e510, pentax k110d, pentax k100d. Most cameras are very good as far as daylight photography is concerned but their real test is when u use them for hand held low light or night time photography. The s2 pro and e510 has serious noise banding issues during low light photographydue to which I sold them off and switched to a k100d and k110d [i sold of my k100d recently and just have the k110d along with my k-x now]. The k100d and k110d also have noise banding but not very severely. Plus the bands dont appear in ample light and only during dark shadow regions and they used to appear when u boost them in software. Anyway due to noise banding issues I continued my search for a good low light capable dslr. There are ofcourse the superb full frame bodies from canon such a sthe 1ds or 5d but too expensive for me. I was looking for an affordable dslr with good low light capabilities plus also have a video mode as well from amongst all affordable aps-c dslrs the k-x seems most affordable these days [its discontinued but u get almost new unused models in ebay for low cost these days]
Anyway I am not going to vast details about this camera as already lots of experienced ppl have already published some good reviews of this camera. I agree with most of them. I have two issues with this camera though:-
1.Blown highlights or clipping:- Prior to k-x there was a constant complain about pentax deliberately underexposing pics in their dslr due to which their pics used to appear a bit dark and u had to either apply exposure compensation to get a well exposed pic or correct it in post. This was what I experienced with the k100 and k110 but I had no complains as in post I could boost exposure to get some really good looking pics. With k-x they started doing the opposite which is exposing the pics a bit more. Now problem with this is when u click a picture with extreme contrasts such as darks or lights this camera used to blow out the highlights. Sadly it doesnt give lots of recovery options in the raw file. Also if u shoot jpegs then god help u! So the option is to shoot by underexposing but even then u never get perfect results as still some highlights get blown. There are work arounds to it but its a hassle. My way to sort of solve it is use spot metering and get a reading of various light sources in a scene and then arrive at an optimum shutter and aperture and expose the pic. It doesnt fully solve the problem but I can sort of handle it in post. I must mention that while using the k100d i didnt have serious blown highlight problems. Infact the highlights in that camera even when blown had a nice look to it and didnt look clipped like they do with k-x. Now I must mention one more thing which is that the highlight clipping also poses a problem when shooting video. Its one thing u shoot pics in raw mode and recover highlights but how do u do it in video mode as it compresses the video in motion jpeg and downsizes the 12 mp image to 1280 x 720p? I once again have to do lots of trial and error before shooting video to get an acceptable exposure level with minimum amout of blown highlights.
2.Lack of detail in small objects in a scene - I have noticed that any large, medium sized object in this camera looks very detailed. But as the size goes down or in distant horizon some objects which are small dont look well detailed as compared to the k100d. I noticed this recently when I shot lots of crowds in a night time event in UK. All pics were handheld shot at low shutter speeds. I could zoom into the pics and see lots of ppls faces very clearly even though i shot them from quite far and lighting was low. But with k-x when i shoot crowds i noticed that groups of ppl in far or low light look blurred or lacked any detail but any large object to which they were standing next woul look detailed.
Some have complained about the lack of af points but I dont find it a serious problem as I can set an af point through the info menu but the real problem [along with many dslrs] is that 9 of the11 af points are located in a constricted space of the focus region meaning they are useful as far as centre framing of the image is concerned and if u wanna focus on corners the remaining two af point s are located a bit near to the centre than closer to the edges of the frames where its really needed. Guess it would have been a bit expensive to implement it. Moreover this is not a problem in live view as you select virtually any spot in the frame to focus
Inspite of the criticism I will continue to use this camera as since I know two of its flaws I will try my best to avoid shooting scenes which might have any of the above mentioned situations. But in long run [maybe in 6 months time] I am planning on switching to a different body [if any good one comes out with good features and affordable]
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: July, 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,047 | | Review Date: December 13, 2011 | I can recommend the Pentax K-x: Yes |
Price: $499.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Light, Easy To Use, Tons of features | | Cons: | No AF Lights in Viewfinder, | | Years Owned: 1 1/2 Years
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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I love my Stormtrooper... This is my first dSLR and I am glad I went with a Pentax. When I was looking for a new camera. A friend of mine suggested the d5000. I checked it out but it felt big and the price of the camera was a little out of my range.. At that time about $800+ for a kit setup.http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/i...lies/green.gif I also looked at the Canon's but same bulky and cost. I looked around at the different reviews and found a review on dpreview on the K-X and liked what I read. What I was looking for was a great camera that took excellent photos and did video... I found it for $499 on Tigerdirect and thought that this would be a great way to get my feet wet in this form factor without forking over close to 1k and an arm + leghttp://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/images/smilies/lol.gif. I read about being able to use legacy glass which I thought was cool but didn't understand what all that meant at the time of purchase. That was the summer of 2010... Fast forward to the winter of 2011, I have not regretted my decision in the K-X or in Pentax... It is serving me well during my 365 project .http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/i...ilies/cool.gif
I would totally recommend this to someone starting out in dSLR land...
P.S. I know this review is late to the thread but just wanted to share my thoughts of this camera after more than a year of usage and with a shutter count reaching 15k.... | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: March, 2008 Location: New Brunswick Posts: 199 | | Review Date: September 7, 2011 | I can recommend the Pentax K-x: Yes |
Price: $499.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Size, Image Quality, Focus Accuracy, Low Light Shooter, Video | | Cons: | Ergonomics | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 6
Build Quality: 7
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 10
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
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I'll start be saying I love my K-x!
I've had a K100D, a K20D and now a K-x. I've been using the K-x almost exclusively ever since, and sold both other cameras. The image quality is excellent, the ISO range is excellent, the compactness and weight is excellent. When paired with my DA 35 f/2.4 it feel like I'm toting a compact.
The only real drawback is the ergonomics. Things can feel just a wee bit cramped when fiddling with the controls, and of course you're missing all the extra quick access dials and buttons the the K20D and other flagship models have. The feature that I miss the most is the AF adjustment. I've recently had to send in a lens and the camera for AF calibration to each other, because I did not have the option to do the adjustment myself. That would have been a great feature, but I understand that Pentax would be undermining their own flagship models, so chose not to include the feature.
Now that the system is calibrated and all my lenses focus spot on, I have no lust for the K-5... yet!
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2011 Location: Skåne, Sweden Posts: 17 | | Review Date: September 2, 2011 | I can recommend the Pentax K-x: Yes |
Price: $950.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Build quality, grip, compact size, AA-batteries, overall performance | | Cons: | more customizability (though not expected on an entry-level DSLR), better screen | | Years Owned: 1.5
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
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In one word: amazing!
This was my first DSLR. I have evolved as an photographer during the soon two years I've owned it (bought it soon after it's initial release, with the 18-55 and 50-200 "large" lens kit). Much has already been said, so I will focus on some of the things I find best and worse with the K-x.
First of all, what made me choose the K-x over the competition in late 2009 (Canon 450D/500D, Nikon D90/D5000, Sony-models etc) was the amazing combination of the smallest size, yet the by far best grip (I have large but thin hands) and the build quality that was superior to all the other entry level cameras. The D90 was closer in build quality, but was somewhat dated in other aspects.
Starting as a DSLR-beginner (but tech savvy and lots of P&S experience) I soon felt that I understood most features of the K-x. When I first bought the K-x I wasn't familiar with all the possibilities with the older lenses, but now I've picked up lots of quality glass from the K, M, A-series for pocket money, as well as a couple of the DA Limiteds (15 & 40mm). This is what today makes me even more pleased with the choice of Pentax as a brand, but also the K-x in particular. It matches very well with those well build lenses (both the manual focus and limiteds) regarding build quality and compactness. As a bonus the silver rings on the K and M lenses matches the details on the K-x perfectly!  This makes it a very useful "all-rounder", using it for parties, semesters, just going out to shoot etc... The only major issue I can think of is the not-so-good low-light focusing capabilities. It improves a bit when using an external flash with IR-assist, but still somewhat disappointing.
Now after a couple of years and progress as a photographer I miss some functions and I have to admit that the K-5 is on my wishlist. I would like more customizability over noise reduction and ISO-range, weather sealing (although I've used the K-x in some light rain and it's still working perfectly!), horizontal level (for landscapes with the DA 15). Also the improvement in noise and high iso performance is always welcome (I like to photograph indoors without a flash).
| | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2011 Posts: 1 | | Review Date: August 30, 2011 | I can recommend the Pentax K-x: Yes |
Price: $600.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | super | | Cons: | no af point indicator | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
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Small, perfect in shadows, good price to value ratio. Wish it has no indicator of active AF point.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: January, 2011 Location: Arizona Posts: 86 | | Review Date: August 20, 2011 | I can recommend the Pentax K-x: Yes |
Price: $315.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Everything! (see review for details) | | Cons: | Absolutely none! | | Years Owned: less than 1
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: Used
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I bought my red K-x from a forum member for around $315 without lens. I got an incredible deal! I have been extremely happy with "Rosie".
I'm new to photography and wanted an excellent camera without "breaking the bank". It would have to shoot beautifully in low light and be easy to use. I decided on a Pentax K-x and have NOT been disappointed. This camera met and exceeded all my hopes and expectations.
I have a rather small hand. The K-x fits my hand perfectly and balances well. Amazingly, the K-x also fits my husband's rather large hand equally well! I wasn't sure about the non-traditional, crazy colors, but once I got my red K-x, I find that I really enjoy shooting with it. Just taking the camera out of the bag makes me smile.
It's hard to narrow down favorite features. This camera just offers so much! If I had to list a few, they would be:
1) size and fit
2) performance, especially in low light
3) being able to use all my husbands old Pentax lenses
4) ease of use, in particular for beginners
5) image quality and stabilization
I'm simply amazed at the image quality using the stabilization. So far, using the camera hand-held, I have been able to shoot an acceptable image with a shutter speed of 1/4 second! The picture turned out much sharper than I imagined it would be.
Low light images are simply stunning! Using a zoom lens with camera mounted to tripod, I was able to capture a few images of a tarantula at night! You can even count leg hairs.
The only thing on the "wish list" that I wish the K-x had would be a connection for a wired remote. There have been times when I'm not in a good position for the wireless remote to work.
With all the K-x has to offer, it is going to be a long, long time, if ever, before I "outgrow" this camera. I would highly recommend the Pentax K-x to anyone looking for quality at a reasonable price.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: October, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 103 | | Review Date: July 7, 2011 | I can recommend the Pentax K-x: Yes |
Price: $375.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | High ISO, sharp photos, small, | | Cons: | Manual mode | |
The K-x is the far best camera I ever used, only thing I don't like is the manual mode and the settings, I liked it when Bulb was on the shooting mode button, made it easy to get to and you have to use one wheel for everything, shutter speed, F/stops and such.
But beside the bit of a hassle to change settings I love it, it takes wonderful photos. Love it for the ISO
Now I get confused when I change from K-x to K20D | | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2010 Location: Gahanna, Ohio Posts: 7 | | Review Date: June 10, 2011 | I can recommend the Pentax K-x: Yes |
Price: $650.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Size, construction, value, low light response | | Cons: | | | Years Owned: 1.5
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This is my first DSLR, coming from a Minolta Z1. I bought this based in part because of this forum.
I didn't like the feel of the Canon T1i or the Nikon whatever, and everybody raved about the Pentax prime lenses.
I read lots of complaints about the lack of focus indicators, but since my Z1 didn't have them, I didn't miss them here. I only use center focus, since I prefer manual focus anyway.
When I eventually upgrade, I may have this little guy converted to an IR camera just to play.
Pentax really is the Linux of cameras, and this camera is a lot of bang for the buck!
| | | | | New Member Registered: December, 2010 Location: Naples (IT) Posts: 23 | | Review Date: June 9, 2011 | I can recommend the Pentax K-x: Yes |
Price: $500.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Image quality at high ISO, small, raw file development, external flash wireless control | | Cons: | AF.C too slow | | Years Owned: 1,5
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I'm very happy with my k-x. It is very usefull the feature to command external flashes in wireless mode (P-TTL). I like to develop raw file in camera for a better white balance setting, CA correction and so on... I don't like to waste time on my PC
I don't like AF.C. It is too slow with my lens (18-55, 55-300 and FA 50). Fortunately, I can live without it.:ugh:
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