| Author: | | Inactive Account Registered: August, 2010 Location: Hudson Valley, New York Posts: 3 | | Review Date: November 15, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $710.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Size, Build quality, Battery Life, Image Quality
| | Cons: | Kit lens is uninspiring, No remote shutter control port (sucks because I do enjoy astronomy shots), Rear LCD SUCKS
| |
| Pros | Size, Build quality, Battery Life, Image Quality | | Cons | Kit lens is uninspiring, No remote shutter control port (sucks because I do enjoy astronomy shots), Rear LCD SUCKS | | Rating | 9 | | Price (U.S. Dollars) | 710 w/ 2 year coverage from B&H | | Years Owned | 9 months |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
Great build quality, feels good and solid in the hand, also not a bad looking camera. Nice small size for an SLR, works well with a gorilla pod. Takes terrific photos in almost all conditions. Pop up flash is lacking, but thats to be expected. LCD screen just plain sucks, but its good enough to give photos a quick glance. Kit lens isn't bad, but it isn't great either. Battery indicator gets weird but the firmware fixed it (mostly).
Camera Review
Other than a small P&S canon from 2001, this was my first camera period. I started shopping for a camera because I was taking a 2 month solo backpacking trip through Europe, and I wanted to take some decent photos of all the crazy stuff I was going to see. I started looking at the higher end P&S Canon and Nikon, HD Video and size being the two main factors I was looking for. However, when I thought about the idea of having a fixed lens, that kinda bummed me out on both of those options. Thankfully, on the next counter at B&H sat the K-x, shining in the white I ended up buying it in. I loved the feel and look of the camera, and once playing with it and really wowed by the level of control and precision you can get out of it. Durable as hell, I've carried it around in my backpack or hanging off my neck for 12,000 miles so far and I've had no issues with it. Once I expanded my lens collection a bit (Pentax 50MM 1.4 and Sigma 10-20mm SWA), I've really found that it takes some fantastic photos. I just love this camera!
Note, all shots below are with the kit lens.
| | | | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: March, 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Posts: 23,920 | | Review Date: November 11, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $450.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | High performance for entry level, great value, excellent sensor IQ and high ISO results
| | Cons: | Basic movie mode, slow AF for movies, no live AF for movies
| |
| Pros | High performance for entry level, great value, excellent sensor IQ and high ISO results | | Cons | Basic movie mode, slow AF for movies, no live AF for movies | | Rating | 9 | | Price (U.S. Dollars) | 450 (second hand) | | Years Owned | 0.1 |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
Top value camera
Feature-packed in every facet (other than movie mode)
Excellent performance in still photos
Small, light and compact - easy to carry, transport, hide when coupled with a DA or FA ltd lens
Camera Review
Pentax has really made a mark in the dSLR world with this little gem.
A big hit worldwide, and performance that no other entry-level camera in its time could match.
All the major points regarding this camera have been mentioned before, but it deserves a lot of praise for such a powerful camera in such a small package and a cheap price. This one is hard to beat for a while to come...
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: January, 2010 Location: Ankara/Turkish Republic Posts: 26 | | Review Date: November 4, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $800.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Image quality, price/performance, useful | | Cons: | Size, no af points, small viewfinder, no lcd sreen on top | |
| Pros | Image quality, price/performance, useful | | Cons | Size, no af points, small viewfinder, no lcd sreen on top | | Rating | 9 | | Price (U.S. Dollars) | 800 Canadian Dollars | | Years Owned | 1 |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
It worths every single penny, almost.
Camera Review
I'm not goint to write so much about this camera. The K-x is my first D-SLR and so far it truly satisfied me. The IQ is simply great. Both RAW and JPEG results are really good. This camera can even compete with Canon 40/50/60Ds and Nikon 90/300/7000Ds. The sensor does it's job far beyond than just fine, it is very good. High-ISO performance is already known, all that I add up is, don't expect a miracle from a camera with this price but still it beats every Pentax except for the new K-5. Maybe the strongest pro of this camera is it's price. The K-x is cheap but a not cheap camera, that means you feel that it's a good investment on your hobby and for a price like this, the K-x is a diamond in the dirt.
But, not everything about this camera is amazing. Now, for the record and who'll read this review I must say that the K-x is really, really, really small. On one side this is great. The camera is easy to carry around but you can't get the "DSLR feeling" of large-sized camera, almost feels like you are using a SLR-like.. Still, it fits in the hand. I'm a big man with big hands and I've never had problems with the handling of the camera except for that feeling issue. Another downside is the AF points, the K-x has any. Not a huge trouble if you're not used to use them, but if you are, well, it takes time to get comfy. Size literally matters about this camera. I had a chance to compare the K-x with Nikon D90. The IQ is very similar and K-x beats in the ISO performance but the D90 had a larger viewfinder and I can say after the K-x i felt almost like a FF camera.
To conclude, Pentax K-x is a really solid purchase. The price is great and gets even better when you see the photos. It's easy to use, pratic, powerful machine. The only downside is you, at least I, can't get the feeling of using a semi-pro camera while using it. But you'll get it when you see the results.
| | | | | New Member Registered: October, 2010 Location: California Posts: 8 | | Review Date: October 18, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | small, trap focus,video, cross processing mode
| | Cons: | small viewfinder, no focus points in the viewfinder
| |
| Pros | small, trap focus,video, cross processing mode | | Cons | small viewfinder, no focus points in the viewfinder | | Rating | 9 | | Price (U.S. Dollars) | $500 | | Years Owned | 1 |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
cheap (price-wise), feature rich, and small dslr
Camera Review
Works well with manual focus lenses...You can set it up to do trap/catch focus where you hold down the shutter button, and it won't take a picture until the body determines the subject is in focus. It's great!! Add video, cross processing mode, small size, etc., and I think this body is leagues above the competition at this price.
| | | | | | | Junior Member Registered: October, 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 30 | | Review Date: October 8, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $499.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Price, Clarity, AA batteries!
| | Cons: | None
| |
| Pros | Price, Clarity, AA batteries! | | Cons | None | | Rating | 9 | | Price (U.S. Dollars) | $499.00 | | Years Owned | 1 year |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
For the price this is a great camera. I am a beginner to the whole photo scene. Great features for beginners, feels good in the hand.
Camera Review
Awesome for beginners. Limited options once you get deeper into photo. Overall great beginner camera.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: February, 2007 Location: kentucky Posts: 71 | | Review Date: August 31, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $508.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | easy to use. works with older non-pentax lens
| | Cons: | white kit lens does not work with black hood from K100d kit lens - white lens wider, causes viggetting.
| |
| Pros | easy to use. works with older non-pentax lens | | Cons | white kit lens does not work with black hood from K100d kit lens - white lens wider, causes viggetting. | | Rating | 10 | | Price (U.S. Dollars) | $508 plus shipping | | Years Owned | less than 1 year |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
I love the green button, as I can change programming. can do semi-pro pictures. third camera bod compatible with wireless release. lighter even with Ni-Mh AA batteries. extremely fast with FPS.
Camera Review
was extremely happy to with camera, sort of sad to hear that a K-R coming out soon in October 2010. But... it is same basic camera settings with slight improvements, happy to know that it costs a lot more to do same job. a good work horse camera, loves to work with 16 GB SD card.. can do 720p video, works great. does very well with fireworks and can almost keep up with saving pictures. lots to like, an ISO setting in the camera manual to go from 200~6400 to 100~12800. K-R will do what no other DSLr can do ISO 33800.. but at this time, the K-X is still beats even the most high end camera can only go as high ISO 6400. a camera with at least 8 color choices for the body.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: February, 2010 Location: California Posts: 1,602 | | Review Date: August 25, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $488.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Size, comfort, ISO capabilites, HD Movie, $
| | Cons: | AF is not so good (Probably the only set back imo)
| |
| Pros | Size, comfort, ISO capabilites, HD Movie, $ | | Cons | AF is not so good (Probably the only set back imo) | | Rating | 10 | | Price (U.S. Dollars) | 488 | | Years Owned | 6 Months |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
12MP, APS-C Sensor, 720P HD Video, ISO Range 100-12800, uses 4 AA battereis.
Camera Review
This is a great all around entry level camera. It is very easy to use. This is my first ever DSLR or SLR and right out of the box (with some research online and on here) I was able to take some good pictures. Now 5 Months later I feel like my pictures have gotten much much better.
The overall IQ is very good. Now this depends a lot on the lens you are using but the Kx with the kit lens produces some very nice pictures.
The semi-pro quality ISO capabilities, which is great for indoor shooting, is probably the best for any camera in this class and maybe even a class higher. Shooting at 6400 is a little grainy but definitely usable and even at 12800 the pics can be turned into "artistic" photos. **Or if you use Noise Ninja on any 12800 photos you can remove a lot of the noise.
The size, weight and grip of this camera is very comfortable. I can shoot for hours without hurting my hands.
The 720P HD video is a bonus to me. I barely use this feature but it is very nice to know that I can shoot a video whenever I need.
The fact that you can use all past and present Pentax lenses on the Kx is a big positive. You can find some really good old lenses out there for really cheap.
The Kx uses 4 AA batteries, I think this is a positive because you can always pick up a pack pretty much anywhere so you will never be caught with dead batteries and nowhere to charge them.
The Kx has no AF feedback lighting system in the viewfinder. I do not care about this feature since I use center focus and recompose. Others miss the lights.
The shutter is very loud and at first I did not care about this but the more I shoot in public the more I feel people are looking at me because my camera is so loud.
The same can be said for the AF system. It is very loud and pretty slow. It hunts a lot in low light.
All in all the Kx offers what I believe is the best entry level camera currently on the market. It is generally less $ than any other camera in its class. Besides the loud shutter, crappy AF system and no AF indicator lights, there tons more positives to this camera and would highly recommend it to anyone that is new to photography or to anyone that just needs a back up camera.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: January, 2010 Location: Gothenburg, aka Göteborg Posts: 234 | | Review Date: July 5, 2010 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | High ISO performance | | Cons: | Not WR, a bit small VF (not ideal for glasses) | | Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 8
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
| |
| Pros | High ISO performance | | Cons | Not WR, a bit small VF (not ideal for glasses) | | Rating | 9 | | Price | around 800 US dollars | | Years Owned | Since new year's eve, 2009 |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
A lot for a few hundred bucks! Just the right size for my hands, and not overly heavy, and perfect with the Tamron 70-200/2.8. Excellent ISO range, world class compared to the other Pentax DSLRs, including the K-7. Decent kit lens, too!
Camera Review
This was my first DSLR (has now been joined by a K-7), and an amazing improvement of everything I had owned before: Better ISO range, more options, better dust control, better pixel mapping, and so on.
Together with the Tamron 70-200/2.8 it thrives, so much so that it seldom is used with anything else! Occasionally I use it with my DA21, DA40, the FA50, or the kit lens from the K-7 (same optics but better mechanics). A nice Sigma 120-400 has also been added to make the kit even more appetising!
In sharp contrast to the K-7 the shutter & mirror mechanism is a bit noisy, if not overly so.
As usual, setting the camera to spot metering, both for EF, and AF, seems to give more reliable results than other settings.
On the whole, a lot of excellent camera for very little money (no Japanese assembly here, of course)!
________
Addendum, about five years later:
By now I have abandoned Pentax almost fully, but the K-x is still in good working order. My wife still uses Pentax (a K-30, plus the HD DA55-300), but I have found the Nikon range of lenses, and cameras, more to my taste. I use Nikon 1 cameras for macro, and bird photography, and Nikon full-format cameras for low light photography. My compact is a Ricoh, and I do have a NEX-5N, stored together with the K-x.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: July, 2008 Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Posts: 3,948 | | Review Date: May 20, 2010 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
| Pros: | Small, super-sensor
| | Cons: | No AF indicators, missing some manual controls
| |
| Pros | Small, super-sensor | | Cons | No AF indicators, missing some manual controls | | Rating | 8 | | Price | Free (to shut me up) | | Years Owned | .5 |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
Awesome sensor and truly the best of the year for APS-C ISO range.
Handles exceptionally well.
Balances perfectly with the Pentax primes (couldn't say that with the older, bigger models).
Camera Review
Overall a very good camera but missing some components that would have made it sell better and really blown the competition away. A switch for SR is really needed, and the lack of AF illumination points is almost unforgivable in this range now. It's like a step backwards to cut a bit of size and cost. Not worth the bad press.
But the sensor continues to amaze. It's ISO range with little noise is a standout.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: March, 2009 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 509 | | Review Date: May 14, 2010 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
| Pros: | Fast AF, High ISO image quality, light weight, more responsive, and quieter shutter | | Cons: | A bit flimsy | |
| Pros | Fast AF, High ISO image quality, light weight, more responsive, and quieter shutter | | Cons | A bit flimsy | | Rating | 9 | | Price | $470 with kit lens from amazon | | Years Owned | 2 days |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
Described before
Camera Review
As a K10D owner, I feel K-x is a big step forward. It has a quieter shutter, faster AF, much better low light image quality, less AF hunting, and more responsive. The video function does not hurt.
I wish there is a dial wheel in the front even though it is only half as useful as the rear dial wheel. Wish there is soft material as K10D at where fingers touch the body. It would be better to have a metal bottom plate and use a shutter with longer lifespan. I would not mind to have a slightly advanced version called K-x limited, targeting a special market and limited lens users. Certainly wish there are illuminated AF points.
All in all, a great camera. No complaint so far.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: May, 2010 Location: Manila Posts: 77 | | Review Date: May 9, 2010 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
|
I am very happy with my K-x. I usually shoot in low light no flash condition and I am very impressed with the results in High ISO settings as compared with what I used to do with my Nikon D-80.
I only used the built-in flash of the K-x in case it is needed and I don't find there is a need for me on an external flash as I am satisfied with my low light or night shots with the K-x.
The lack of Focus Point LED indicator as what the D-80 have is not an issue to me as I am a K-1000 film SLR user since 1977 and I am on manual mode on the K-x most of the time to simulate how I use the K-1000 in the past. However, other users will surely need this.
Image quality is very sharp. My Nikon user friends were impressed by the sharpness of the shots. However, I always use +0.3, +0.7, or +1.0 EV to make my images to be more lively. Using 0.0 EV appear some kind flat or the color tone is not satisfactory for me.
I used my old 1977 SMC Pentax-M lens on my K-x and it worked and I am happy with the results that I get from it as it it very unique with different effects as compared when using the new DA lens.
I am impressed with it's SR as I seldom use a tripod. Try to imagine using it in a graduation ceremony, the light's were just the stage lights and not very bright, NO FLASH, I am very far and using the 55-300 DAL, all manual mode, and continuous shooting mode while my daughter was marching on the stage. I am impressed with the result. I'm sure I can't do it in my D-80. I do similar shooting modes in my D-80 in the past and I am not happy with it's VR.
The SR is built-in the camera body so lenses will not be very expensive as compared to Nikons and Canons and you can use your old Pentax K mount lenses and benefit on the SR.
My K-x firmware is the latest version already and I do not have any issue on battery life as compared to what I read in many reviews on the K-x.
What I missed on the K-x is the lack of Computer Remote Camera Control capability that I can do with the Nikon's using the Breeze Systems DSLR Remote Pro.
I do hope that Pentax will release a firmware for the K-x to enable this PTP feature like the Pentax *ist D, K-10, and K-20. This feature is available on Nikons and Canons.
This feature is very important to me as I use it for special applications. If Pentax will not revive this feature, I will replace my K-x to a Nikon D-90 by December and just give my K-x to my son who is just beginning to learn the basics of DSLR photography.
Overall, the K-x is a good buy in terms of image quality, features, and price.
| | | | | New Member Registered: July, 2008 Location: Chicago Area, IL, USA Posts: 20
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 7, 2010 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
| Pros: | Powerhouse on the cheap
| | Cons: | No AF Point Indicators, Low LCD Res
| |
| Pros | Powerhouse on the cheap | | Cons | No AF Point Indicators, Low LCD Res | | Rating | 10 | | Price | 500 | | Years Owned | 1 |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
See my main review!
Camera Review
This is my Pentax K-x Review and Use comments. I am posting nothing more then a simple (but long-winded) overview of my opinion about this camera; I suspect there are others considering a decision about this camera and this information may be useful. Don't consider it as anything more... (e.g. I'm no expert)
The K-x is one of those cameras I ended up with by chance, but now its become a part of me. I've been using the camera for over a month and have had time to contrast it with a few other cameras, namely the Canon EOS T1i (500D) and the Nikon D5000. The interesting thing is both of those cameras are priced above the class the K-x is in. At the time of this writing, the T1i Kit was selling for $750 (after instant discounts), the D5000 Kit for $650 (after instant discounts), while the K-x Kit was $500 (after instant discounts).
For reference I work primarily as a consultant but also provide photography services and training to my employer and our clients. I have (extensive) experience working with the vast majority of Major-Name DSLRs going back nearly 10 years, including the Canon T1i & XTi, the Nikon D5000, D3000, and D90, the Sony a700, and the Pentax K20D. Although I'm not comparing it to all of these cameras at least it provides you with my perspective. While I've used many of them through my employment, I can only own the more affordable model(s).
There are no sample images in my review, primarily because they never satisfy readers to some extent. There are many, many samples on the internet already and more importantly if you are considering these cameras yourself, take a memory card down to your camera store and shoot some samples from the camera to review prior to your decision making.
Overview
The K-x seemed to come in under the radar. By that I mean when it was released as Pentax's budget offering it looked like nothing more than another low-budget DSLR, something to let Pentax compete with the Nikon D3000 and Canon XSi and Sony's Lemming-like stable of DSLRs.
I didn't pay too much attention to Pentax news at the time, as my only experience with Pentax was the K20D (which was a good experience). I had owned a DSLR system previously but due to economic realities had to liquidate everything. Fortunes changed and recently I had considered buying a new DSLR and I made sure to at least include the K-x on my list to review as a possibility.
Exterior & Handling
The K-x seems very well made, on par with, if not better than its rivals. At first inspection it looks a little 'plasticy' but through handling it becomes obvious that tolerances are tight and it is well built.
The front acutally has a nice rubber grib, something extremely rare at this price point that is comfortable for my small fingers, but is easily too small for average users, it is something you would have to try and be willing to accept. The rear is sculpted in a simple but highly accurate way, it curves outwards along the right side following your palm and providing a natural place to create grip leverage with your thumb, without it sliding off (or cramping up). The left side has no sharp corners so two-handed holding is still comfortable.
The SD card door is secure and does not creak or groan under use, however the battery door on the bottom does have small amount of side-to-side play (around 1mm), but is still secure and locked thanks to its locking mechanism. The camera itself has no squeaks or groans from use or heavy handling.
All of the buttons and dials have a solid operational click or press. The mode dial on top spins easily, but not 'too easily' for me. I actually prefer it because I can switch modes using only my thumb rather quickly. The mutli-function pad buttons on the back are a little undersized and can be a tad difficult in a rush (I have missed-pressed trying to hit the ISO button in a rush) but nothing too concerning.
The 'green-dot' button while nice that it has the ability to change its function, has seen limited use. I can rarely find a reason to use it, primarily I use it to set the 'Program Line' exposure when I'm Manual mode. Its useful, but I could probably find a better use for it.
On the back there is an AF/AE-L button that I program to act only as an AF-ON button. I also remove AF functionality from the shutter button. I use AF.C only - this configuration allows me to focus once by pressing the AF button and then releasing and it automatically holds my focus, or I can keep the button held down in case I need to track something. This is how I've had my DSLRs configured for a long time and its a personal requirement that a camera can be configured this way. The only downside to this configuration is that I cannot use AE-L. Normally I would set the shutter button first-step to act as AE-L, so I can perform my focus first, then compose the scene as I wish it to be metered and lock exposure with single press. The K-x has the option to lock exposure with focus, but this only works if you're NOT using AF.C - besides locking exposure when I focus doesn't always account for additional changes in scene brightness after I recompose after focusing - thus I just live without AE-L for the time being and can revert to Manual if it is that important.
The camera is small, smaller then it leads you to believe, it is smaller then both of its rivals. However it is not so small to be along the lines of the Panasonic micro four-thirds G1/GH1 series (which feel a bit like a toy at times). I considered its smaller size to be an advantage, the less bulk hanging from my neck the better.
The LCD is a slightly smaller size and resolution then its rivals, at 320x240 and 2.7" compared to others at 3" and 640x480, however it is still quite useable to me. Being that the camera itself is a little smaller, the 2.7" sized LCD looks right at home. I am pleased with the ability to control its brightness and also fine tune its color temperature, something rarely found on others. I mainly use the LCD to check composition and make an attempt to check on the focus using the zooming.
The viewfinder is relatively large and bright for a camera in this class, I have no problems with composition, however judging focus is quite difficult. Additionally, as mentioned in many other places there are no AF point indicators in the viewfinder, the 11 points are described in the manual so you have an idea where they are, but when you are using anything other than single point AF you have no idea which AF point is being used. This is not a problem for me, because I always use single point AF, but its worth mentioning. I do consider this a flaw in the design, it takes away too much functionality for my tastes, but it is not a significant issue in my decision making.
The popup flash is a little closer to the lens axis than I prefer, making red eye more common, but with the use of a Puffer diffuser or other means of diffusion the flash works quite well. In addition to a diffuser I use a small white card to bounce light upwards for bounce flash in small rooms, and I have also placed a piece of Rosco Cinegel 3411 (3/4 CTO) over the flash to balance the flash closer to tungsten lighting, as I use it to supplement tungsten lighting about 95% of the time. This is a small trick that can make a big difference when you use PUF lighting, normally the PUF light appears much cooler then ambient light and it makes it very obvious, by warming the light and dialing it down and/or diffusing it, you get very acceptable results.
The camera has two indicator LEDs. A completely unnecessary (but cool) blue power LED on top, and a card-writing indicator on the back.
Image Quality
This subject is covered in lots of detail elsewhere on the internet, alas:
(These opinions are strictly in regards to the RAW captures, and do not apply to the in-camera JPG captures.)
This camera is simply amazing to me. It terms of APS-C sized image sensors it meets or exceeds all of my expectations with regards to dynamic range, color, and noise. In a way, I am not too surprised as I always got the best images from the Nikon D300 and D90 cameras, the understanding is that the K-x sensor is a modified version of that sensor.
In fact, most of the data on DXOMark show the K-x sensor output as nearly identical to the Nikon D90 for example. (Many people tend to dislike or discredit the information put forth by DXOMark but I have always found it to be very telling and relational with what I find in my own use. Additionally, many forget that when comparing cameras of different resolutions on DXOmark you have to be sure to switch to the 'print' comparison which equalizes the data based on viewing them at equal print sizes.)
As a whole, my images have an exceptional amount of dynamic range, however they always tend to be exposed a bit to the right. This leaves me little room for error on overexposure. Thus while outdoors I almost always start with -1/3 or -2/3EV (sometimes much more), where for indoors I'm comfortable with 0 EV adjustment. This has the side effect that even the RAW image doesn't have alot of room to pull down the highlights, unless of course I planned for it and adjusted EC. The method of metering is somewhat similar to how other Nikon cameras have tended to meter, but quite different from Canon (and Sony). Its never really been a problem for me, but it is something you must be conscious of when you're out and about. If you're not shooting at high-ISOs, you should almost default to using -2/3EV just to be on the safe side.
I'm using Adobe Lightroom 3 beta 2 for all my post processing, mainly because of the amazing noise reduction algorithms introduced in LR3. I own other noise reduction software such as Dfine, etc. and nothing can come close to the ability to reduce noise while retaining detail that I have found in LR3. To put this into perspective, I was able to print a photograph of my son playing with his toys in dim tungsten lighting taken at ISO 12800, post processed in LR3, and printed as an 8x10 - and it looks excellent. There is some grain in the dimmer areas, but no color smearing or blotching. All that said, I don't think that image could stand up to an 11x14 print size - but for a casual user like myself who primarily prints 5x7s and 8x10s its amazing.
Lens
Lens choice for a camera is as much a personal preference as (if not more) choice of camera body. I purchased the two lens kit that contained the DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL and the DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED. Initially I saw some mention that its a worth while upgrade to goto the 18-55mm ALII version which has a metal mount and slightly modified optical formula, however I found that my kit lens reports itself on EXIF info as an AL II version of the lens, I believe Pentax replaced or updated the kit version's optical formula to match that of the AL II (which makes sense considering cost savings for production of the elements, etc.).
The 18-55 is far and away the best 'kit' lens I have ever used, almost incredibly sharp wide open and at f/5.6 its at its peak. I don't have a single complaint about the lens. The build quality is better than the 18-55 kit zooms I have used from Canon and Nikon (including their IS variants).
The 50-200mm seemed to have a somewhat bad reputation from what I found online with everyone recommending the 55-300 version instead, I decided I would give the 50-200 a try and exchange if needed. It wasn't needed, the 50-200 was as sharp, if not more, than the 18-55. I don't know if my copy is above-par, or I have just very low expectations, but compared to similar lenses with Can/Nikon I felt the Pentax was better! I am extremely happy with this lens.
This is leaving the scope of this review, but as much as I liked the 18-55 I wanted something with a bit more range, and faster. I had considered the Pentax 17-70, Tamron 17-50/2.8, and the new Sigma 17-70/2.8-4. I had used the Tamron on another mount and while it was good it didn't really give me more reach, and I didn't feel it had the contrast I wanted wide open. So then it came down to the Pentax 17-70 and Sigma 17-70, nothing else I could do but examine in person and use them both, they were both excellent but the Sigma was better for me. While it wasn't as sharp wide open, if I stopped it down to match the f/4 on the Pentax is was - plus the Optical Stabilization on the Sigma was way more useable than the AntiShake on the K-x. Focusing speed and accuracy was a draw on both, they both use an ultrasonic ring type design that was very fast and nearly silent. Build quality on both was excellent, I'm surprised the Sigma wasn't designated an EX model. I will now need to start looking for some fast prime lenses!
(I'm sure there many other excellent lenses out there, I just wanted to share my experiences, partially because the Sigma 17-70/2.8-4 is so new.)
Image Stabilization
Well, it works, but I wasn't impressed. When I've used cameras with in-body stabilization like the Olympus E-P2 and the Sony a700 I usually can get around 2 'stops' of slower shutter speed reliably. For example, if shooting a 50mm lens (75mm equiv) I would normally use a minimum of 1/80s with no stabilization, 1 stop advantage would let me use 1/40s, 2 stops 1/20s. On the K-x I could only 'reliably' get about 1 to 1.3 stops. 1 stop is better than nothing, but it ranks lower that other in-body stabilization I have used.
(To put it into perspective, using the Optical Stabilization on the Sigma 17-70 I can just as 'reliably' get a 2 to 3 stop advantage.)
Auto Focus
Quite simply I thought autofocus was excellent. Being a budget camera I expected less, but AF is fast and relatively accurate. Both drop a bit in low light.
One of my complaints with all cameras in this class is the lack of any type of AutoFocus fine tuning adjustment. I have some lenses with a little bit of front focus, some spot on, and some with some back focus. All of them are within a degree that I'm comfortable with but at large viewing size and large aperture it is noticeable. It would be nice to give users the option to dial in a little bit of adjustment if they wanted it.
Auto Exposure
As I mentioned before, the camera tends to expose to the right and if I'm not indoors or in a situation using high-ISO I will use a -2/3EV as a starting point for exposure compensation just to protect the highlights. Multisegment metering works well for me except in backlit situations to which I switch to spot metering.
Video
I love the video from this camera, it doesn't take long to get the feel for manually focusing on the fly and the quality of the video is great. Its not a substitute for the family video camera, but I use it often and I'm glad to have it.
The 'jello' effect from rolling shutter seems less pronounced than the Nikon D90 for example, but I never really though it was a problem for my uses anyways.
Battery Life
One of my favorite things about the K-x is its use of AA sized batteries. I dislike spending $50-80 each for a LiIon battery that has to be replaced after about 2 or 3 years regardless of use. On a $500 camera, I don't want to spend $150-200 just for a few sets of batteries, period.
I see lots of arguments about the superiority of LiIon batteries, that they have very low self discharge, high energy capacity, and no memory problems. But I never see the negatives, which are the fact that LiIon batteries typically die due to age, regardless of use. I have lightly used LiIon batteries die at the same time as heavily used ones (by die, I mean the hold 60% of the capacity of the originals or less).
My problem was solved with a $35 investment in 3 sets of eneloop LSD (low self discharge) NiMH batteries and a charger. I get between 600 and 900 shots depending on how much video and fiddling I do with the camera, also get less using the Sigma lens (around 500) due to the OS, per a set of AA batteries. I have no problem keeping a fully charged set with me as a spare, and on trips or long outings I keep a pack of energizer Lithium's for emergency backups.
If I need a new set of eneloops, they can be had for about $10. Sure beats paying $50-80 for a manufacturer's overpriced LiIon battery.
Menus
I will admit that the menu system is bit less user friendly compared to other offerings, it takes some getting used to. There is also no 'My Menu' function for placing commonly used items. But as a whole, it works.
Final Thoughts
At the beginning of this review I mentioned I ended up with it by chance. The reason was helping someone learn the use of their new K-x and I was impressed with the camera's qualities and its output. The camera brings as much to the table as some of the cameras costing twice as much.
If you're in the market for a new DSLR and you are on a tight budget, I honestly do not believe you can get a better complete package for your money than the K-x!
I would be interested to hear of others thoughts on the K-x as well...
| | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: December, 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Posts: 2,437 | | Review Date: March 25, 2010 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
|
Now getting some great results from the K-x. I used to shoot quite a bit on film SLR and this is my first DLSR, so a bit of a learning curve. To start with had a few issues getting consistent exposure and focus but more on that later...
Pros:- Nice size and great feel (also tried D5000 and Canon 450 / 500 - like the K-x much better)
- Great all round performance. Can't fault it for the money
- Video is pretty good, especially compare to the compact cameras I have
- Support for old lenses. Pentax rocks in this area! Smart move to keep compatibility, which both give the photographer more lense options and also the confidence to buy new lenses (can generally expect them to be compatible with future models)
Cons:- No self timer in HDR mode (hopefully to be fixed in a firmware update?)
- No HDMI support - but then what do you expect for the money
Problems:
No major problems once upgraded firmware to V1.01. However there was a bit of a learning curve and seems to me like some of the defaults could have been a bit better. For me to get more consistent shots I needed to:- Set focus point to single point (focus and recompose). Don't care about not having auto focus points indicated in viewfinder.
- Set exposure to center weighted. Sometime use spot too. This certainly helped me with getting better subject exposures
- Increase sharpness setting.
Overall very pleased with my purchase!
| | | | | Pentaxian
Moderator Emeritus Registered: May, 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Posts: 10,643 | | Review Date: March 22, 2010 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
|
Review: Pentax K-X | | | | | Junior Member Registered: February, 2010 Location: Lowell Indiana Posts: 33 | | Review Date: March 6, 2010 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
|
I have been using my new KX for about a month now and i must say i really love this camera. I bought the kit with 55-300 and 18-55 black. I have been happy with everything and have enjoyed learning all the settings. Although some day i hope to buy some more high quality lenses to see how much of a difference they make. Not that the kit lenses are all that bad but i do believe i have been a little limited by the performance of the lenses. I would also like to now if anybody has some advice on a good macro lens. I have posted a few pics in my album but have not found a really good program to resize the pics.
| | |
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
