| Author: | | Inactive Account Registered: January, 2013 Posts: 3 | | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $590.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | high isos management | | Cons: | low batterys performance, no high speed sync flash | | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 5
Features: 7
Value: 10
Image Quality: 8
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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 | | | | | | | New Member Registered: May, 2008 Location: Bulgaria Posts: 4 | | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $300.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Small size. Takes AA batteries. Responsive and sturdy. Works as expected :) | | Cons: | None really, concidering I was intentionally bying this camera and I knew what I was getting. | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: Used
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I got this camera used around 2 years back, already 2 years since it was announced.
But as we all knew, Pentaxians are really picky and manage to take a good care of their gear 
So the camera was in great shape when I got it 
Overall I am quite happy with the camera. I knew what I was looking for when I purchased it and I've been happy ever since with the performance. Really nothing to be upset about, considering I got it for around $300 with the kit lens | | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2013 Posts: 1 | | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | lightweight, small, shake reduction. | | Cons: | small VF, slow LiveView AF, Basic movie mode | | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 8
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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A very Good Camera!
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: July, 2013 Posts: 31 | | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $700.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Light, AA batteries, fast, well made, good materials | | Cons: | High ISO performance | | Years Owned: 4
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 9
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 6
New or Used: New
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For the price it's a amazing entry level camera. With the time you can squeeze excellent photos out of this body. At the time it was released it was the best entry level camera out there. Mine k-x went through a lot, including water splashes falling into the dirt and demanding trekking in the Himalayas. It's almost unbreakable. | | | | | | | Junior Member Registered: January, 2013 Location: WV Posts: 37 | | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $400.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | light, compact, AA batteries, quick on to shoot | | Cons: | battery meter with std batts, slow focus for fast obj, view finder use with manual focus | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 7
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 6
Features: 7
Value: 9
Image Quality: 8
Noise: 7
New or Used: Used
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As my first DSLR, this has been a great camera. 1600 ISO is web useable or small prints with little noise, used 3200 for part of an indoor roller derby game, little more noise than I'd like. Did better at 1600 with trying to judge focus and following players. 3200 almost looks out of focus with the amount of noise. That being said, this wasn't a surprise... always know the capabilities of the camera.
Not much of a sport shooting camera (maybe outside where lower ISO can be utilized), focus is a bit a slow, but can be compensated.
Love the portraits that come out of this. Color is great. On the Vivid selection can shoot RAW & JPEG and without editing, upload JPEGs for sharing.
| | | | | New Member Registered: December, 2008 Location: Slovenia Posts: 8 | | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $470.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Size, Iso range, price, easy to use | | Cons: | small VF, slow LiveView AF, Basic movie mode | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 7
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 6
Features: 7
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
Its great camera in a small package. I recommend it for beginners.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: January, 2010 Location: Poland, Świdnik Posts: 464 | | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $800.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Great high ISO quality, price, weight, small, easy to use, dirability | | Cons: | small viewer | | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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I bought it not long after it was announced, and in comparison to the Canon/Nikon of the same price the Pentax k-x was far ahead of them. I bought it with kit lens which was enough for me for first year of use of camera, after that i bought Pentax 55-300 and 1.7/50mm. K-x was more than enough for me to use it, and if You don't have much money i would recommend it to everyone even today, used at price around 200$ is great thing to get and learn
k-x have enough power to make good photos that can be without any doubt printed on A2 or bigger format and hanged on a wall.
Many features, and easy to use menu, not too much button, that are enough to do everything and not to be in Your way while making great photos.
I would recommend it to everyone.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: September, 2011 Posts: 1,558 | | Review Date: September 1, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Small, Simple, IQ, AA Batteries | | Cons: | Poor manual focus | | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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This camera made me fall in love with pentax and renewed my love for slr photography. I needed a real camera for a trip to the Philippines. I took this camera and filled my laptop to the brim with wonderful images mosty using the kit lens. Iv'e used this camera for 3 years for macro, portrait , concert, street, event photography and it never lets me down. The AA battery feature is wonderful especially since you can pretty much buy pre charged Duracells anywhere.
The only downfall is that the focus screen was meant for autofocus and came mis-shimmed if that is a word. But it is fairly simple to fix...
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: August, 2011 Location: New York, NY Posts: 2,192 | | Review Date: June 26, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $250.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | size | | Cons: | ergonomics | | Years Owned: 1/2
Ergonomics: 6
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 8
Features: 8
Value: 9
Image Quality: 7
Noise: 7
New or Used: Used
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I purchased the K-x intending to use it as a second camera (to my K20d), with wider angle lenses, for my work in theatre/dance photography. It was supposed to be used at iso 1600, always in manual focus, raw capture, and generally 1-2 stop closed down. As it turned out I found it virtually unusable for this.
On the other hand I find it great for informal walking, in museums, and as a back country companion--so far 1 week solo trip canoeing and one backpacking trip (and likely will work well mountain climbing). Generally zone focus (or manual, never AF) and raw capture.
Following will often contrast my K-x to my K20d--which is fair/reasonable for buying used now--as the price points are now very similar. As one can infer from following if I was reviewing my K20d (which in a way I am) it would be a 10. The ergonomics of the K20d is superb--while the K-x is much less so (ergonomics are for me the most important item--assuming the image quality at iso 800-1600 is acceptable).
BTW--if you haven't reviewed your camera--I found the exercise to be very useful. It forced me to reconsider and some cases change my perceptions. And I found better ways to handle camera functions (most notably changing FL menu item) as I wrote up and then verified on camera.
Negatives:
1. Must tape switch and cover on K-x. Never had any bad surprises like these w/ K20d.
(a) tape the battery cover closed--w/o if you accidently bump the battery open switch the AA's will fall out onto the ground (and you may wonder why camera isn't working)
(b) tape the mode dial to a setting (e.g., M or AV) otherwise it tends to get bumped to something else.
2. The SR seems to offer much less benefit than my K20d (intuitively maybe 2 stops versus 3-4, but see 7, below).
3. RE: switches/functions:
(a) ev compensation does not work in M mode (does on the K20d)
(b) really miss the top of the camera LCD to see what shutter speed is
(c) BTW missing the 2nd (front) e-dial is not important for my style shooting, but may be for you!
(d) too many button pushes to change lens FL--minimum 4 button pushes on K20d vs. 10 on K-x [but otherwise tentatively like K-x menus better--see below 12.(c)] [Actually writing this review I found K-x could be shortened to 7 pushes--still seems like big difference when need to change!]
(e) I prefer the K20d SR on/off switch (vs. in K-x menu)--but not big deal for me
(f) K-x green button (which I use a lot in M mode) is very poorly placed/have to look for it/cannot push it w/o moving one's hand. Versus perfectly placed on K20d.
(g) Exposure (INFO) mode (weighted average, spot, matrix) in menus--would prefer a hard toggle switch (spot metering on/off); however, the switch on the K20d is worse/very inconvenient! [see 12.(b) below.]
(h) Essentially no switches/functions for left hand--so must move right hand from shooting position (if use left hand it hides the display). All image review functions should be moved for left hand operation. Actually Menu, Info, LV, review/capture mode (>) all could be on left side of rear LCD--as implemented on K20d
4. The K-x viewfinder is small, and the screen is poor for MF lenses.
(a) While somewhat problematic w/ glasses the Pentax magnifier O-ME53 is needed. On K-x quick shots tends to end up being angled-not plumb--as opposed to K20d where they are usually plumb. (The way I use the K-x I probably should get a 35mm optical finder.)
(b) For me the older spotmatic/K1000 type screen with microprism and no split image would be much better--but apparently none is offered (by Pentax or 3rd party) for the K-x or the K20d. BTW if a reader knows of such I would appreciate hearing about it.
5. The shutter is fairly noisy (compared to my K20d). (More of a problem in theatre shooting with live audience--although this was not why I found it virtually unusable--it was the sum total of the negatives.)
6. Iso 1600 not very usable--while it is very usable (for me) on my K20d. The k-x looks fairly ugly--unlike my K20d which is more film-like.
7. Handling does not favour longer shutter times versus the K20d that inspires much confidence.
8. Not WR (water/dust resistant) like the K20d. Actually for me this is no real advantage--even though I use cameras canoeing/backpacking/mountain climbing--but may be for others. (When I cannot be somewhat careful and intend to have the camera sit in water/sand I used my underwater camera, a Nikon Nikonos III--it's also the fastest non-battery camera to operate. I highly recommend it if one has a good sense for setting exposure w/o a meter.)
Positives:
9. The small size of the Kx makes it ideal to throw in a pack or strap onto ones chest. Seems much smaller (than it is in reality) than K20d for walking/backpacking/etc.
10. Very fast/convenient (handles well) in AV exposure mode and zone focused, using an older screw mount lens (I use a super takumar 28mm f/3.5), or a newer PKA wide angle. (But see 4, above.)
11. Should be good (will see/may edit this review) for subzero winter backpacking--as can use AA lithium batteries. [Incidentally--my K20d threw it's screen after the first 5 pictures at 10 to 15F--on the other hand my Nikon FM2 worked perfectly for three decades under much worse.]
12. RE: switches/functions:
(a) Prefer 4-way controller on K-x--like the WB, iso and flash/timer implementation better than on K20d (although not a big deal as I shoot raw and tend to set iso once and leave it, and never use flash).
(b) Although I would prefer a switch [above 3.(g)] for Exposure mode (spot metering on/off), the K-x implementation (in INFO menu) is not bad, and much better than the very inconvenient switch on the K20d.
(c) K-x sub menus only have number items that fit on the screen--no need to scroll thru items initially hidden--this more submenus but fewer choices works well except for changing FL which comes too late [see above 3.(c]
| | | | | New Member Registered: June, 2010 Location: Ｓｉｎｇａｐｏｒｅ， ＳA Posts: 16 | | Review Date: January 18, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $700.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | lightweight for dslr, good image quality, good performance at high iso | | Cons: | small viewfinder and no focus point in view finder | | Years Owned: 4
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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This is my first ever dslr, bought it new with a dal 18-55 kit lens and travelled around with it.
It is a solidly build camera, minue the weather proof that the newer pentax line offers but still provide good quality image especially during High ISO. It beat those mid range dslr flat out when it was first released at a fraction of the price. And it is feature packed with HDR and live view filming and much more in its menu.
The only thing I dislike about it is the small viewfinder and the lack of focus indicator in it.
Overall have been a very pleasant experience operating this camera that have served me well for the past 4 years. I have just upgraded to a K5 but will keep this Kx as a backup if i am able to maintain it  .
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: May, 2010 Location: Hong Kong / Irvine, CA Posts: 636 | | Review Date: January 18, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $450.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | small, good iso | | Cons: | no focus fine adjustment | | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 8
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 8
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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My first DSLR, I bought it new and after using it for a few years, I decide to keep it as backup.
Very good entrance level camera, and killed many mid-level dslr in the first year of production.
Love it.
Very small but gives many feature that others cannot provide.
I had the K7 but I think the Kx kick its butt because of the ISO performance.
The only draw back for me is no focusing adjustment for individual lens, like the K7, K5.
I need to go to engineering mode to fine adjust the focusing.
I finally replace it with my K30 but I am still keeping my Kx as a backup.
| | | | | New Member Registered: November, 2012 Location: la Rochelle, France Posts: 12 | | Review Date: December 31, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $600.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Great image quality, even with highs ISOs, very tiny DSLR | | Cons: | very small viewfinder, limited functionnalities (no exposure bracketting AND remote control) | | Years Owned: 2010-present
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 7
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 6
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
New or Used: New
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i bought this DSLR in november 2010 and it was my first DSLR.
I'have been very satisfied with this Camera, it's the perfect camera for beginners.
Image quality is great, even at high ISOs (1600-3200), it allowed me to shoot basketball games.
everything seems very "user friendly".
After 2 years with the KX, i've bought the new K5ii for the 100% viewfinder, the weather-sealed construction and some expert fonctionalities that were missing in the KX.
| | | | | New Member Registered: December, 2012 Location: Rio de Janeiro Posts: 2 | | Review Date: December 24, 2012 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Small, responsive, uses K mount, solid low light performance | | Cons: | AA batteries | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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This is my first DSLR.
My experience with the K-x has been quite good.. I've studied a lot about photography, but only 2 years ago I went to buy a DSLR for me. Excellent cost / benefit.
When I was deciding what to buy (DSLR), some photographers friends spoke very highly of K-x, compared to other brands.
I am very happy to have opted for K-x.
Just like K-x's ergonomics and performance, and af speed is enough for my needs.
sorry bad english. :P
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: January, 2012 Posts: 38 | | Review Date: December 21, 2012 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | sensor, shake reduction, some support for old lenses | | Cons: | (too) small, AA batteries, NO TTL flash!!!, small viewfinder, standard color setting | | Years Owned: <1
Ergonomics: 6
Build Quality: 7
User Interface: 7
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: Used
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Plus: Very good sensor, shake reduction, some support for old lenses (better with some trick).
Minus: (too) small, no battery grip available, picky on AA batteries, NO TTL flash!!!, small viewfinder, awful standard color settings.
All in all, would be way happier if I could only be able to swap the sensor out of my 30D with the k-x one | | | | | New Member Registered: October, 2012 Posts: 24 | | Review Date: November 3, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $550.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | great camera, well built | | Cons: | | | Years Owned: since 2009
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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I was shocked to see they discontinued this camera....this is my go to camera... take it everywhere....
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