KX IS HERE its on DP review!

Peter Zack · 09-17-2009, 07:01 AM

Originally posted by ogl

"However, the K-m cloning process has meant that although you can now at least select the active AF-point, it's still not displayed in the viewfinder"

IS IT TRUE? it's the silliest thing I ever knew

It is, I assume you just guess what you are focusingon? But really most of us don't use the selection points that much. It's faster to use the center spot, lock focus and recompose. I do use the selection points but less than 1% of the time and I bet a new DSLR owner ould almost never use it.

The camera looks like a winner!

Kunzite · 09-17-2009, 07:03 AM

Originally posted by lithos

What's a bet Ned Bunnell had something to do with the red one, eh?

If the colour is called "tomato-red", that's a given

falconeye · 09-17-2009, 07:19 AM

Originally posted by ogl

"However, the K-m cloning process has meant that although you can now at least select the active AF-point, it's still not displayed in the viewfinder"
IS IT TRUE? it's the silliest thing I ever knew

Originally posted by opiedog

NO AF indication display?
hmmm.... my guess is that the AF point selected can be displayed on Live View.

I think too that AF selection is displayed on the INFO screen.

As for WR, Pentax just does two body lines now:
- small, light-weight, penta-mirror, non-WR (K-m/x)
- small, magnesium alloy, penta-prism, dampened shutter, WR (K-7)

Into it, they can put varying electronics/sensor technology. But it may be too expensive to develop a mechanically different third line (but of course, the K200D body would already be available -- I guess it just didn't sell well against K-m and K20D).

I am not sure if the AF indicator overlay board would fit the K-m/x prism housing. Pentax has listened to some K-m user requests, like putting the orientation sensor back and allowing AF point selection. So, there must have been a reason why not to bring back AF point indication as well.

Eruditass · 09-17-2009, 07:30 AM

I doubt they would reuse the K200D body, as they have changed the button layout of the current models.

cinaibur · 09-17-2009, 07:54 AM

I would love to upgrade my k-m to this. Do you think that we will be able to use a battery grip with this camera? I hate that my k-m can use a battery grip.

deadwolfbones · 09-17-2009, 08:00 AM

I doubt we'll see a grip.

cinaibur · 09-17-2009, 08:18 AM

man. that really stinks. i'm in a weird spot now. i don't think the k-7 is worth it to me for the extra price over the kx. i guess i will have to wait for the k-7 to come down in price or for a new body

PentaxScott · 09-17-2009, 08:59 AM

I personally think this is a great move on Pentax's part. The K-M/2000 seemed to be a good seller and now Pentax has gone and updated nearly everything on it and kept the price very close to the original K-M.

Looking at the broad marketing picture, Pentax has a gaping hole now between the K-7 and all other cameras. The K-7 is still selling near the $1300 price point and the K-M, K-X, K200, and K20 can all be had for around $500-600 give or take. Dont quote me on this, but I wouldnt be suprised if in the next 6 months we saw a camera, with K-X specs except with the 14 MP Samsung sensor,weather sealed, with a top LCD display, 2 E-dials, in a body similar in design to the K-7, yet having a fiber reinforced poly shell (instead of magnesium alloy), standard 95% .87x viewfinder (instead of the 100% coverage on the K-7), no AF assist beam, etc. Basically a replacement for the K20/200 for $799. That would leave a 3 body lineup...

But again...dont quote me on it

Eruditass · 09-17-2009, 09:00 AM

Originally posted by PentaxScott

I personally think this is a great move on Pentax's part. The K-M/2000 seemed to be a good seller and now Pentax has gone and updated nearly everything on it and kept the price very close to the original K-M.

Looking at the broad marketing picture, Pentax has a gaping hole now between the K-7 and all other cameras. The K-7 is still selling near the $1300 price point and the K-M, K-X, K200, and K20 can all be had for around $500-600 give or take. Dont quote me on this, but I wouldnt be suprised if in the next 6 months we saw a camera, with K-X specs except with the 14 MP Samsung sensor,weather sealed, with a top LCD display, 2 E-dials, in a body similar in design to the K-7, yet having a fiber reinforced poly shell (instead of magnesium alloy), standard 95% .87x viewfinder (instead of the 100% coverage on the K-7), no AF assist beam, etc. Basically a replacement for the K20/200 for $799. That would leave a 3 body lineup...

But again...dont quote me on it

I agree, except I hope to goodness they don't go to that 14MP samsung, this sensor is supposed to be notably better.

Rumors said they would announce 2 new cameras and 1 update. This is the update to the K-m.

Alfisti · 09-17-2009, 09:23 AM

I think this is the middle model, as ina line Km - Kx - K7

I'd still like 2 wheels and proper AF point selection!

Originally posted by PentaxScott

I personally think this is a great move on Pentax's part. The K-M/2000 seemed to be a good seller and now Pentax has gone and updated nearly everything on it and kept the price very close to the original K-M.

Looking at the broad marketing picture, Pentax has a gaping hole now between the K-7 and all other cameras. The K-7 is still selling near the $1300 price point and the K-M, K-X, K200, and K20 can all be had for around $500-600 give or take. Dont quote me on this, but I wouldnt be suprised if in the next 6 months we saw a camera, with K-X specs except with the 14 MP Samsung sensor,weather sealed, with a top LCD display, 2 E-dials, in a body similar in design to the K-7, yet having a fiber reinforced poly shell (instead of magnesium alloy), standard 95% .87x viewfinder (instead of the 100% coverage on the K-7), no AF assist beam, etc. Basically a replacement for the K20/200 for $799. That would leave a 3 body lineup...

But again...dont quote me on it

Chwisch87 · 09-17-2009, 09:58 AM

no Weatherproofing is an interesting omission but i suppose the K2000 this camera is supposedly replacing didn't have it either ....

So we now have a K20D replacement in the K-7 and a K2000 replacement in the k-X sooo if i am right Pentax's spring launch (their new 6 month release cycle) should be their midrange unit to replace the K200D??

raoulzg · 09-17-2009, 10:04 AM

YouTube - Pentax K-x

Nice...

nosnoop · 09-17-2009, 10:14 AM

Originally posted by falconeye

So, there must have been a reason why not to bring back AF point indication as well.

Cost, most likely. It is not a trivial manufacturing step to add the LED indicator.

junyo · 09-17-2009, 11:07 AM

Originally posted by Peter Zack

It is, I assume you just guess what you are focusingon? But really most of us don't use the selection points that much. It's faster to use the center spot, lock focus and recompose. I do use the selection points but less than 1% of the time and I bet a new DSLR owner ould almost never use it.

I would think mitigating factor is a lot of the time people are quickly changing/selecting focus points is for people pics and shooting with a big aperture lens. The face tracking will make the auto- point selection a lot more accurate in the first scenario, and the entry level user that this is aimed at likely isn't using tons of fast glass.

PentaxScott · 09-17-2009, 11:35 AM

Originally posted by Eruditass

I agree, except I hope to goodness they don't go to that 14MP samsung, this sensor is supposed to be notably better.

Rumors said they would announce 2 new cameras and 1 update. This is the update to the K-m.

Its possible they wont use the 14 MP Samsung in my theoretical scenario above. I suspect that possible contractual agreements may decide if they do or dont use it. Either way it would be an improvement from the 10 MP sensor that is found in the K200 now and either sensor would fit great in a "middle" camera body from Pentax.

K20 -> K-7
K200 -> ???
K2000 -> K-X

Good times for Pentax users. New competitive bodies, and news from Hoya that Pentax will likey turn a profit this year. Not many camera companies / divisions can claim that right now

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09-17-2009, 07:01 AM	#46
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	Originally posted by ogl "However, the K-m cloning process has meant that although you can now at least select the active AF-point, it's still not displayed in the viewfinder" IS IT TRUE? it's the silliest thing I ever knew It is, I assume you just guess what you are focusingon? But really most of us don't use the selection points that much. It's faster to use the center spot, lock focus and recompose. I do use the selection points but less than 1% of the time and I bet a new DSLR owner ould almost never use it. The camera looks like a winner!

09-17-2009, 07:03 AM	#47
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by lithos What's a bet Ned Bunnell had something to do with the red one, eh? If the colour is called "tomato-red", that's a given

09-17-2009, 07:19 AM	#48
falconeye Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Munich, Alps, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,871	Originally posted by ogl "However, the K-m cloning process has meant that although you can now at least select the active AF-point, it's still not displayed in the viewfinder" IS IT TRUE? it's the silliest thing I ever knew Originally posted by opiedog NO AF indication display? hmmm.... my guess is that the AF point selected can be displayed on Live View. I think too that AF selection is displayed on the INFO screen. As for WR, Pentax just does two body lines now: - small, light-weight, penta-mirror, non-WR (K-m/x) - small, magnesium alloy, penta-prism, dampened shutter, WR (K-7) Into it, they can put varying electronics/sensor technology. But it may be too expensive to develop a mechanically different third line (but of course, the K200D body would already be available -- I guess it just didn't sell well against K-m and K20D). I am not sure if the AF indicator overlay board would fit the K-m/x prism housing. Pentax has listened to some K-m user requests, like putting the orientation sensor back and allowing AF point selection. So, there must have been a reason why not to bring back AF point indication as well.

09-17-2009, 07:30 AM	#49
Eruditass Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,207	I doubt they would reuse the K200D body, as they have changed the button layout of the current models.

09-17-2009, 07:54 AM	#50
cinaibur Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 117	I would love to upgrade my k-m to this. Do you think that we will be able to use a battery grip with this camera? I hate that my k-m can use a battery grip.

09-17-2009, 08:00 AM	#51
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	I doubt we'll see a grip.

09-17-2009, 08:18 AM	#52
cinaibur Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 117	man. that really stinks. i'm in a weird spot now. i don't think the k-7 is worth it to me for the extra price over the kx. i guess i will have to wait for the k-7 to come down in price or for a new body

09-17-2009, 08:59 AM	#53
PentaxScott Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Salt Lake City UT Photos: Albums Posts: 182	I personally think this is a great move on Pentax's part. The K-M/2000 seemed to be a good seller and now Pentax has gone and updated nearly everything on it and kept the price very close to the original K-M. Looking at the broad marketing picture, Pentax has a gaping hole now between the K-7 and all other cameras. The K-7 is still selling near the $1300 price point and the K-M, K-X, K200, and K20 can all be had for around $500-600 give or take. Dont quote me on this, but I wouldnt be suprised if in the next 6 months we saw a camera, with K-X specs except with the 14 MP Samsung sensor,weather sealed, with a top LCD display, 2 E-dials, in a body similar in design to the K-7, yet having a fiber reinforced poly shell (instead of magnesium alloy), standard 95% .87x viewfinder (instead of the 100% coverage on the K-7), no AF assist beam, etc. Basically a replacement for the K20/200 for $799. That would leave a 3 body lineup... But again...dont quote me on it

09-17-2009, 09:00 AM	#54
Eruditass Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,207	Originally posted by PentaxScott I personally think this is a great move on Pentax's part. The K-M/2000 seemed to be a good seller and now Pentax has gone and updated nearly everything on it and kept the price very close to the original K-M. Looking at the broad marketing picture, Pentax has a gaping hole now between the K-7 and all other cameras. The K-7 is still selling near the $1300 price point and the K-M, K-X, K200, and K20 can all be had for around $500-600 give or take. Dont quote me on this, but I wouldnt be suprised if in the next 6 months we saw a camera, with K-X specs except with the 14 MP Samsung sensor,weather sealed, with a top LCD display, 2 E-dials, in a body similar in design to the K-7, yet having a fiber reinforced poly shell (instead of magnesium alloy), standard 95% .87x viewfinder (instead of the 100% coverage on the K-7), no AF assist beam, etc. Basically a replacement for the K20/200 for $799. That would leave a 3 body lineup... But again...dont quote me on it I agree, except I hope to goodness they don't go to that 14MP samsung, this sensor is supposed to be notably better. Rumors said they would announce 2 new cameras and 1 update. This is the update to the K-m.

09-17-2009, 09:23 AM	#55
Alfisti Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toronto (for now) Posts: 1,748	I think this is the middle model, as ina line Km - Kx - K7 I'd still like 2 wheels and proper AF point selection! Originally posted by PentaxScott I personally think this is a great move on Pentax's part. The K-M/2000 seemed to be a good seller and now Pentax has gone and updated nearly everything on it and kept the price very close to the original K-M. Looking at the broad marketing picture, Pentax has a gaping hole now between the K-7 and all other cameras. The K-7 is still selling near the $1300 price point and the K-M, K-X, K200, and K20 can all be had for around $500-600 give or take. Dont quote me on this, but I wouldnt be suprised if in the next 6 months we saw a camera, with K-X specs except with the 14 MP Samsung sensor,weather sealed, with a top LCD display, 2 E-dials, in a body similar in design to the K-7, yet having a fiber reinforced poly shell (instead of magnesium alloy), standard 95% .87x viewfinder (instead of the 100% coverage on the K-7), no AF assist beam, etc. Basically a replacement for the K20/200 for $799. That would leave a 3 body lineup... But again...dont quote me on it

09-17-2009, 09:58 AM	#56
Chwisch87 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA Photos: Gallery Posts: 317	no Weatherproofing is an interesting omission but i suppose the K2000 this camera is supposedly replacing didn't have it either .... So we now have a K20D replacement in the K-7 and a K2000 replacement in the k-X sooo if i am right Pentax's spring launch (their new 6 month release cycle) should be their midrange unit to replace the K200D??

09-17-2009, 10:04 AM	#57
raoulzg Closed Account Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Zagreb Posts: 69	YouTube - Pentax K-x Nice...

09-17-2009, 10:14 AM	#58
nosnoop Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,299	Originally posted by falconeye So, there must have been a reason why not to bring back AF point indication as well. Cost, most likely. It is not a trivial manufacturing step to add the LED indicator.

09-17-2009, 11:07 AM	#59
junyo Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 418	Originally posted by Peter Zack It is, I assume you just guess what you are focusingon? But really most of us don't use the selection points that much. It's faster to use the center spot, lock focus and recompose. I do use the selection points but less than 1% of the time and I bet a new DSLR owner ould almost never use it. I would think mitigating factor is a lot of the time people are quickly changing/selecting focus points is for people pics and shooting with a big aperture lens. The face tracking will make the auto- point selection a lot more accurate in the first scenario, and the entry level user that this is aimed at likely isn't using tons of fast glass.

09-17-2009, 11:35 AM	#60
PentaxScott Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Salt Lake City UT Photos: Albums Posts: 182	Originally posted by Eruditass I agree, except I hope to goodness they don't go to that 14MP samsung, this sensor is supposed to be notably better. Rumors said they would announce 2 new cameras and 1 update. This is the update to the K-m. Its possible they wont use the 14 MP Samsung in my theoretical scenario above. I suspect that possible contractual agreements may decide if they do or dont use it. Either way it would be an improvement from the 10 MP sensor that is found in the K200 now and either sensor would fit great in a "middle" camera body from Pentax. K20 -> K-7 K200 -> ??? K2000 -> K-X Good times for Pentax users. New competitive bodies, and news from Hoya that Pentax will likey turn a profit this year. Not many camera companies / divisions can claim that right now