Pentax K-x Review

The Pentax K-x is a very good example of a small, entry-level DSLR that is ideal to use for general travel photography. Its compact size and light weight makes it one of the smallest digital SLR outfits, in fact its body size is slightly smaller than the Fuji bridge compact! A pronounced handgrip provides a secure hold and overall build quality is very high for a camera at this price point.

IMAGE RESOLUTION: 12.4-megapixels
LCD / Live view: 2.7in / Yes
HD VIDEO: Yes
STORAGE: SD/SDHC
Dimensions: 122.5x91.5x67.5mm
WEIGHT: 515g (without battery)
contact: www.pentax.co.uk; 0870 736 8299

As with most entry-level models, the Pentax is designed to be very easy to use, with a clean and neat control layout. A main dial on the top sets the exposure mode and apart from a couple of buttons near the shutter release, the majority of controls are found on the camera’s rear. The majority of these are grouped together to the right of the 2.7in LCD monitor and while some are quite small, their pronounced shape makes them easy to press. The menu system of the K-x is far better than previous generations but the colourful arrangement of icons may seem a little confusing to some, so be sure you’re happy with it. The Pentax, like the Canon PowerShot, offers you the choice of composing images with either an optical viewfinder or LiveView on the LCD. The viewfinder is a decent size and the screen is sharp and reasonably bright, with a dioptric correction facility for spectacle wearers.

In terms of specification, the K-x has plenty to offer. The 12.4-megapixel resolution is good enough for A3 prints and as well as shooting stills, it’s also capable of HD video at 1280x720 pixels (24fps). The 11-point AF system and a choice of three metering patterns (16-zone, centre-weighted and spot) are adequate for most needs, with plenty of overrides and options available for you to experiment with. When used in LiveView, there are three further AF modes on offer, including Face Detection, to help focus on the subject.

As you’d expect on an entry-level model, there are plenty of exposure modes to choose from, including lots of scene modes, so the complete beginner can take fuss-free point & shoot pictures if they so wish. The processing is handled by the PRIME II Imaging Engine, which allows for a fast continuous shooting rate of 4.7 frames-per-second. The nominal ISO range is Auto, plus 200-6400, 
but ISO 100 and 12,800 can also be selected. 
The Pentax K-x also features a body-integral Shake Reduction (SR) facility, sensor-dust removal, a multi-mode integral flash, digital filters and 22 Custom Functions. And of course, the K-mount gives it access to one of the largest selection of lenses of any DSLR system, so you can be sure to find optics that are well suited for your needs.

The Pentax has the largest sensor of all four cameras on test and also the highest resolution, 
so as expected, image quality is the best on test, although it has to be said that on prints up to A4 in size, any differences between it and the Lumix or Canon images is hard to spot. The key difference between the K-x and the others is how much easier it is to compose an image through the viewfinder – it’s an obvious statement but there is nothing to match being able to see through the lens and the result is that it’s a little easier to compose a scene in general situations, and far easier in trickier lighting conditions. The autofocus system is fast and responsive, struggling only in low light or with subjects moving at speed. The multi-zone metering pattern is accurate too, with backlighting causing the main problems. The larger image sensor size also means that noise is better controlled and while it is evident at ISO 800, it is better controlled at higher ISO ratings than the other cameras. The main negative about the K-x is that, like the Fuji, it relies on AA batteries, so the shooting capacity is lower than lithium-ion cells.

Verdict
The Pentax K-x is one of the better specified entry-level DSLRs and its small size and light weight makes it a suitable companion for your travels. With a variety of affordable lenses on offer, it’s the most versatile of the four options and also one of the least expensive. In terms of quality, its APS-C sensor has the edge over rivals and along with the optical viewfinder providing the clearest method for composition (with LiveView as an option), it provides a great all-round performance.

Handling & ease of use: 4/5
Features: 4/5
Performance: 5/5
Value for money 4/5
Overall: 4.5/5