Video: Pentax K-X Digital SLR Now Official

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In the small hours of this morning (it was for me anyhow) we brought you the leaked details concerning Pentax’s new entry level K-X Digital SLR whilst advising that an official announcement should be following later today – and, as indicated, Pentax have now officially unveiled their K-X serving to confirm that the leaked details were indeed founded.

Pentax’s full press release is included below as we’re aware that there’s great interest in the K-X, however we have added to the press release with a number of new, official images (that are of somewhat better quality than we could offer you previously – see the gallery below) as well as Pentax’s official video introduction.

PENTAX ANNOUNCES AFFORDABLE, NEW PENTAX K-X WITH HIGH-END FEATURES INCLUDING HD VIDEO AND LIVE VIEW

PENTAX Imaging Company redefines the entry-level digital SLR category with the introduction of the K-x digital SLR. This latest PENTAX camera offers high-end features including Live View and HD video. And, since there’s no rule that SLR cameras must come in black only, the K-x will be available in a choice of white or black, as well as special, limited edition red and navy.

Priced at USD $649.95 (for body with DA L 18-55mm lens), the K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR. The PENTAX K-x offers photographic performance that challenges higher class DSLR models and offers several features that set this camera apart in the entry-level category:

• High resolution 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.
• Large 2.7 inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).
• Widescreen HD video capture in full 720p resolution (1280×720) at 24 FPS cinematic framerate, using any PENTAX 35mm lens.
• Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.
• True High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.
• Fast 4.7 FPS capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the PENTAX PRIME II image processing engine.
• Powerful automatic modes, including PENTAX Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.
• Responsive 11 point wide angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately and easily tracks moving subjects.
• Captures up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).

Along with the K-x, PENTAX announced the smc PENTAX DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED super-telephoto zoom lens. This lens will be exclusive to a K-x Twin Lens Kit package consisting of a K-x body, this new lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 lens.

The PENTAX K-x is now available for pre-order in black or white on www.pentaxwebstore.com and the product will ship in October 2009 in three options:

• K-x single lens kit with body and smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens for USD $649.95.
• K-x twin lens kit for $749.95 with K-x body, smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens and smc PENTAX DA L 50-200mm zoom lens.
• K-x twin lens kit for $849.95 including a K-x body, the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 55-300mm zoom lens.

Limited edition colors of red and navy will become available at select locations to be announced. (Great to see Pentax offering a white version of the K-X following on from their white K2000 )

An impressive range of features for an entry level digital SLR, and at a keen price, but there’s nothing here to wrestle me away from ordering my EOS 7D (though, in fairness, it would be wholly incorrect to compare the K-X against the EOS 7D as they’re hardly in the same league).