Major Features

1. High-quality image reproduction

   1. Approximately 12.4 effective megapixels for true-to-life image reproduction
      The K-x incorporates a newly developed CMOS image sensor to assure high-speed image data readout and more flexible response to varying ISO sensitivity levels. With approximately 12.4 effective megapixels, this image sensor can faithfully and accurately reproduce true-to-life images with fine detail and rich depth of colors. The K-x not only offers a wide sensitivity range between ISO 200 and ISO 6400, but also allows the user to expand the sensitivity range between ISO 100 and ISO 12800 via a custom function, giving greater creative freedom to more adventurous photographers.
   2. High-performance, high-speed PRIME II imaging engine
      The K-x features the newly developed PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II, an upgrade of the original PRIME imaging engine. Thanks to new technologies supplied by Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited, this new imaging engine offers greater data processing speed and enhanced capability to produce higher-quality images with richer, more accurate color rendition, as well as faster transmission speed of movie data.

2. Compact, lightweight body

   Despite the incorporation of the large 23.6mm x 15.8mm image sensor, the K-x is one of the most compact, lightweight digital SLR camera in its class. This is due to the combination of a compact, lightweight stainless-steel chassis, a downsized in-body shake reduction mechanism, and state-of-the-art, highly-integrated packaging methodologies that assure the most space-efficient positioning and layout of various parts.

3. Live View function, with Face detection of up to 16 faces

   The K-x features the Live View function, which allows the user to view the image on its LCD monitor during shooting, just as for a digital compact camera. The K-x also offers a choice of three different focusing modes during Live View shooting: Contrast AF, which optimizes the focus based on the subject’s contrast; Face Detection AF, which automatically detects up to 16 faces, selects the main subject’s face from multiple faces, then captures it in sharp focus; and Phase Difference AF, which uses the AF sensor positioned in the camera body to optimize focus on the subject.

4. High-quality recording at 1280 x 720 pixels, with HDTV-proportion movie recording at 24 frames per second

   The K-x provides a movie recording function* which captures beautiful, true-to-life movie clips in 16:9 high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels) at a frame rate of 24 frames per second. This extends the benefits of high-quality SLR photography to the world of movie shooting: For example, reduce the depth of field to make a subject stand out, or use different interchangeable lenses to create distinctive visual effects.

   * When the PENTAX K-x's AV output terminal is used, movie clips are output at normal resolution. The data must be transferred to a PC for the playback of movie clips at high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels).

5. PENTAX-original SR mechanism for sharp, blur-free images

   The K-x features the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which effectively compensates the adverse effect of camera shake by as much as approximately four shutter steps. This innovative mechanism extends its benefits to almost all PENTAX interchangeable lenses — even those designed for film-format cameras.** Thanks to this mechanism, the K-x produces sharp, blur-free images even under demanding conditions prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without a flash illumination, and taking pictures of sunset scenes.

   ** Lenses compatible with this mechanism: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2- and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mounted lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.

6. High-speed continuous shooting at approximately 4.7 images per second

   The K-x’s high-speed continuous shooting mode records as many as 17 images (in JPEG recording format) at a maximum speed of approximately 4.7 images per second — the fastest of all entry-class models. The K-x also features a new, reliable shutter unit, which proved its dependability and ruggedness through a demanding action test of more than 100,000 shutter releases. Its top shutter speed of 1/6000 second allows the photographer to preserve sharp, crisp images of fast-moving subjects.

7. Innovative image processing functions to produce distinctive photographic expressions

   1. Digital filter function
      The K-x’s digital filter function allows the user to process recorded images in a variety of creative ways within the camera and produce highly creative visual expressions. With a choice of 16 different filters, the user can even apply different filters one after another to a single image to create more personalized visual effects.
   2. Cross process mode
      The K-x features the new cross process mode, in which the camera automatically and randomly shifts photographic parameters for each exposure to create eye-catching images with unique, fanciful colors — just like pictures treated with the cross process*** in film photography. This playful mode adds the elements of surprise and unpredictability to digital photography, since the photographer cannot expect the outcome until the captured image is actually displayed on the camera’s LCD monitor

   *** A film development technique that takes advantage of unconventional film developers to create a distinctive finishing touch with intriguing colors.

8. High-precision 11-point AF sensor

   The K-x’s high-precision, wide-frame SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to automatically capture even off-centered subjects in sharp, crisp focus. The photographer can also select one of the sensors as a focusing point to accommodate specialized applications.

9. Other features

   1. Energy efficient circuit design for longer battery life, capable of capturing approximately 1,900 images with four AA-size lithium batteries
   2. Custom Image function to create unique finishing touches
   3. DR (Dust Removal) mechanism to eliminate annoying dust spots on recorded images and visually check for the adhesion of dust to the image sensor
   4. 2.7-inch, high-resolution color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots
   5. Auto Picture mode for effortless, automatic selection of the most appropriate shooting mode, even during Live View shooting
   6. HDR (high dynamic range) function to create one composite image with an extra-wide dynamic range from three images with different exposures
   7. White balance control, featuring a new CTE mode to emphasize the color components of sunset scenes
   8. Status screen for easy, at-a-glance confirmation of various settings on the LCD monitor
   9. Ten scene modes, with selection via simple icons
   10. Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic aberration (available only with DA and D FA series lenses)
   11. PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, with RAW-data processing and browser applications

Major Features of the smc PENTAX-DA L 55-300mmF4-5.8ED lens

1. A lightweight super-telephoto zoom lens for focal lengths between 84.5mm and 460mm (in the 35mm format)
2. ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements to assure true-to-life image descriptions and faithful color renditions through effective compensation of chromatic aberrations over the entire zoom range.