Pentax *istDL 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL Digital SLR Lens

List Price: $599.99

Product Details Powered by 4 AA-size batteries (alkaline included, rechargeable NiMH recommended) Includes wide to moderate wide-angle lens Store images on separately sold Secure Digital memory cards 6.1-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 14-by-19-inch prints

Product Description

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Customer Reviews

superb camera
The photograph quality is excellent once I got the parameters down to where I wanted them. Very easy to use and to learn. Most cameras start at 10MP or higher, but this one is 6MP. The conceive of quality indicates that pixel count tends to be overrated. At 6MP you can get professional quality photos at 8 X 10 or even larger without any impressive loss of quality. Pentax makes great cameras, and I would recommend their products to anyone.

2009-11-10 | picture man (Fort Wayne, IN USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Worthy entry level camera
Although many new Pentax cameras have been introduced that present more features at a lower price, this is still a relevant digital camera because it's easy to use and takes great pictures. At 6 megapixels you can language nice pics at 5x7 and that's what most people want. The user interface is a breeze. With ISO up to 3200 you can injure in low light, although there will be more grain. For posting to the Web you can even use 3200. I have been using the camera since early 2006 for trade (photo journalism), so it gets a workout. It has performed flawlessly, day in and day out. I have old Pentax lenses and they work bonny meritorious with aperture wide open only. The camera is light and takes 4AA batteries. I added an extraneous flash and by changing the ISO I can shoot in the darkest settings, even with a 150 mm telephoto, great for meetings in vile rooms. Many digital cameras provide a bewildering number of options. This camera has the basics, but that all most of us for and you won't get lost in menu hell.

2009-10-25 | svrider | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Stunning
I was looking for a Cut-price beginner SLR, and this one is GREAT. Its not that much more then a point and shoot (actually, its the same price as my point and shoot) and it takes Major images. Im going to spain next friday, and Cant wait to use it. I will buy again instantly.

2009-03-07 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Well-made entry level DSLR
The Pentax prepare has consistently offered the best 'bang-for-the-buck'. This machine feels much better built than next of kin offerings from the other DSLR big guys, and has a feature set that's pretty well rounded. If you have any old Pentax SLR equipment around, this is a real agreement; Pentax is the only current DSLR manufacturer whose offerings can use any Pentax lens ever made. I've got an old Pentax 135mm f2.5 that I couldn't be to give up; it clicks right on my *ist DL and takes beautiful pictures. The kit 18-55 is not bad at all. Just generally this camera is harsh to beat for the money. If you have a few extra bucks, though, upgrade to the newer Pentax machines like the K200D (10 MPixel and rid oneself of reduction, along with a host of new features).

2008-06-16 (Midwest USA) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 4

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Noble SLR
This is a enormous camera. It is a great buy: simple to use, takes great pictures, the speed is a little on the lax side (I have not had a digital camera that wasn't), and it has some heft to it.

Again a great all around camera for someone who wants to take great pictures of the next of kin, vacations, and life in general.

2008-04-15 (Hewitt, TX) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Pentax K-x 12.4 MP Digital SLR with 2.7-inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens (Black)

List Price: $649.95 Price: Too low to display

Product Details Kit includes 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor with Pentax Shake Reduction; HDR image capture 4.7fps capture rate with 1/6000 sec max shutter speed; 11-point wide-angle autofocus Powered by AA lithium batteries; capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory (not included)

Product Description

On a camera that redefines the entry-level digital SLR category. The PENTAX K-x offers great in extent-end features including Live View, HD video and photographic fulfilment that challenges higher class models. Since theres no rule that SLR cameras must report in in one color, try the K-x in a choice of white or black, as well as special, limited issue red and navy. With a one-handed shooting design that is extremely compact, lightweight, and temperately-to-use, the very affordable K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.

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Customer Reviews

Carefree, excellent, smallish, friends amazed
I purchased the K-x from Amazon in December 2009.

I toughened to shoot with an SLR way back in high school around 1990. This is my first SLR since then and I'm amazed at how easy and fun it is to take great shots. My friends and people are amazed at the results but I owe a lot to the design of the K-x (though it should be noted that the competition is probably equally capable). I've uploaded a few of my first pics, take a look.

My favourable mention: DSLRs are so much better than small point and shoots. But they are less convenient (e.g. bulkier, less simple). At this expense, don't think twice... just buy it and have fun.

Batteries: I'm using cheap rayovac 4.0 nimh rechargeable batteries and like most of the other "low standby disburdening" nimh batteries... they last for ever.

Nit Pickers: Yes, it's true: play back display is not as nice as some other rigs, "flaming view" is only useful if you are taking still life shots, video is not very usable. These aren't very effective to me and are outweighed by the other positive attributes of the camera.

2010-02-27 (Durham, NC) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Grievous first DSLR!
I got my K-x at December and shot like a million pictures already. Image quality is superb and mark aggressive sure you get yourself some quality filters, the IR remote control and a good quality tripod to create it even better. It does take a bit of time to figure out all the settings and controls since there are so many of them available (I am still finding things here and there that I had no fantasy the camera could do) but the interface and menu is VERY easy and very user friendly. Overall quality of the camera is major and that is what Pentax is known for. As for the 18-55mm lens it came with, great lens for everyday shooting. You might yearning to consider getting one of the other lens packages as I kinda regret not having another telephoto lens on agency. I will buy one later, but if you have a camera like this you would want to get another lens anyways, so why not save some money now with the passionate bundles Pentax has available.

Video quality is great if you record in a well lit room or outside (even-handed like any other camcorder). I still need to figure out the auto focusing while filming which is just a meaning of selecting the right configuration.

The only thing I don't like is that if you want to shoot in HDR Mode (Far up Dynamic Range Imaging) which combines 3 shots together and pretty much gives you the best standing shots, you cannot set the timer on. So even if you have the best tripod out there, when you press the shoot button, the push slenderize shakes the camera on the first image which makes the outcome of the 3 combined images slightly sleepy. I don't understand why the countdown timer is not available for this mode. The only way to take an HDR picture is if you get the infrared remote or program your prevalent TV remote control to work with your camera ( it's an infrared signal, same signal you use to change a strait on your TV with your remote.

All in all, this a a superb camera for all your needs and a great first DSLR for rookies like me. Very unfaltering quality built and easy one hand operation. Just get a good tripod, filters, tramontane control and some extra lenses later on and you are set!!

2010-02-25 | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Eminent value for money
Pros:
Supreme value for money.
Huge array of in-camera digital filters.
2 modes of RAW.
Compatible with broad range of lenses.
720P video capture.
Good auto focus.
Body-built jarring reduction system. E
asy availability of AA batteries.
One of the smallest entry level DSLR in the market.
Eminently ISO range from 100 to 12800 (Excellent noise reduction system).
Superb in-camera editing features!
Accessible in vibrant colors!

Cons:
Very slow auto focus in Live View state.

It is 4 days since I started using the camera. I will update more in the coming days.

2010-02-04 | nagtmk (AHMEDABAD, INDIA) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Fun camera
I recently had a kid so I wanted a camera for bewitching indoor, low-light shots. I bought both the Canon S90 and the K-X because both are top-rated for low-light shots. Surprisingly I give the S90 a feeble edge over the K-X for low-light snapshots. S90 has a fast f/2 lens so you ISO setting is much lower. Typical indoor incessantly shot on the S90 is 1/30 @ 400 ISO, whereas K-x is 1/30 @ 1600 ISO. I'd say the S90 at 400ISO is slightly clean than the K-x @ 1600ISO. With a fast prime lens (not for twopence unless you buy manual focus), the the K-x would win easily. If you're buying a camera primarily for quality, indoor snapshots of kids, then I'd guide the S90. However, if you really want the features of a DSLR then you can't go wrong with the K-X. Good all-around camera. I like the faculty to use any k-mount pentax lens. HD video is a nice bonus.

I can recommend NiZN batteries for this camera. I've been using them for a month with this camera and they seem to labour almost as well as Lithium and better than NiMH.

2010-02-03 (SLC, UT United States) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 5

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Immense camera for the price!!!
I have the Pentax K2000 which is a NO tosh No frills DSLR camera. It takes outstanding photos!!!!...That's what it was made for!...No video...Honest photos!!!...I made the upgrade to the new Pentax KX about a month ago & couldn't be more pleased!!!...This DOES do video!!!...720p Elevated definition!...This has Live View & Orientation Sensor!...Still....like my K2000...it does what it truly made for....It takes EXCELLENT photos!!!!....I always am sort of skeptical when a camera has too many "Glockenspiel & Whistles"....I always think of that as a gimmick & that it will take away from the ability to shoot good photos. That's why I in the first place bought my K2000 last year. Because it was designed to be a VERY nice DSLR camera made for taking photos...Which it does VERY well...After reading a LOT a reviews...I definite to buy my KX...AGAIN...I am very PLEASED....I am more concerned about quality photos than anything else on a digital camera & it takes very nice photos!...Of definitely, if you are a "novice", you will have to learn about different settings on a DSLR to get different results...I never really utilized the video on any of my cameras....I have a camcorder for that...but....I must say that I am impressed by the video on the KX also...I bought this on AMAZON for a very full price...I've tried other "Name Brand" cameras costing up to $250.00 more. I am VERY glad that I stuck with Pentax!!!!!!

2010-02-01 | Mike (NJ, USA) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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Pentax K-x 12.4 MP Digital SLR with 2.7-inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Lens (White)

List Price: $649.95 Price: Too low to display

Product Details Capture widescreen HD 720p video at 24fps; 2.7-inch LCD with autofocus and Face Detection Live View 4.7fps capture rate with 1/6000 sec max shutter speed; 11-point wide-angle autofocus Kit includes 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor with Pentax Shake Reduction; HDR image capture

Product Description

Select a camera that redefines the entry-level digital SLR category. The Pentax K-x offers huge-end features including Live View, HD video and photographic effectuation that challenges higher class models. Since theres no rule that SLR cameras must be stricken in one color, try the K-x in a choice of white or black, as well as special, limited print run red and navy. With a one-handed shooting design that is extremely compact, lightweight, and docile-to-use, the very affordable K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point-and-shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.

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Customer Reviews

My first DSLR
It is a merit DSLR, and I have used it for a month. The batteries can last long time, and quality of the pictures are dulcet good. I am still learning how to use all the functions. So far so good.

2010-03-03 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Awesome entry-level DSLR for such a low price
I have savoir vivre using film SLRs as well as a Nikon DSLR, and I've owned a few Canon compact cameras. After unequivocally a bit of online research, I chose this camera to be my first DSLR, and I am very, very pleased with my decision.

The K-x is small for a DSLR, and I've gotten a few surprised comments from population seeing me pull such a fancy camera out of a small messenger bag. Even so, it has a sturdy feel to it and doesn't crave too tiny in my relatively large hands. I also like the black and white body and have gotten good wishes about that as well.

The camera has an AUTO PICT mode for newcomers that takes control of the focus, shutter forward, aperture, and ISO; all you need to do is aim at your subject and press the shutter button. There are also a wide variety of view modes (macro, portrait, landscape, candlelight, kids, etc.) that are tailored for specific situations. But for residents who like to take creative control, there are the typical priority modes (aperture, shutter, and ISO) as well as vade-mecum mode. The buttons are few enough that you can easily memorize how to manipulate the camera without having to dig through menus for the top-level functions. There's even a green button that can act as a shortcut to certain features; I like to use it for enabling cancel-processing.

Speaking of which, the K-x features some digital filters (toy camera, high contrast, retro, etc.) that seem insubstantial but can be very interesting to use. However, my favorite mode by far is cross-processing, which causes the colors, contrast, and saturation of pictures to be randomly indistinct, creating some pretty spectacular results from seemingly unspectacular subjects. Enabling this trend adds some unpredictability and fun to digital photography normally exclusive to film cameras (lomography, anyone?) or Photoshop.

Of movement, the K-x also packs a lot of serious features comparable with more expensive DSLRs on the market, such as a 12 meagpixel decision, built-in image stabilization, 4.7 photos per second shooting speed, and a spacious ISO range up to 12800. It boasts compatibility with any Pentax lens, which will be useful later on when I get tired of the kit lens. I also completely appreciate the use of AA batteries, which are cheap to buy, easy to find, and can also be rechargeable. The built-in microphone and ability to log in sharp, 720p 24fps video is also great for spontaneous moments when you need to shoot video and don't have a camcorder nearby.

After using the camera for about a month, I've encountered a few setbacks. The camera has difficulty automatically focusing in unequivocal low-light situations, requiring manual focus. Then there is the lack of manual focus benefit in the viewfinder. If you are focusing manually, you have to rely on focusing by sight, which can be difficult. This is compounded by the certainty that the resolution of the screen is not extremely sharp, enough so that when you review a picture the subject may not seem blurry unless you zoom in to thwart. The viewfinder also does not indicate which autofocus point is chosen, making its use a bit of a gamble. Also, there's the slight clicking noise that the image stabilization makes during movie mode, and there is no jack for an outside microphone. Recording movies also eats batteries, eats memory card interruption, and causes the camera to heat up quickly, but these problems are present in all current DSLRs anyway, so don't buy a DSLR solely for its video capabilities. These are all the insufficient problems I've encountered, but they hardly pose major setbacks and can be easily worked around.

Complete, this camera is highly configurable and packs an enormous amount of features for such an inexpensive camera. If you have never owned a DSLR before or are searching for a potent budget camera, I highly recommend the Pentax K-x.

2010-02-22 (Pennsylvania) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 5

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Huge Entry level DSLR
I am very thrilled with the Pentax K-x DSLR camera. The build quality is solid. The image quality (particularly at serious iso settings) is also great. HD video recording and Live View are nice additions for an entrance level DSLR. It has some really fun features like HDR and cross processing.
I already have a Pentax K1000 coat SLR camera so I can use the K-mount lenses from that camera with my K-x (using manual focus).
The "Stormtrooper" unblemished model may be an acquired taste but I find it striking and unique.

2010-02-18 (iowa) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 5

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an entrance DSLR cannot be better than this
In wee, awesome camera.
Have used Sony's and Nikons before, this bowls them over.
Canon DSLR have nicer bowels of the earth perceptions in outdoor situattion at lower ISOs, but the clarity of picture taken by this muse over is simply mind blowing.

You cannot lose with this.

More updates coming soon...

2010-02-15 (College Park, MD) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Enormous Value but not perfect.
The K-x is my first DSLR and I did a ton of investigating before purchasing it. In general I love it. The image quality fabulous. The auto-focus is dissolute. I love that I can buy old manual lenses for it that are super cheap. I bought a 50mm 1.7 for it that produces wonderful portraits. The kit lens is very attractive. I only have two real gripes with the camera. #1 is the codec that pentax chose for encoding video makes for Superhuman files. #2 is the lack of autofocus when shooting video. I am getting better at focusing manually but it does take some modus operandi. At the time that I bought the camera in order to get autofocus for video in a DSLR you had to pay three times what I paid for my K-x with the preamble of the new Canon Rebel T2i that is no longer the case. I haven't seen samples from the rebel yet so I can't note on its image quality. The K-x excels at hi iso images and produces perfectly printable images all the way up to 3200 images at 6400 are moderately noisy and the expanded range of 12800 is really not that great but you rarely need it. My details and shoot couldn't really make a printable image past ISO 400 so this is a Monumental improvement.

I also love the fact that it is storm trooper white. I admit that this is a bit silly but hey if you can why not.

Mike

2010-02-12 | sciencemike (Minneapolis, MN) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 4

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Pentax K-x 12.4 MP Digital SLR with 2.7-inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL and 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED...

List Price: $849.95 Price: Too low to display

Product Details Kit includes 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL and 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED lenses 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor with Pentax Shake Reduction; HDR image capture Powered by AA lithium batteries; capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory (not included) 4.7fps capture rate with 1/6000 sec max shutter speed; 11-point wide-angle autofocus

Product Description

The K-x combines a selection of advanced features and user-friendly functions to ensure an smashing level of photographic performance within a compact, lightweight body.The K-x pattern is based on the award winning Pentax K-m, an entry-class digital SLR camera launched in October 2008 that gained fame for its compact, lightweight body and simple, user-friendly functional. The K-x features a high performance CMOS image sensor and an upgraded cloth function. It also features a whole host of advanced features and such as live objective shooting and movie recording, approximately 12.4 megapixels and great-speed continuous shooting. The K-x is the perfect camera for first-time digital SLR camera users, as well as an standard of perfection backup camera for more experienced photographers.

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Customer Reviews

Stock but with bugs
I did a lot of research before buying the Pentax k-m (bought 2/5/10, with 2 subsidiary lens) and found that this camera was highly recommended across the internet. Now that I've bought the camera and a lot of accessories for the camera (i.e. ext. sign, remote and etc.), I am now wondering if it was the right decision or not, because now I find several web sites are reporting a "mirror smack" problem (i.e. blurred images) with some Pentax k-m's. Some people report that they have exchanged the camera for a new one only to find that the new one has the same problem and some communication that the camera appears to be fine, but the problem only shows up here and there (i.e. not a consistent problem, so it appears that buying this camera is a crap spring). My camera appears to be fine at the moment, but I am wondering when the problem will show up and will Pentax be able to fix the problem without a lot of hassle (BTW Pentax has not admitted that there is a mess). I usually wait a year or two before buying big ticket items, so that the bugs are all worked out, but today it seems like the new models are replacing the old pattern on everything so fast that there is no time to work the bugs, so everything is becoming a crap shoot. I vote for working old models rather than hit and mistake new models with new features that I could live without (or probably will never use) as long as the item worked as it should!!!!!

2010-03-06 (Spanaway, WA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 2

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A picky judge
The first one Amazon sent me had some coatings missing on the smaller lens. Both lenses in the following kit looked used (judging by the threading in the back of the lens), but at this point I did not care as long as the camera worked. Amazon returns are major!

Coming from a point and shoot with a virtually silent shutter, this shutter sounds dreadfully loud. Even in comparison to the Nikon F2, the shutter sound is much louder. Maybe it was because the F2 was used more heavily, it dialect mayhap that Pentax is louder in general.

The Auto Focus is very slow with Live View. It focuses out, then in, then finds the fit focus. I tried the Auto Focus with on the Sony Alpha a500 at Best Buy with Tangible View and the K-X is downright sluggish in comparison. With Live View off, it is just as fast as any other entr level dslr.

I bought this because I did not want to lug around a camera and video camera. As of February 2010, this is the only dslr that runs on batteries that can take HD (720p) video. The whole is monaural, but the videos are clear and smooth. When Live View is on, there is a hissing/clicking bawling that the video picks up. However, this is not loud enough to disrupt video at your usual family gatherings. Also, Sports car Focus is not available during video recording, you must use Manual Focus.

A note about the kit lens: the kit lenses do not have the Skilful Shift Focus and the distance scale that are on the stand alone lenses.

With all that said, this camera takes unimpeded pictures in the dark. The 30 second and bulb exposure can almost capture everything your eyes can see in the occult. This camera can see infrared, so with the infrared filter, you can take some neat and eerie pictures.

The menu and purchaser interface is intuitive and easy to understand. This is a very ergonomical camera. I have been trying to get lens flares in my pictures, but have yet to come after. The coating on the lens do a great job of inhibiting lens flares.

In the end, first and foremost this is a camera that takes smashing pictures and good videos. This will not replace your video camera, but is handy to have both features in a insufficient package.

2010-03-06 (USA) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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Mine was out of order...could possibly be a design flaw
Between speeds of 1/60s to 1/120s (and others, though not as discernible) my sample could not take sharp images. It would take mostly sharp images at 1/30s, and sharp images at 1/250s. I also noticed demosaicing artifacts in images as well, although I invent that's just the way the camera is.

Whether the shake problem is wide-spread, a limited defect, or a develop flaw, doesn't matter to me. I don't want to spend countless hours with Pentax on fixing the facer...if it can be fixed at all. I just want a camera that can take sharp pictures. But at this moment, my Canon snug takes sharper images than this K-x.

I also decided that optical IS is better than sensor based IS. With visual IS you get the benefit of the IS system through the viewfinder. That also means that the autofocus is more accurate, and spot metering in complex lighting is also more exact. So I returned my broken K-x and will likely get a Nikon instead.

UPDATE 12/28/10
A member of the DPReview market square had sent his K-x back to Pentax for this problem. They replaced the mirror box and did a few other things. However, he still has the problem. This is exactly the situation that I didn't inadequacy to have to deal with. The question is now being raised of this possibly being a design flaw. Another member is now awaiting the carry back of his K-x.

A poll at PentaxForums indicates 16 out of 53 K-x owners have noticed blurred/doubled images with their K-x...just over 30%.

I now have a Nikon D90 that takes equally sharp images at 1/80 as it does at 1/250. I also noticed that the D90 images aren't from head to toe as sharp as the high-shutter speed K-x images. I was actually expecting this. The K-x appears to have either a very poor low-pass filter, or maybe it performs this function in software. The result is sharper images, but greater unintentionally of false color. The effect is quite blatant in the Imaging Resource samples for the K-x. The Samuel Smith nickname in the still-life sample exhibits false color artifacts in the words "Pure Brewed" and "Lager Beer" due to the slightest low-pass filtering. Also, the Nikon D90 actually has a lossy RAW format. So both these factors combine to conceive a small, but very real difference in sharpness between the cameras.

2010-02-16 | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 1

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Thrilled
I am unconditionally thrilled with this package. At current pricing, I am convinced it is the best deal out there for an entry-horizontal DSLR - and it has more features than most people could possibly use in a lifetime. The addition of the 55-300mm lens over a filthy package adds a whole dimension of flexibility and is well worth the premium.

Beginning with Consumer Reports and their "To the fullest extent Buy" rating, I read every review and bit of information I could find on the K-x. The praise is universal.

Coming from a Canon PowerShot A530, the inequality is utterly night and day. Images are stunning, and the responsiveness of the camera makes it possible to get shots that are completely unattainable with a point and shoot. Most of my shooting involves action (dog agility and sledding, sports, etc.). In the habits it took the Canon to power up and shoot 1 picture, the K-x can power up, meter, focus, and zap 15 or 20.

Hand held pictures taken in a dimly lit banquet hall without using the race (ISO 6400) were a big surprise - gorgeous!

I think the ability to use any type of AA battery is a huge benefit. After more than 1200 shots, I am still milking the supplied set of lithium AAs, but knowing I can get a few hundred shots from standard alkalines in a lift is reassuring.

It's a stretch to find something to complain about, but I'll try. The marketing presentation on the Pentax web site clearly states that this camera has a "era-lapse" shooting mode. In fact, it does not. I don't really lament this omission, but the main film might well be added in a future firmware update. Video capability was not a factor in my choice, and set its rather severe limitations, I will reserve it for occasional use. The practical melding of DSLR and HD video cameras is still several effect generations in the future for all manufacturers.

Go for it!

p.s. - Purchased from Amazon, and it is certainly not a "gray sell" item as suggested by another reviewer.

2010-02-16 (Londonderry, NH) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Why I unwavering on the Pentax Kx
I am an excited reader of reviews and many times use this information to help in my buying decision. Since I suppose I am like most others who seek, compare, read, read some more and still can't decide I hope this might help in your quest for the right camera. Of the cameras I tried, all were very small and I would be happy with any of them.

I have been looking for a camera that will give me the biggest bang for my buck! I hope to allot more time using my camera as a hobby. Until now have used my point and shoot Canon S3IS digital for kids, kinfolk, show choir and sporting events. The Canon S3IS is a great camera; I just want to caution up a bit.

I started looking at used Nikon camera bodies as I had an old Nikon 2020 35mm veil camera with the 35-70mm & 70-210mm AF lens. I stopped by my local camera research and found my old lenses would work on the Nikon D50, D70, D80 and D90 bodies. I didn't find anything used locally or on eBay (too precious) that I wanted so I looked at the new Nikon D90. Since Canon is the other big player in this field I decided to judge their cameras as well.

Both manufacturers offered what I wanted in a camera; the ability to capture video, proficient to shoot in low light and had quick and accurate autofocus capabilities. I tried both brands back and forth for several weeks and preferred the Canon T1i. I proceeded to handle my older Nikon equipment to help pay for the Canon T1i and move that direction

While saving for my new purchase and reading about digital SLR cameras I became hip of some of other SLR brands. I found several online reviewers that had good comments about these less popular cameras. Sony, Olympus, etc had fine features but for one reason or another I took them out of contention. Sony, I thought the lenses were too precious. The Olympus just didn't click with me.(pun intended) Pentax had very good remarks and had be like capabilities as the Canon T1i. Best of all, the Pentax is considerably cheaper than the Canon.

What helped me to believe towards the Pentax Kx was that I was able to watch some video shots taken with the Nikon, Canon and Pentax on Google. I preferred the Pentax video, it didn't seem jerky in change. Still pictures side by side were also very similar in clarity. I also read several reviews comparing the Canon and Pentax side by side with very alike resemble remarks about the performance of both cameras. The biggest positive comment about the Pentax was the exceptional low light pictures it could take. The chief complaint with the Pentax Kx was a battery issue mentioned by a number of reviewers. I called Pentax and spoke with a specialized rep about the battery issue and any other issues Pentax might be having. I was told the battery issue has been taken take charge of of with a firmware update. I must say I was impressed with the tech rep. He was very helpful, took time to review his products and said that if I ever had a problem with my Pentax to give them a call as they were here to help me out.
I can use any Pentax lens, new or old on this camera. The lenses I will indubitably use most is the 55-300mm or the 18-55mm. Both these are included in the kit I purchased. Since vibration reduction is built into the body of the camera in lieu of of the lens, any lens I use will automatically be a vibration reduction lens.

I purchased the Pentax Kx with the 18-55mm and 55-300mm lens bundle for $653.00 on Amazon. It stated the Pentax camera kit would ship in 1-4 months but I ordered it on Friday and it here the following Wednesday, less than a week's time, not bad!

My thoughts about the camera.
Positives:
-It's a fairly epigrammatic body but not too small. My wife likes the size and it's not heavy hanging around the neck.
-The menu is pretty straight forward (I haven't had to pull the book out yet and can still get around easy enough!)
-Takes very good pictures in several of the modes I tried. Very satisfied.
-The auto focus is relatively fast and hits dead on at what I am pointing at.
-Some nice riddle features are included in the menu options, great to play with but doubt I'll use them much.
-The low light pictures I've infatuated so far are impressive. When I downloaded pictures they were very clean, without any or very little noise even set at the high ISO setting!
-In use accustomed to the batteries that are included and absolutely no problems.
-Lenses seem a bit light but balance well on the camera and focus smoothly.

Negatives:
-The shutter function could be quieter. This is my biggest complaint. It's not like everyone will turn around everytime you take a picture but I'd rather not hear it!
-The dust reduction facet rattles inside when you turn the camera to its side but I read that was normal as was mentioned by a reviewer. Otherwise I would have meditating something was loose inside.
-I liked the view finder of the Canon. I think the information interior is a bit larger.
-The Pentax does not have auto focus points that light up when looking through the view finder but to me that doesn't convey any difference. As I said when I pointed at what I intended to point at, it focused right on it, so this to me is a mute drift.
- It seems a bit slow when first reviewing my picture after each shot but I think that is due to the cheap memory card I'm using. I'll get another one tonight and guess it to correct the slow process. If it doesn't, I'll update this review and mention it! Otherwise, expect it was taken care of with a faster card.

Overall Impressions:
Would I say it feels quite as whole as the Canon? No, but I really like the Canon! However, I am still very impressed with the Pentax Kx. The Pentax isn't totally as thick or wide and I think the size might be most of the difference. You know you're shooting a SLR and my wife likes it! For the bounty, I figure I saved close to $400 over the Canon with similar lenses. If you want a Nikon or a Canon I'm foolproof you will be perfectly happy. If you decide to purchase the Pentax you won't be disappointed in this camera either. It's not the big name of Nikon or Canon but I bet you'll start to see more of Pentax with what all they present oneself and at the price point it is offered for! My budget was limited to $1600.00 but of course I was hoping to splash out less. That's a lot of money to spend on a camera and I could have bought up to a higher level camera which I premeditated but I am comfortable this camera will give me what I'm looking for and saved me quite a bit in the process. I added a few pictures on flickr that were infatuated with this camera to give you an idea of the photo quality. Remember, I'm not a pro, I just enjoy taking pictures. Go to flickr and search for scubaguy4409

Tips to think:
I suggest when buying online you check the retailer thoroughly. I searched several sellers on both Google and Bing and found prices from $400.00 to $900+for a Pentax Kx camera kit. The two low priced sellers I checked on had unpleasant reviews about shipping and more importantly when I called to ask about their camera packages they were very short with me on the phone. I don't like to fritter away anymore than the next guy but i figured if I had a problem with my purchase I would be %$#% out of luck with this guy!

2010-02-08 (Iowa) | Helpful Votes: 24 | Rating: 5

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Pentax K-7 14.6 MP Digital SLR with Shake Reduction and 720p HD Video with DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6...

List Price: $1,249.95 Price: Too low to display

Product Details Fast 5.2 fps shooting with the new PRIME II Image processing engine; top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec freezes even the fastest action in well-lit settings Kit includes Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL weather-resistant lens High-resolution, 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor; compact, magnesium alloy body 3-inch LCD; Live View mode, with contrast AF, Face Detection, and optional histogram, grid, and bright/dark area display

Product Description

Hoya Corporation Pentax Imaging Systems Section is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-7 lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera. In defiance of its compact, lightweight body, this model brings together a wide fix of advanced functions and user-friendly features with outstanding reliability and operability. This makes it doable to enjoy high-quality digital SLR photography with great ease.The K-7 has been full-grown as a high-end model of the Pentax K digital SLR camera series. True to its series design, it was designed not only to assure outstanding image quality, but also to provide odd ease and comfort of operation and the utmost satisfaction to photo enthusiasts of all levels, including advocate amateurs. After making a thorough review of all essential digital SLR camera components and functions, Pentax has revised and upgraded many of them, including viewfinder, shutter portion, continuous-shooting capacity, and exposure and autofocus systems. Safe by a durable, high-quality metallic body, but the K-7 is designed to be uncommonly compact and functional just like all other K-series models for enhanced portability and maneuverability. In over, it has added several user-friendly features, including video recording, pongy chief dynamic range (HDR), and automatic horizon correction. All of these make the K-7 a tremendous lifelike tool, perfect for all discerning digital SLR photographers.

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Customer Reviews

Pentax solely can't get it right!
I had been a Pentax fan ever since the period of the old film cameras, having owned five in total. Pentax arrived late in the DSLR prospect socialize and I was avidly awaiting to get mine. I got the IstDS... a total fiasco in terms of usability and representation quality. Nostalgia (and the hope of using a good number of Pentax lenses I own), I guess, led me to get the K-7. Another flop. It feeds erroneous information to the photographer (disconcerting), AF is slow and inaccurate, and image grandeur remains appalling. A piece of junk. I would not recommend this to an enemy or to anyone else for that matter. Moving over to NIKON which I should have done in the first billet

2010-03-10 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 1

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Sometimes the largest things in life don't get mentioned.
Ardent camera, big improvement in low-light AF from previous Pentax DSLR's. One thing you must know is Pentax is one of the very few companies who create in-body stabilized DSLR's and used the same mount since film, allowing all current 3rd fete lenses and manual lenses from 30 years ago to work on this body and still maintain visual stabilization. Huge advantage for Pentax over it's competitors, but sadly the world is brainwashed by what they see in Best Buy and the advertisements.

Pentax builds cameras for photographers and hobbyists at the most outstanding of their ability. Pentax does not create 3 DSLRs in the same class, pricing them one over another after stripping features. Pentax are a constant company to their loyal consumers; you will never see them screw their consumers over by producing a bunch of half-infertile bodies and advertise them as everything. They make one DSLR for entry-level and one DSLR for semi-pro and putting all they have to put up for a more than reasonable price.

Aside from the quality of Pentax's craftsmanship throughout the years, the superb build excellence of the K-7 is not to be forgotten, that over 50 years of producing some of the finest film SLR's and DSLR's, all of that innovation and spell spent have been put into creating this masterpiece. 77 weather-seals making it resistant to dust, downpour, and cold temperatures, this is truly the most powerful Pentax ever built to date.

Sometimes the best just don't get talked about, in certainty most of the best things in life don't get talked about. Most people can't think for themselves. Out of all the people in the world, only a very restricted few who knows what's best for themselves. People don't come to realize the best things in life until it's too up to the minute. I'm glad to be part of the few who figured it out for myself. I do things in life that's best for me, not what others think is best for me. I go Pentax when others say otherwise, because when I held a Pentax in my hands for the very first all together, I knew that was it.

2010-02-23 | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 5

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Gratified I splurged!
I have only had a aim-and-shoot camera in the past. I had been wanting a DSLR for a while now, and planned on purchasing one with my tax refund this year. I was debating between a K-7 and a K-x. After doing A LOT of inspect I pretty much came to the realization that in the digital SLR photography world there are two big players, Canon and Nikon. After discussing my choices with my friends, one mentioned that his roommate had a K20 and loved it! I started to check out Pentax, and discovered the incredible value to cost that you get from Pentax! I was sold on the K-x, then I started thinking I would like to have the benefits of dazzling features and the weather seals. I live in Colorado and who knows when the weather will change. Also the stainless brace chassis and magnesium alloy body were a big sell. This K7 feels like you could use it as a hammer!! It doesn't appear like a feather-light toy, as some competitors do. (Same with the 2 WR lenses) Plus the feature list of the K-7 is dazzling.

I received it earlier than the promised date. It was packed fairly well and the package came in righteousness condition. I took it out and set it to P and shot auto for the first day with the 18-55mm WR lens. I took some awesome shots on a "kidney walk" through my neighborhood. I have moved onto the manual mode and have started to get into all the features to this camera. (There are so many!!) Having it for 4 period now, I have shot almost 1400 shots. Both indoor and outdoor. I have taken 30 second things delayed night shots, cloudy, full sun, indoor no flash, with flash. The high ISO clamour that I have read people complaining about on forums is minimal if you have the settings right! I already have a "highlight pitch list" folder with my best shots.

I decided to go with Pentax because they are headquartered in Colo. Also I like the fact that I can go buy adapted to lenses and use them in manual focus. A beginner can use this camera and get good results. Yet there is plenty of area to grow into the advanced features and functions!

2010-02-14 (Colorado) | Helpful Votes: 9 | Rating: 5

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My preference over Canon or Nikon
I will withdraw all the technical reviews for other people. I went to a lot of camera stores before making my choice. Every singular store recommended the Canon or the Nikon over the Pentax. But I had read a lot of great reviews on the net and the selection of lenses for the Pentax suffused all my needs. The big deciding factors for me were:

1- Build construction which is far superior to the Nikon or Canon
2- Appraise. Smaller than the other two and much nicer to hold and feels better in the hand.
3- Weather proofing. I had to take some pictures on the careen the other day with a friend who has a Canon. It started to rain and my friend had to scurry for cover. I was able to give the coup de gr the shots and not worry about the camera getting a little wet.
4- Lenses. I really like the picking of Pentax lenses. They seem better value for money and the DA* series is great. When you boil down the selection of what you definitely need or can use on your camera the Nikon or Canon selection is not as huge as it looks unless you are a sports photographer and miss a super long lens. Plus you can use older lenses and I have bought a couple of older duplicate hand lenses like a super wide angle that I do not use often, but enjoy to have.
5- Value for paper money. Pentax gives you a much better camera at this price level than Canon or Nikon.

Image je sais quoi from what I have seen to very close between all the better cameras. With any of these cameras you have to read the manual and practice using the camera to pushy the most of it. With a little practice now I am finding the layout of the controls on the Pentax brilliant and can quickly and easily fill up any of the adjustments I need. There are so many great and clever features that I really enjoy. The shops also made a big handle about the mode dial on the Canon and Nikon. This is great for beginners and the Pentax is more a Prosumer camera. But the Pentax has these same stage set in the menu if you want them and we sometimes use them for general shooting.

I love this camera. It does not look like a big hunk of chintzy sitting there and has a quality feel to it. It is very easy to learn to use and the resulting photos are odd even with the kit lens. My best recommendation is to go to a shop and hold the Pentax side by side with the Canon and Nikon and you will see the differences I have famous above. It really swings the decision to the Pentax.

2010-02-10 | Helpful Votes: 11 | Rating: 5

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Superlative DSLR
I ordered this when it was sold through Amazon at the end of '09. I had at been looking solely at Nikons, then spread my research to Canon. One day I stumbled upon an ad for the Pentax K7. I was customary with the Pentax name, but knew nothing of their DSLRs. Curious, I did my research. Lots and lots of research. It was overwhelming to examine through the many cameras out there and all of the tech. specs., which, at this point, I am not all familiar with. I read many reviews and decided to instruction the K7 as a first DSLR for my college courses. I'm very pleased that I happened to see an ad for it and went for the camera.

It's been a great camera to learn on and get reaquainted with instructions photography with (I had only used an old SLR prior to this. So far, the image quality seems great (if the camera is set correctly (ISO)). I've had really a few learning experiences with this camera. Now that I know more of what I'm doing, my photos are certainly turning out sick and they print very well.

I really enjoy the electronic level function and the many ways you can customize the settings on the camera. I be familiar with some reviews about the menu settings being a bit archaic, but I think they suit the camera quite well. Not having to scroll down through one or two unrestrained b generally menus is really nice.

One of the selling points on this camera for me was the weatherized body. I've put it to the test, and it indubitably has not let me down yet. I've had this little bugger out in the snow, pretty much since I de-boxed it. It's gone on quite a few adventures, accompanying me across rodomontade-whipped lakes on the ice and even down a hill whilt tubing. I may have also accidentally dropped my camera bag with the camera in it. No damage! (I have the Mode Size Ape Case Pro by Norazza, a great bag to go along with the camera and a lens or two).

If I had to be incredibly picky about something, it would have to be the lens cap that came with the lens. Try as I might, I can never seem to get it to in reality lock on. Sometimes it seems as if it is on, but then it will slip off. It kind of makes me think it could scratch the lens, pretty much defeating the use of a cap. Pretty insignificant, but hey, that just goes to show what a great DSLR this is. I may end up tossing the cap all together and going for screen instead, but I'm not sure yet.

All in all, I've really been pleased with my K7's performance. I'm excited to go through photography classes with it, even if I am the only one with a Pentax. As they say, be unheard-of! Give Pentax a try, you will be pleased with the quality you get for the money you put into it.

2010-02-09 | Helpful Votes: 5 | Rating: 5

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Are Pentax Digital SLRs good cameras?

Q: I'm philosophy about getting an slr but i can't afford a canon or nikon are pentax's good slrs too? because i identify they're not as expensive as those

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A: Yes, they are marvellous cameras and also have excellent lenses. Go to http://dpreview.com and set side by side the different dslr cameras, in your price range. Presume from the reviews. Then go to a real camera store, not Best Buy or Wal Mart, and hilt the different cameras, try them with various lenses, and buy the one which fits you in the most suitable way.

Which is the better option in digital SLRs Canon or Nikon?

Q: I have an old instructions Pentax SLR and a new-ish Canon Powershot digital point and shoot camera...but would like to upgrade to a new digital SLR. What would you back? Canon or Nikon...and what additional lens and accessories would you make attractive? Thankyou for your advice.

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A: Since you have a PENTAX, if you have any premium lenses for it you might want to look at the new PENTAX K-series DSLR cameras. The latest is the K10D which is 10mp, has archetype stabilization built into the body and accepts all previous K-mount lenses.

As to what lenses and trimmings you'll need that's pretty much up to you. Its a good idea to list your true to life interests. If you want to do extreme close-ups of flowers, insects, etc. then you'll call for a true macro lens*. If you enjoy sports then a permissible long zoom will be needed - at least 300mm at the long end. If you require to do portraits, then a portrait lens equivalent to 85mm to 105mm should be on your schedule**. If you like wide sweeping scenics then you'll lack a wide angle lens.

As to accessories, again that depends on what your interests are. Will you poverty a camera that supports an off-camera flash? Will you be using a tripod or monopod?

The only items I hold should absolutely, positively be in every photographer's possession are: A Skylight 1A (uncoated) or 1B (covered) filter which should live on every lens you own. These filters are cheap patronage for that front element. A good quality (B+W, HOYA, TIFFEN - brands I've owned for yrs.) anfractuous*** polarizing filter. This filter can be used to show dark blue skies, reduce reflections from mollify, glass or painted metal.

* A true macro lens is a crooked-focal length lens, such as the SIGMA 70mm f2.8 macro. This gives you a print ratio of between 1:2 (1/2 life size) and 1:1 (person size). It is designed for close focusing and is a flat meadow lens. Zoom lenses with "macro" on them are generally speaking capable of a 1:4 (1/4 life size) image.

** This choice, 85mm, 100mm, 105mm is based on fixed-central length 35mm film camera lenses. Depending on your camera determination, the conversion factor is either 1.6 or 1.5 so a 50mm @ 1.6 would be close to an 80mm on a DSLR; a 70mm @ 1.6 = 112mm. Although many zoom lenses cover this collection, a fixed-focal length portrait lens will be faster (perhaps f2 or f2.8) which allows you to fogginess the background. NOTE: Resist the temptation to use your macro for portraits unless your under the control of b dependent on has perfect skin. The macro is simply too sharp - it will show any error in great detail.

*** There are two types of polarizing filters - circular and linear. The linear one will not occupation with AF and through lens metering.

Which Digital SLRs is good for new user?

Q: I am a fresher and stand in want to lean photography. Could you like to tell me which Digital SLRs is good for me? My ally suggested me Pentax K10D, it is good?

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A: The most skilfully digital SLR camera for a beginner is the one that you can afford the most. What I mean is buy the most expensive DSLR camera that you can give forth entangled with whether its the Olympus Evolt E-500 or the Canon EOS-1D MK III or anything in between. The quality of the pictures that the new dslr(s) cause are so close it would be hard to tell the difference. The most important go-between in photography is the user himself and not the camera.