PentaxK-XPentax K-x DSLR brings HD video recording to the masses
New Digital SLR camera brings HD movie recording, high-speed continuous shooting, and user-friendly operation in affordable, lightweight chassis.
Pentax may not be the first name that comes to mind when it comes to starting market trends or innovations, but its newly announced K-x DSLR camera is challenging that perception by bringing DSLR HD recording to the great unwashed.
Coming in October, the new Pentax K-x features a 12.4-megapixel sensor, Live View with fast face detection for up to 16 faces and 1280 x 270 pixel HDTV movie recording at 24 frames per second (which gives recordings a more film-like quality and is the standard frame rate for motion pictures).
What's more, this camera shoots 4.7 images per second and offers an 11-point sensor and in-body shake reduction, making it capable of shooting action and sports photography, just like pro and enthusiast cameras costing up to three times more.
In fact, compared to other cameras in this space, The Pentax K-x looks to take the oxymoron out of "High-Performance Entry-Class" with base model pricing starting at US$649, C$699.
Movie quality HD recording was introduced in DSLR cameras last year, but shutterbugs who wanted HD video capabilities on a 12 megapixel DSLR at "consumer friendly prices" had to choose between scant offerings in Nikon's $900 D5000, or Canon's more recent $1,000 T1i.
In North America, Pentax will offer the K-x in classic black but also red, navy, or white to position it as a fashion or lifestyle product.
The K-x also looks to push the power efficiency envelop as it's to take 1,900 images on four AA-size lithium batteries.