Pentax K-x SLR
March 5, 2010$699
The Pentax K-x is one of the best entry-level SLRs I have come across; a solidly built unit packed full of features that grace competitors twice its price.
The compact body packs quite a punch, with a 12.4 megapixel sensor, 11-point focusing, and high-definition video recording. There are some really useful filters and settings such as an ISO range of 12,800, 4.7 frames a second shooting and cross processing. An 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 lens is standard fare for budget SLRs, though the wide-angle to medium-telephoto range will be more than enough.
The image quality is faithful to the LCD screen, and there are heaps of digital filters if you prefer your shots to be more saturated. For shooting at night and in dim light, the flash performance is good and doesn’t flood the subject. The only let-downs are the poor location of some of the dials and buttons. For example, it’s possible to unwittingly switch from the viewfinder to the LCD screen display with a touch of your nose, and the aperture dial is on the back, rather than at the front of the shutter release.
AA batteries are not everyone’s preference, as their charge doesn’t last long and they do add some extra weight. However, for the price of a decent compact, you can own this little SLR gem, and it is well worth the investment. By Oliver Newbery
