Well, the K-x is based on the same body design as the K-m, which isn't weather-resistant either. To add weather sealing to this body would require a lot of re-engineering and probably didn't fit in with their time/cost plan for the K-x release.
To many this would appear to be an apparent step back from their nature/outdoors strategy given how much they pushed the weather and cold-resistant abilities of the K-7, as well as the weather-sealed kit lenses that were introduced along with it. But considering the financial environment we have seen in this past year, as well as the uncertainties that Hoya management had regarding where to take Pentax, I don't think we could expect them to introduce a new line of weather-sealed bodies in this time. So given this, I think the fact that the K-x is not weather-sealed is understandable, though obviously it's not desireable nor ideal.
That said, the K-x is a very pleasant surprise to me, and I suspect it's taken more than a few others by surprise too. Could this be the "make it or break it" for Pentax? Anyways, its success will bode well for Pentax (and us) for the next few years, and hopefully we'll see a more complete line of weather-sealed bodies and lenses in the near future.
Date:
2009-12-30 - 07:37:02
Author:
Jonathan Wilson
Rating:
I'm very happy with it. Even though this is my first DSLR, I have had a SLR for a long time. Tried a number DSLRs before choosing the K-x (including Nikon D5000 and Canon 450 / 500) and like the look and feel of the K-x better.
Positive points:
* Light and relatively compact
* Very good image quality (although my ISO performance does not seem to be quite as good as the review camera images I have seen)
* Lots of cool effects and features to play with (including multiple - exposure!)
* Seems to take good night shots
* Almost any Pentax lense will work with it!
* Hi speed continuous mode works well - getting a good 4.5 frames / s
* Cost effective and convenient AA batteries (now - but see comment in problems area)
* Quick menus work well (better than on D5000)
Negative points:
* No HDMI port
* USB / Video connector cover a bit fiddly and flimsy
* View finder could be brighter / bigger (when compared to my SLR)
* No time lapse mode like D5000
On balance when comparing the features of other cameras in the same price bracket, the K-x has a large number of really useful features and therefore I give it max points (even though I love the idea of having HDMI and time lapse mode that is available on the D5000).
Date:
2010-01-15 - 13:24:12
Author:
Kari
Rating:
Awesome IQ, and abilities for such a simple entry level camera, I have used the K10D, K20D and have the K-7 and K-x and the K-x is going to win over the K-7 in low light and a few other situations...
Best money i spent on a DSLR
Date:
2010-02-19 - 03:29:45
Author:
Michael
Rating:
Pentax K-x blog
I purchased the Pentax K-x as my first digital SLR camera. I love it so much that I wanted to know more about how to use it, and could not find a good website with enough information about actually using the camera, so I decided to start a blog about it. Its called.
www.kxuser.com
Check it out if you enjoy this camera!
Date:
2010-04-28 - 10:04:57
Author:
GarryH
Rating:
Initial Impressions
I just received and unpacked the K-x. The K-x feels solid and quality built, this is great for the class and has features that many more expensive cameras lack. I shot a few pictures and they are looking awesome... I will need more time to do a complete review, but overall the K-x looks great. I think this Camera has tremendous Value and will push more consumers to look at Pentax for dSLR. Many ppl forget or don't know the great Film Pentax's of the past.
A few notes:
1. Yes the camera comes without a SDHC Card, but Camera's lack this anyway. (I purchased a 16GB Class 6 SDHC ~$32).
2. The Camera comes with Lithium AA Batteries, but you can use Ni-MH Rechargeable AA also.
3. Included Kit lens 18-55mm is sharp and takes great pictures...
4. You can use many film/dSLR Pentax Lenses going back about 50 years, this mount is compatible.
Date:
2010-05-19 - 10:09:03
Author:
prosumer
Rating:
I replaced a swag of sony dslr''s with the first of a number of these units, i found it simple to use given i got a japanese instruction book with it not english, a short scroll though the screens and it was set up the way i wanted it and quickly as well. Image straight from the camera is better than anything i have shot previously except for images from kodak point and shoots for color [those great color engines they have]. Highly recommend k-x and will be buying a couple more as well.
