Pentax Kx Specs and Scores
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General
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Pentax Kx
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Brand | Pentax |
Model | Kx |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2009 |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 17, 2009 |
Camera Type |  DSLR |
Camera Size | |
Camera Weight |
The Pentax Kx scores 46 out of 100 for its general specifications. Launched in 2009 with a price of $640, this DSLR measures 123 x 92 x 68mm and weighs 580g or 1.28lbs. Considering its age, the Kx’s specs are not as competitive in today’s market. We can appreciate its compact size and decent weight, but modern cameras offer more advanced features and better performance.
Pentax Kx Overview and Optics
The Pentax Kx optics score is 51/100. With 12.4 megapixels, a shooting speed of 4.7, and a CMOS sensor, the camera has decent specifications. The Prime processor contributes to the camera’s performance, and its DXOMARK sensor score is 72. The camera also features an APS-C sensor size, a Pentax KAF lens mount, image stabilization, and a 3:2 aspect ratio.
Comparing the Pentax Kx to today’s market, it falls short in some areas. Modern cameras typically have higher megapixel counts and faster shooting speeds. However, the Kx still holds its ground with image stabilization and a versatile lens mount.
In the end, the Pentax Kx is a reliable camera with respectable optics. Although it may not be the top choice for current photographers, it has features that make it a decent option for those on a budget or seeking a beginner camera.
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Optics
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Pentax Kx
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 12.4 MP |
Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4288 x 2848 px |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.8 x 23.6 mm |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 4.7 fps |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Pentax KAF |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Prime |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 200 |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 6,400 |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 12800 |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 6000 s |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 11 |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentamirror) |
Pentax Kx Video Performance
The Pentax Kx video capabilities score is 34 out of 100. This camera offers standard HD video with a maximum resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. It has a maximum video frame rate of 25fps, which is lower than most modern cameras. Additionally, it lacks built-in time-lapse functionality.
Comparing the Pentax Kx video specifications to today’s market, it falls short. Most cameras now provide Full HD or 4K video resolution, higher frame rates, and time-lapse features. The Pentax Kx does not meet the expectations of current videographers and content creators.
The Pentax Kx is not a strong contender for those seeking advanced video capabilities. It is outperformed by many other cameras in the market, making it less desirable for video recording purposes.
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Video
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Pentax Kx
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  |
Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Standard HD |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1280 x 720 px |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 25 p |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |   |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | Motion JPEG |
Pentax Kx Features and Benefits
The Pentax Kx features a score of 34/100, which reflects its capabilities in comparison to current market offerings. The camera has a 2.7-inch screen with a resolution of 230,000 dots, lacking a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity.
In today’s market, these specifications place the Pentax Kx towards the lower end of the spectrum, as modern cameras typically boast larger screens, higher resolutions, and various connectivity options. The absence of a touchscreen and flip screen may hinder user experience and versatility, while the lack of GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth can limit its functionality for sharing and geotagging photos.
The Pentax Kx, despite its lower feature score, still offers a decent performance for beginners or those seeking a budget-friendly option. However, it falls short when compared to the advanced features and conveniences found in many current camera models.
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Features
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Pentax Kx
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  |
External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  |
Screen Type | TFT LCD |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  |
Screen Size |  2.7" |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 230,000 dots |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  |
Wi-Fi |  |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  |
Pentax Kx Storage and Battery
The Pentax Kx storage and battery score is 51/100. This camera has one memory card slot, which accepts SD and SDHC cards. In today’s market, having only one slot may not be sufficient for some photographers who require more storage capacity. The battery life of the Pentax Kx is impressive, offering 1900 shots before needing a replacement. This camera uses 4 AA batteries, which are easily accessible and affordable. However, the lack of USB charging is a drawback, as it may not be convenient for users who prefer to charge devices through USB ports.
Considering the storage and battery specifications, the Pentax Kx has its strengths and weaknesses. While its battery life and affordability are noteworthy, the limited storage options and absence of USB charging may deter some potential users.
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Storage and Battery
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Pentax Kx
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC |
Dual Memory Card Slots |  |
Battery Type | 4 x AA batteries |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 1,900 shots |
USB Charging |  |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Pentax Kx
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |
Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 22.8 bits |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 12.5 EVs |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 811 |
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Scores
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Pentax Kx
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User Scores
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Pentax Kx
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B&H photo video |