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New Pentax K-x dSLR dishes up HD video for under $650

Taking a page from its successful predecessor, the K200D, the newly announced Pentax K-x delivers impressive specs in an aggressive priced package. Currently the lowest-priced dSLR to provide HD video, the K-x is priced at least $200 less than the next cheapest dSLRs with HD video, the Nikon D5000 and the Canon Rebel T1i.
Written by Janice Chen, Inactive

Taking a page from its successful predecessor, the K200D, the newly announced Pentax K-x delivers impressive specs in an aggressively priced package. Currently the lowest-priced dSLR to provide HD video, the K-x is priced at least $200 less than the next cheapest dSLRs with HD video, the Nikon D5000 and the Canon Rebel T1i.  Like the K200D, it takes easy-to-find AA batteries (four AA lithium batteries are included) rather than proprietary Lithium Ion batteries like most dSLRs, and its compact size will appeal to shooters making the jump up from point-and-shoot models.  The new K-x will be available in four colors when it starts shipping in October (black, white, red, and navy blue) though the red and blue versions will be limited editions.

For a quick specs comparison with similarly priced competitors:

Pentax K-x Sony Alpha DSLR-A330 Olympus E-620
Price $649.95 (with 18-55mm lens), ships in October $649.99 (with 18-55mm lens)

$699.99 (with 14-42mm lens)

Sensor 12.4 megapixels, 23.6×15.8mm CMOS 10.2 megapixels,  23.5 x 15.7mm CCD 12.3 megapixel Live MOS Continuous Shooting Speed 4.7 fps 2.5 fps 4.0 fps LCD 2.7-inch, 230,000 pixels (fixed) 2.7-inch, 230,400 pixels (tiltable) 2.7-inch, 230,000 pixels (articulated) Autofocus 11-point (9 cross-type) 9-point 7-point (5 cross-type) Sensitivity ISO 100-12800 ISO 100-3200 ISO 100-3200 Live View Yes Yes Yes Storage Media SD, SDHC Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, SD memory card, SDHC memory card Compact Flash Type I/II (UDMA), Microdrive, xD-Picture Card Movie Mode

1280×720 (24 fps)/640×416 (24 fps) None None Dimensions 4.8×3.6×2.7 inches 5.0×3.8×2.8 inches 5.11×3.7×2.36 inches Weight (body)

18.2 oz 17.3 oz 16.6 oz

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