A word about the differences between the Pentax K-x and the newer K-r. The K-x e-book is also the e-book for the K-r.

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

Hi Pentaxian friends.

Here is a quick differences between the K-x and K-r:

The visual differences between the K-r and K-x are limited to the AF-assist light (underneath the mode dial), a boxier prism and more angular top plate, accompanied by a larger, higher resolution screen on the K-r. All other elements of the body design including the external buttons and dials are identical to the K-x. The new prism means the K-r is about 3/16" taller than the K-x, but aside from that they're essentially the same size.

The functionality differences are minor and I didn’t write a new e-book for the K-r. The K-x e-book explains how to use the camera adequately since the two cameras are essentially the same.

The K-r has a bigger LCD screen, 921,000 dots resolution and a 3” size. The K-r uses a rechargeable battery and can also use AA batteries with an optional holder. The K-r offers visual confirmation of the AF point. The K-r can shoot at 6 fps compared to 4.7 fps for the K-x. The K-r has an AF assist light.

The sensor is the same on both cameras and the IQ is the same.

The Pentax K-r



The Pentax K-x



As you can see, the operability remains the same as the K-x and that's why I found that writing a new e-book just for the K-r would be abusing my customers. The newer e-books now sell for $14.99 but the K-x e-book is still only $10.95.

Yvon Bourque

I will not write an e-book for thePentax K-r as it is too similar to the Pentax K-x. The K-x e-book has all you need. Read on to see the differences between the two cameras.

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

Hi Pentaxian friends.

The Pentax K-r has been out since September 2010. Is replaced the Pentax K-x which was a huge success for Pentax. It would have been a mistake to replace the K-x with a totally redesigned DSLR because of its popularity. So the Pentax K-r was born, but with the same heart, the 12.4mp CMOS sensor.

I was contemplating whiting a new e-book for it, and I even wrote about one fourth of the book. Since then, I received many emails requesting the K-r e-book. I thought about it a long time and decided that I couldn't write a specific book for the K-r because A) The similarities in their operation are not worthy of a new e-book. The K-x e-book is sufficient to learn about the K-r's operation. B) It made no sense to sell you, likely at a higher price, a new e-book just for the sake making money. C) The differences are mostly in the body

and shape of the camera. Therefore, if you purchased a new Pentax K-r, my K-x e-book will suffice and you will  save a few bucks as the newer e-books are selling for $15.00 instead of the $11.00 for the K-x.

I listed the differences between the two cameras below:

1. The K-x had a maximum ISO of 12,800 with expansion while the K-r has a maximum ISO of 25,600 with expansion. (Great improvement, but once you know how to change ISO, it's all the same)
2. The K-x had a continuous shooting speed of 4.7fps (17 frames) while the K-r has a continuous shooting speed of 6.0fps (25 frames) (Again, this is great but as far as operating it, there are no changes.)
3. The auto focus of the K-r is faster and more accurate. It also has an AF assist light for better focusing in darker areas.
4. The K-r has the AF point confirmation in the viewfinder, which is a great addition but doesn't change anything as far as shooting.
5. The K-r can use the supplied rechargeable battery or can use four AA batteries with the optional adapter. That is great if you travel.
6. The camera body of the K-r is slightly larger and has a modified shape.
7. The K-r has  movie custom images mode, night scene HDR, cross process mode and IR simple,  which are the only real changes in the functionalities. They are not worthy of a new- book.
8. The k-x has a 2.7" LCD screen and the K-r has a 3" LCD screen.

 I believe that once you learn the primary functions that are the same as the k-x, the four new functions will come easy.



Front view of the K-x.





Front view of the K-r. Slightly modified body with the addition of the AF assist light.



Rear view of the K-x.

Rear view of the K-r. Note that the function buttons are the same. The body is slightly different and the LCD screen measures 3" diagonal as compared to 2.7" on the K-x.

There you have it. If you need a reference manual other than the confusing owner's manual, the K-x e-book is what you need. The Owner's manual shows you what, the K-x e-book shows you what, why, when and how, with plenty of illustrations and real images, and written in  laymen terms. Download a free sample of the book from this page: Pentax e-books.

Thank you for your visit,

Yvon Bourque



Beep ! Beep ! Vroommm. My brother and I were there to see the road runner in action with our Pentax DSLRs.

  

email: brqyvn@gmail.com

Hi Photographer friends,

My brother and I were visiting the Anza Borrego Desert State Park about a month ago. We were there mostly to take pictures of the California wild flowers. However, a strange bird met us near the entrance of the park. My brother had his Pentax K-x with the 50-200mm kit lens. I had my Pentax K-5 and the K-7 as a backup. I had dropped the K-5 a few days before but all seemed to be okay, until I tried to shoot the road runner. The camera would not get in focus, even in manual mode. There was too much back focusing. Lucky for me, I had the K-7 and exchanged the camera quickly. I was only able to take about 10 shots before I heard Beep! Beep! and it was gone.

The truth of the matter is that I wasn't able to capture that wild bird as much as I would have liked to. As for the K-5, Pentax fixed it, but I don't recommend dropping it from eye level to a concrete floor.

So I credit my brother Roland  for most of the images below. I shot No. 2 and 6, the rest are his images. I used the Tokina 400mm lens and I wish the K-5 would have been used with my now "new" Pentax DA* 300mm".  What can one do...like they say, the best camera is the one you have with you.



Admit it, we all would have like for Wile Coyote to get him at some point.



There is definitely a resemblance.

P.S. Maybe an "Acme Corporation" camera and lens would have been better for taking pictures of the road runner...according to Wile Coyote.

Thank you for visiting,

Yvon Bourque

The Pentax world has been relatively quiet this past year. So shame on me for thinking, that in my future, I might purchase some third party equipment, to complement my Pentax arsenal.

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Hi Pentaxian friends.

The Pentax world has been relatively quiet this past year. Yes, the Pentax Medium Format 645D was introduced in Japan and is making it's way to the United States and Europe, but that's not a DSLR that most of us will be able to purchase. I wish I could, but $10K for the camera, plus several indispensable lenses and other peripheral equipment would mean an outfit costing somewhere between $15K to $20K. You can certainly purchase a nice car for that amount of money. Moreover, big files means that your computing power may become inadequate. That's another $2K to $5K. The "Beautiful" people of the world will be able to enjoy such a technical marvel, but the rest of us will still be shooting with APS-C or Full Frame DSLRs for a while.

The last two DSLRs that Pentax introduced were the K-7 in May of 2009 and the K-x in October of 2009. These two cameras have been the most successful DSLRs from Pentax thus far, especially the entry-level K-x which we saw being offered in a multitude of colors and packages. The K-x held the No.1 spot for several Months and the image quality was the best for cameras in its price range.

Many Point-and-shoot or compact* cameras (*to use Pentax's terms) have been released in the past twelve Months with the Optio W90 leading the pack. I actually purchased the Optio W90 and can attest that it is a great compact camera that you can bring with you anywhere you go, even under water.

Like most of other Pentaxians, I am awaiting to see what will be next for Pentax. The rumors are that, since the biggest camera event in the world, the German "Photokina World of Imaging" is taking place in September of this year, 2010, most new releases will likely coincide with this event, and that from all manufacturers. Then again, maybe not. Canon did introduce the EOS T2i just a little while back and the rumors are that Nikon will be introducing the replacement of the D90.

If you follow my blog, you might remember that some of my equipment was stolen earlier this year, on my way to the PMA show in Anaheim, CA. My most precious lenses are gone and I haven't been able to replace them so far. Yes, I should have insured my equipment, but that sort of bad luck only happens to other people...right!

I still have my K-7 and K-x and some good lenses, but my setup is quite diminished. In the past, I always had three bodies and lenses to cover from extreme wide-angle to long telephoto. I am at a crossroad now as to what will I get in the future to expand and re-equip myself with the best technology I can afford. I have been a Pentax user for many decades and always liked their approach to photography and their products, and still do. However, I am uncertain as to what I will do in the future. I will always purchase the flagship Pentax DSLR whenever a new one is introduced...but, let me explain another point-of-view to this.

I usually have three bodies and an assortment of lenses to cover just about any angle of view. What I don't always have is some of the attributes and technologies other camera makers may have on their models. If you are a Pentax fan, you might remember when Ned Bunnell, President of Pentax America, purchased a Leica camera and posted that on his blogsite. He was highly criticized for that, but he had a real tangible point. Pentax didn't manufacture a similar small, portable and high image quality he wanted.

Well, this is where I am. Pentax is certainly the most economical system and the biggest bang for the buck. Pentax is compatible with millions of lenses dating back 25 years plus. Pentax DSLRs and lenses are sufficient for more that 90% of the shooting situations. Pentax has the best pancake prime lenses. But what about very low light photography, or very high ISO requirements, or quickest auto-focus, or fast mega-zooms or telephotos? What about a competing camera to the  D3x or the EOS 1D Mark IV? I personally would never consider Sony or any of the 4/3 cameras.

So shame on me for thinking, that in my future, I might purchase some other non-Pentax equipment, to complement my Pentax arsenal. After all, I am in the pursuit of imaging perfection, although never attainable. Maybe instead of having three Pentax bodies, I might get three different branded bodies with accompanying lenses that will take advantage of each particular DSLR attributes. I might be able to cover 98% of the shooting situations then.

No, no, don't count me out of the Pentax world. I'm just thinking out loud on my blog site. Are you with me? When you are a Pentaxian, you are a Pentaxian forever.

Thank you for reading,

Yvon Bourque

Nothing last forever. I decided to sell my best photographic piece of equipment. Boo hoo!!!

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Hi Pentaxian friends.

Sometimes, a guy has to do what a guy has to do. I reluctantly sold my precious Jeep. I will miss it a lot, but the reality is that any hobby costs so much money that I have to restrict myself to one hobby only. My photography hobby is costly enough. It would be even costlier if I wasn't using the Pentax equipment.

With the price of gas and insurance and the ever ending fixing that a 1988 Jeep requires, I will be better off saving that money. Blah Blah Blah Blah...it sucks.

Goodbye Girl. We had some good times together. Have a nice life.

Thank you for reading,

Yvon bourque

Follow-up to the Las Vegas Trip...Shelby Mustangs

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Hi Pentaxian friends.

As a follow-up to yesterday's post, here are some pictures of the Mustangs we saw at a gas station off of highway 15, on our way to Las Vegas.

Carroll Shelby is an icon in the Mustang performance world. On January 11th, a group of Shelby owners from Los Angeles drove to Las Vegas to celebrate his 87th birthday. We were lucky enough to be at a gas station when about one hundred of these Mustangs stopped to refuel. Shelby's main goal in life, we were told, has simply been to move faster, whether it was in the airplanes he’s flown or the cars he’s raced. Shelby’s legacy is one defined by the many roles he took in the automotive world and by the legendary high performance Mustangs he created.

Having my Pentax K-7 and my K-x allowed me to capture these wonderful Mustang pictures. I tried to get close to the cars as there were too many distractions in the background. I have never been surrounded by so many nice cars. They were to meet at the Las Vegas race track with more Shelby enthusiasts. What a weekend they must have had!

Thanks for reading,

Yvon Bourque

We support this site by selling e-books for the Pentax Digital SLR cameras, including the K100D, K10D, K20D, K-7 and the K-x. This site does not ask for contributions. We sell real tangible merchandise that can improve your photography. Our free Auto-focus adjustment charts have been downloaded thousands of times by Pentaxians as well as Nikon and Canon users.

PC's and Apple allows third party software, Why can't Pentax do that?

The above is what writing code for Pentax Firmware looks like.

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Hi Pentaxian friends.

We all know that digital cameras are somewhat like computers. Sure, they use real glass lenses and many of the traditional analog cameras characteristics are still utilized. However, some of the functions , if not most of them, are embedded into the camera's "Firmware". Currently, only Pentax can modify the Firmware and they do so by issuing downloadable revisions mostly to fix problems reported by users.

You know that the cheaper DSLRs could have some of the same functions as the more expensive models. For example, the new K-x does not show the "red-illuminated" square over the focus point. I suspect that it could easily be added in the Firmware. The K20D and the K-7 have the capability of adjusting the front/back focus of any lens attached. Again, I suspect that this feature could be added in the Firmware. I remember the complaints from K10D owners wanting to have the K10D updated so that it too would have the capability of adjusting front/back focusing. I also remember some hacker, from Russia, coming up with some solution to the problem, that anyone could somehow enter in the firmware. Of course, any problems caused by someone unsuccessfully trying to modify the Firmware, automatically voided the warranty.

There are many great software companies in the world, that could come up with pretty interesting features. Why not grant a license to these guys and let them sell additional features for the Pentax cameras. Instead of reducing the sales, I believe it would increase them.

Would you buy an Apple computer if only Apple were able to write software for its computers? Would you buy a PC if it would only run on the manufacturer's software? Of course you wouldn't.

Pentax has always been a unique company with design and ideas outside the box. Maybe time has come. The time to beat Canikon at the game has come...maybe.

What do you think?

Thank you for reading,

Yvon Bourque

Pentax K-x book in progress. Will be available soon. Check this site often.

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Hi Pentaxian friends.

The Pentax K-x e-book should be completed in the next week or so. The K-x is the newest of the Pentax DSLRs and is really aimed at entry-level photographers, but the Image Quality of the new Sony CMOS sensor is so great that it makes the camera very desirable.

***If you email me at brqyvn@aol.com with "Pentax K-x book" as subject, I will email you the minute the book becomes available.***

The camera is ideal if you are upgrading from a point-and-shoot. You will find the transition very smooth and will be able to learn to control the Aperture, Shutter Speed, and the ISO like a Pro in a short time. Your photographic endeavors will only get better.

I suspect that many Pentax K-x will find their way under many Christmas Trees. The OEM Operating Manual are always a little difficult to read and understand. This e-book is written in easy-to-understand language and will make you a better photographer quickly.

You can print the book on your own printer or have a local Office Max, Office Depot or Staples print and bind the book for you.

Thank you,

Yvon Bourque

Pentax K-x e-book is in progress. Should have it completed within the next four weeks.

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Hi Pentaxian friends.

I finally received enough information from Pentax to write an e-book about the newest Pentax DSLR, the K-x. There are a lot of functions similar to the K-7 and some of the K-7 e-book can be recycled. I have a very good feeling about this new K-x, because it uses a Sony 12.4 megapixel CMOS sensor. The image quality will likely be very good at high ISO. I believe that it will surpass the K20D and K-7 at high ISO.

I haven't had a chance to shoot with the camera much, but as I write the e-book, I will also be testing the K-x. I will report my findings.

In the meantime, you can get e-books for the K10D, K100D, K20D and the K-7 on this blogsite. You can print the e-books on your own computer/printer for your own use, however, a "copyright" watermark will appear on each page. My prices are ridiculously low, but that makes copying my books for resale non-profitable.

Thank you for visiting,

Yvon Bourque

Surprise: New Pentax K-x, 12.4 MP CMOS sensor, HD video, live-view, and priced to sell.

PENTAX ANNOUNCES AFFORDABLE, NEW PENTAX K-x
WITH HIGH-END FEATURES INCLUDING HD VIDEO AND LIVE VIEW

GOLDEN, CO (September 16, 2009)… PENTAX Imaging Company redefines the entry-level digital SLR category with the introduction of the K-x digital SLR. This latest PENTAX camera offers high-end features including Live View and HD video. And, since there’s no rule that SLR cameras must come in black only, the K-x will be available in a choice of white or black, as well as special, limited edition red and navy.

Priced at $649.95 USD (for body with DA L 18-55mm lens), the extremely compact and lightweight PENTAX K-x forges ahead on the trail initiated by the popular PENTAX K2000. With a one-handed shooting design and simple, easy-to-use operation, the K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.

The PENTAX K-x offers photographic performance that challenges higher class DSLR models and offers several features that set this camera apart in the entry-level category.

• High resolution 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.
• Large 2.7 inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).
• Widescreen HD video capture in full 720p resolution (1280x720) at 24 FPS cinematic framerate, using any PENTAX 35mm lens.
• Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.
• True High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.
• Fast 4.7 FPS capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the PENTAX PRIME II image processing engine.
• Powerful automatic modes, including PENTAX Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.
• Responsive 11 point wide angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.
• Captures up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).

All combined, the PENTAX K-x is the perfect camera for new digital SLR camera users as well as an ideal backup camera for more experienced photographers.

Along with the K-x, PENTAX announced the smc PENTAX DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED super-telephoto zoom lens. This lens will be exclusive to a K-x Twin Lens Kit package consisting of a K-x body, this new lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 lens. The lightweight design of this zoom lens offers the exceptional optical performance found in all PENTAX lenses for super-telephoto photography with the K-x and other PENTAX digital SLR camera bodies.

The PENTAX K-x is now available for pre-order in black or white on http://www.pentaxwebstore.com/. Limited edition colors of red and navy will become available at select locations to be announced.

The PENTAX K-x (in black and white) will ship in October 2009 in three configurations: options:

· K-x single lens kit with body and an smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens for USD $649.95.
· K-x twin lens kit for $749.95 including a K-x body, the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 50-200mm zoom lens.
· K-x twin lens kit for $849.95 including a K-x body, the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 55-300mm zoom lens.

PENTAX K-x FACT SHEET

12.4 effective megapixels

The K-x incorporates a newly developed CMOS image sensor to assure high-speed image data readout and more flexibility with varying ISO sensitivity levels. With approximately 12.4 effective megapixels, this image sensor accurately reproduces true-to-life images with fine detail and rich color depth.

The K-x offers a wide sensitivity range between ISO 200 and ISO 6400 and allows users to expand the sensitivity range between ISO 100 and ISO 12800 via a custom function to offer greater creative freedom to photographers.

Compact, lightweight body
The PENTAX K-x is one of the most compact, lightweight digital SLR cameras in its class. The stainless-steel chassis and overall design offer a space-efficient layout.

Widescreen HD movie recording at 1280x720 pixels at a cinematic 24 frames per second (720p24). The PENTAX K-x movie recording function* captures true-to-life movie clips in 16:9 high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels) at a frame rate of 24 frames per second. Compatible with every PENTAX interchangeable lens ever made, the Video Capture mode opens a new world of creativity for PENTA K-x owners.

* When the PENTAX K-x’s AV output terminal is used, movie clips are viewed at normal resolution. The data must be transferred to a PC for the playback of movie clips at high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels).

PENTAX-original SR mechanism for sharp, blur-free images
The K-x features the PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction mechanism that effectively compensates for the adverse effects of camera shake by as much as four shutter steps. This innovative mechanism extends its benefits to all PENTAX interchangeable lenses — even those designed for film-format cameras.* With this SR mechanism, the K-x produces sharp, blur-free images even under demanding conditions such as telephoto lens photography, shooting in dark or low-light setting without a flash illumination, and sunset scenes.

*Lenses compatible with this mechanism: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2- and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mounted lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.

High-speed continuous shooting at approximately 4.7 images per second
The K-x’s high-speed continuous shooting mode records as many as 17 images (in JPEG recording format) at a maximum speed of approximately 4.7 images per second. This is the fastest of all entry-class models. The K-x also features a more reliable shutter unit, which passed a demanding action test of more than 100,000 shutter releases. The top shutter speed of 1/6000 second allows the photographer to preserve sharp, crisp images of fast-moving subjects.

High-performance, high-speed PRIME II imaging engine
The K-x features the newly developed PRIME (PENTAX Real IMage Engine) II, that is an upgrade of the original PRIME imaging engine. This new imaging engine offers greater data processing speed and enhanced capability to produce higher-quality images with richer, more accurate color rendition, as well as faster transmission speed of movie data.

Live View function with Face detection of up to 16 faces
In addition to the camera’s viewfinder, the K-x features a Live View function that allows users to view subjects on the LCD monitor during shooting. The K-x also offers a choice of three different focusing modes in Live View:

· Contrast Auto Focus optimizes the focus based on the subject’s contrast.
· Face Detection Auto Focus automatically detects up to 16 faces, then selects the main subject’s face from multiple faces, and captures it in sharp focus.
· Phase Difference Auto Focus accesses the AF sensor positioned in the camera body to optimize focus on the subject.

Innovative Image Processing Functions

Digital Filter function
The K-x’s digital filter function allows users to process recorded images in a variety of creative ways within the camera and produce highly creative visual expressions. With a choice of 16 different filters including Color Extract, Retro, Soft, Starburst, Toy Camera, and more (including a custom filter for building multiple effects), photographers may apply multiple filters to a single image for customized effects.

Cross Process mode
The K-x features a new Cross Process mode that automatically and randomly adds finishing touches to exposures to create eye-catching images with unique, intriguing colors (just like images treated with Cross Process* in film photography). This mode adds a whimsical element to digital photography since photographers don’t know the results until the captured image is actually displayed on the camera’s LCD monitor.

* A film development technique that takes advantage of unconventional film developers to create a distinctive finishing touch with intriguing colors.

High-precision 11-point AF sensor
The high-precision, wide-frame SAFOX VIII autofocus system of the K-x features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to automatically capture even off-centered subjects in sharp, crisp focus. Photographers also may select one of the sensors as a focusing point to accommodate specialized applications.

Additional features
· Custom Image modes offer high quality processing for images
· 2.7 inch, high-resolution color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots of resolution
· Auto Picture mode for effortless, automatic selection of the most appropriate shooting mode, even during Live View shooting
· Status screen for easy, at-a-glance confirmation of various settings on the LCD monitor
· Ten scene modes, including Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Sunset, Kids, Museum, and more, available via simple icon selection
· PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, with RAW-data processing and image browser functions

smc PENTAX-DA L 55-300mmF4-5.8ED Lens Fact Sheet

A lightweight super-telephoto zoom lens for focal lengths between 84.5mm and 460mm (in the 35mm format)

ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements to assure true-to-life image descriptions and faithful color renditions through effective compensation of chromatic aberrations over the entire zoom range.

SPECIFICATIONS
Focal Length: 55-300mm, (Equivalent to 84.5-460mm in 35mm format)
Aperture: F4-5.8
Minimum Aperture: F22-32
Lens Construction: 12 elements in 8 groups
Angle of View: 29 - 5.4° (wiith PENTAX D-SLR camera body)
Minimum Focusing Distance: 4.6 ft.
Maximum Magnification: 0.28X
Filter Diameter: 58mm
Diaphragm control: Fully Automatic
Number of Diaphragm Blades: 6
Maximum Diameter & Minimum Length: 2.8 x 4.4 in
Weight: 15.0 oz.
Notes: Includes SP (Super Protect) Coating

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