Pentax Unveils Sub-$700 Digital SLR Camera With LCD Screen

The Pentax K-x has both a standard SLR viewfinder and Pentax's Live View function, which allows the subject to be viewed on the camera's 2.7-inch color LCD monitor during shooting as if the user were using a digital compact camera.

Using Live View, users can choose from three autofocusing modes, including one based on the subject's contrast, one based on the autofocus sensor on the camera body and one that detects up to 16 different faces to get the best focus.

The Pentax K-x digital SLR camera can be programmed to shoot single frame or for continuous shooting at 4.7 frames per second for up to 17 frames in JPEG or at two frames per second until the memory card fills up.

It also records full-motion video clips at 16:9 high-definition TV 720p (1,280 x 720 pixels) resolution at 24 frames per second.

When shooting photos, users can choose one of up to 16 different filters for specific visual effects, or can set the camera to randomly select a filter, Pentax said.

The Pentax K-x includes an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens, which can be replaced by a number of other Pentax lenses based on the company's K-mount connector.

Pentax on Thursday also unveiled a new smc Pentax-DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8ED lens that supports, in 35mm format terms, focal lengths between 84.5mm and 460mm.

The new digital SLR camera is available with a red, black or white body, and includes a pop-up flash and an attachment for an external flash.

Pentax did not release suggested list pricing. Amazon.com is offering the Pentax K-x digital SLR camera with a price of $649.99, including the base-model lens, but is not yet shipping the product.