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 (1280×720) 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. 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.

Complete information is available here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/about-us.aspx?p=press

• PENTAX K20D body only: $799.95
• PENTAX K20D with DA 18-55mm II lens kit: $879.95
• PENTAX K20D with DA 16-45mm lens kit: $1199.95

“With this price reduction, PENTAX now offers consumers the highest resolution on one of the most fully-featured DSLRs priced under 800 dollars,” said Bill Zani, vice president sales and marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company.

Along with the price reductions, PENTAX is extending the K20D FREE Three Year Warranty (one year standard, two years extended) on all K20Ds purchased by March 31, 2009.

Highly rated by several consumer magazines, the PENTAX K20D digital SLR camera with 14.6 megapixels is equipped with advanced features including a dust-proof, weather-resistant body, PRIME image processor that allows full image customization, and PENTAX developed Shake Reduction that works with any of the 25 million PENTAX lenses ever manufactured. The PENTAX K20D is the most affordable high resolution DSLR camera in the advanced photo enthusiast category and allows more experienced photographers, who demand complete control, to fully customize the camera.

Bundled as a complete kit for the convenience of the customer, the PENTAX K2000 system offers uncomplicated operation for new digital SLR users and family photographers seeking high-quality digital SLR photography for the first time.

Combining PENTAX developed, easy-to-use Auto Picture modes as well as powerful learning functions all housed in one of the smallest, lightest camera bodies in its class, the PENTAX K2000 system is ideal for digital SLR beginners.  Additional features on the newest digital K2000 SLR body include a 10.2 megapixel CCD, a 2.7 inch, 230,000 dot high resolution, wide-view LCD panel, and an ultra compact design that facilitates one handed operation.  The body also features the same PENTAX developed Shake Reduction technology found on more advanced K series digital SLRs. PENTAX Shake Reduction is compatible with more than 25 million PENTAX lenses to deliver sharp images even when handheld at slower shutter speeds.  The K2000 also features the powerful PENTAX developed Auto Picture Mode, which selects from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, and Night Portrait modes to tailor the camera settings for any photographic situation.  The camera also has a comprehensive Dust Removal system to help keep images spotless. A dedicated programmable help button clearly explains current camera settings to guide and teach the user about digital SLR photography.

The lens included with the PENTAX K2000 system is the first of a new series introduced with the DA L designation.  Along with the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens, PENTAX is announcing the smc PENTAX DA L 50-200mm  f/4-5.6 ED zoom lens. The affordable DA L series offers the same optical design, construction and compatibility as the current smc PENTAX DA 18-55mm II and smc PENTAX DA 50-200mm lenses.  Also included with the system is the easy-to-use  PENTAX AF200FG Auto Flash. This hot-shoe flash features a compact, lightweight body, wide angle diffuser, a guide number of 20 (at ISO 100/m) and simple dial operation to assure effortless flash photography for everyone.

PENTAX has also announced two high performance interchangeable lenses for use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras to deliver top-quality digital images. The smc PENTAX DA« 60-250mm f/4 ED[IF] SDM is a versatile telephoto zoom lens offering a high zoom ratio, while the smc PENTAX DA« 55mm f/1.4 SDM is a compact medium-telephoto lens offering a large maximum aperture.  The two lenses are the newest members of the  exclusive DA Star («) series, and each is designed to deliver top optical performance. Combining a host of advanced technologies including extra-low dispersion (ED) optical elements and PENTAX original lens coatings, these new lenses assure outstanding image quality with clear, high-contrast images, even at edges of the image field.  These « lenses also feature water and dust resistant sealing for reliable operation in inclement weather conditions, as well as the    PENTAX Quick-Shift Focus system to allow instant auto-to-manual focus switching.  The objective lens surfaces are treated with the PENTAX original Super Protect (SP) coating.  This special fluorine compound is applied to the lens surface through a vapor deposition process to create a surface that effectively repels dust, water and grease, making it easy to wipe off  fingerprints and cosmetic marks.  The combination of special lens coatings, ideal curvature and best positioning of optical elements assures these lenses are designed to optimize digital imaging characteristics, while effectively minimizing flare and ghosting. Additionally, the DA« 55mm f/1.4 lens also features a new Aero Bright coating for maximum light transmission, as well as rounded diaphragm blades to create a more circular aperture for smooth, beautiful bokeh at large apertures. The image circle of the lenses is perfectly proportioned to the image-sensor size of PENTAX digital SLR cameras, and despite the large maximum aperture, the lenses are designed to be compact and lightweight to enhance maneuverability and operability.

PENTAX also announced the PENTAX AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash. This accessory flash unit is uniquely suited for advanced close-up applications using the automatic exposure-control system of PENTAX digital SLR cameras. Designed to offer uniform lighting on a subject to minimize shadows, the flash is ideal for close-up, portrait, product, dental and medical applications.

All of these products will be exhibited at the PENTAX Booth during the Photokina 2008 Trade Show from Septenber 23 – 28 in Cologne, Germany.  Two additional products will be previewed under glass during the show including a fifth model in the acclaimed PENTAX DA Limited series.  The smc PENTAX DA15mm f/4 ED AL Limited lens offers ultra-wide-angle image capture and is designed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras.  This lens is scheduled to ship in Spring 2009 at a price to be announced. PENTAX will also preview the smc PENTAX DA 1.4X SDM Rear Converter.  This is the first PENTAX rear converter equipped for autofocus operation on PENTAX digital SLR cameras, and the product will feature the SDM autofocus drive for accurate, extra-smooth, and super-quiet autofocus operation. Price and shipping information to be announced.