Digital Home Thoughts: Pentax K-x Announced with 35mm f/2.4 Lens; Candy Colours Still an Option

"Pentax has announced the K-r, its latest mid-level DSLR. Initially sitting above the K-x in the range it offers more angular, K-7-esque styling, 6 fps continuous shooting and HD movie recording. It also regains AF-point illumination in the viewfinder. It features a high-res 920k dot (VGA) LCD display and the ability to shoot at up to ISO 25600. "

Today it is Pentax's turn for some announcements, and leading the pack is the budget K-r DSLR. I'm a little unsure if it's meant to replace the K-x, but regardless, this 12 megapixel camera comes with the now standard 3" VGA screen and HD video in the form of 720p at 25 FPS (what's with the PAL frame rate for the US release as well?). More unique to the Pentax lineup is the in-body IS that everyone seems to think is so needed, the ability to use AA batteries as well as a lithium ion rechargeable, in-camera HDR (shudder), and the candy colour of your choice for the camera. Updated for this release is AF point illumination in the viewfinder, so no more mucking around with the rear LCD trying to figure out what AF point is being used, whose omission was quite the glaring flaw in previous entry-level Pentax DSLRs. The camera will go on sale next month at US$800 for just the body, with a basic 18-55mm lens kit at US$850. DPReview has posted a small hands-on.

Also announced is the 35mm f/2.4 DA lens, which at US$220, is a bit more expensive than Nikon's 35mm f/1.8 at US$200, and is about a full stop slower. Pentax claims it is a small lens, but it doesn't seem much smaller than the Nikkor. The lens will go on sale next month as well. Photo of the lens as well as a sample of the available colours for the K-r after the break.