Featuring an extra-wide zoom, longer battery life than its predecessor and an electronic viewfinder, the Pentax X90 delivers effortless picture-taking in a wide variety of situations to photographers of all levels. The key feature of the Pentax X90 is the 26x megazoom, super-telephoto lens (26-676mm equivalent) also designed with a Macro mode that focuses to less than one inch away to capture images of subjects that are near or far.
Other important features of the Pentax X90 include:
- 12.1-megapixel sensor, ideal for large prints or cropping flexibility
- 2.7-inch LCD with anti-reflection coating or electronic viewfinder with new diopter adjustment for composing and playback of images and video
- Eye-Fi wireless SD memory card connectivity for built-in Wi-Fi capability to transfer photos and videos from the camera to a computer or an online sharing site such as Picasaweb, Flickr, Facebook and YouTube. (Eye-fi cards sold separately.)
- HDMI port plays back beautiful high resolution images and video on HDTVs A perfect blend of digital compact and SLR technology including powerful automatic operation or creative manual and priority modes
- Triple Shake Reduction technology includes a high quality mechanical sensor-shift SR mechanism, Digital Pixel Track and high ISO SR, and Movie SR
- High speed continuous shooting up to 11 frames per second Fast Face Detection technology quickly finds up to 32 faces
- Powerful, lightweight Lithium-Ion battery and improved power efficiency.
Pentax X90 Highlights Versatile optical 26x zoom lens to accommodate a range of subjects With a compact, lightweight body, the Pentax X90 features a high-magnification optical 26x zoom lens offering a focal-length coverage between 26mm wide angle to 676mm super telephoto (in the 35mm format). Combined with a Macro mode to capture images of subjects less than an inch away, the X90 captures images near and far. The X90 also features an Intelligent Zoom function, which extends the zoom coverage to approximately 162.5 times (for a focal length of an 4225mm in the 35mm format) without compromising the optical performance of the zoom lens.
Dependable shake-reduction system for sharp, blur-free images The X90 incorporates the Pentax-original CCD-shift-type SR (Shake Reduction) system to assure sharply focused, blur-free images even under demanding photographic conditions prone to camera shake, such as when using the zoom lens's super-telephoto range or when shooting a sunset or indoor scene with natural light only. By accurately detecting the amount of camera shake using a high-performance gyro sensor and shifting the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed, the X90 offers an outstanding camera-shake compensation effect, equivalent to approximately three shutter steps.
** The degree of shake-reduction effect may vary, depending on the photographic conditions. Extra-powerful battery for extended shooting sessions With a large-capacity lithium-ion battery, the X90's battery life has improved by 50 percent over the previous Pentax megazoom. The camera records approximately 255 images* on a full battery charge.
* Based on measurement conditions conforming to CIPA specifications using the exclusive D-LI106 Lithium-ion Battery. Electronic viewfinder with diopter adjustment The X90 comes equipped with an electronic viewfinder with a diopter adjustment mechanism for clear views of subject and electronic indicators.
Eye-Fi wireless SD memory card connectivity Eye-Fi SD memory cards store media and offer built-in Wi-Fi capability that accesses an assigned wireless network to effortlessly transfer photos and videos from the camera to a computer and online sharing site such as Picasaweb, Flickr, Facebook and YouTube. Equipped with an Eye-Fi Card, the Pentax X90 allows users to enable/disable the Eye-Fi Card's Wi-Fi connectivity via the camera menu and provides an on-screen card activity indicator. (Eye-fi cards sold separately.)
Movie shooting in high-definition TV image quality, with anti-shake protection The X90 captures high-quality movie clips, equivalent in image quality to high-definition TV (1280 x 720 pixels). The camera features Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode* to minimize camera shake during movie shooting through the use of exclusive software. As a result, the photographer enjoys high-quality, blur-free movie shooting with minimal effort. An HDMI micro terminal for audio/video signal output supports high-resolution movie viewing on a high-definition TV monitor.
* When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than normal shooting. Multi-mode exposure system to accommodate different applications In addition to the advanced Programmed AE mode, which automatically selects the optimal combination of aperture and shutter speed for a given subject, the X90 offers Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE and Metered Manual modes.
High image quality With 12.1 effective megapixels, a sophisticated imaging engine and a high-quality Pentax zoom lens, the X90 delivers super-clear, high-quality images with a Bright, Natural or Monotone finishing touch option.
Auto Picture mode for hands-off selection of seven different shooting modes The X90 features the advanced Auto Picture mode, which selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by detecting the subject's lighting and other conditions. This user-friendly feature selects the best mode from a choice of Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Flower, Sport or Standard modes and features an Auto Macro mode, which automatically switches the camera's focus range to macro in close-range applications.
Face Detection AF & AE function Feauring an upgraded Face Detection AF & AE function, the X90 automatically detects up to 32 faces in the image field in a mere 0.03 seconds and captures each with precision, even when the faces are tilted or turned sideways. In addition, the X90 offers other user-friendly functions designed to produce beautiful portraits with ease: the Smile Capture function, which automatically releases the shutter the instant it detects the subject's smile; and the Blinking Detection function, which warns the photographer when the subject's eyes close at the time of shutter release.
High-sensitivity anti-shake mode to minimize camera/subject shake The X90 comes equipped with the advanced High-Sensitivity anti-shake (Digital SR) mode,* which allows the photographer to use higher shutter speeds in dimly lit locations by automatically shifting the sensitivity level to as high as ISO 6400 based on the subject's lighting condition. By coupling this function with the dependable CCD-shift-type SR system, the photographer can effectively minimize adverse effects of camera shake and subject shake, even when shooting at such demanding locations as concert halls and indoor sports arenas.
* When the High-Sensitivity anti-shake mode is selected, the image size is fixed at 5M (2592 x 1944 pixels). Additional features - The Burst shooting* at a maximum speed of approximately 11 images per second to capture decisive moments
- Choice of image format: 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 or 1:1 proportions
- Large 2.7 inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots, treated withAR (Anti-Reflection) coating to minimize reflections
- Shooting mode palette for easy selection of a desired shooting mode from 20 different options, including a new Baby mode programmed to capture the healthy, lively face of a baby D-Range setting to minimize excessively overexposed and underexposed areas in the image
- A selection of digital filters, including Toy Camera and Retro, to add creative visual effects
- MediaImpression 2.0 for Pentax image viewing, editing and filing software included (compatible with latest operation systems, including Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6)
*When the continuous-shooting mode is selected, the image size is fixed at 5 MP (2592 x 1944 pixels).
The pictures come out really well and almost professional looking. The camera responds well, feels really comfortable in the hand, with the controls easily accessible and responsive. I was looking for an inexpensive camera like the Nikon P100 but without too many picture taking compromises and without AA batteries. So the X90 fits the bill, yet, the missing lens thread, manual pop-up flash and the childish scene options interface make it a bit awkward overall. I am tempted to keep it though because it is pretty fast in startup, while less so in flash charging, light weight and capable of tremendous zoom. It looks great here on Amazon but rather amateurish once I opened the box. Of course, I shouldn't expect that much from a camera in this price range, and perhaps I should just appreciate the terrific picture quality this baby is capable of - so thanks Pentax, a job well done albeit it a bit lacking in some regards, Wish I really could have that Fuji E900 in an upgraded version, but the Pentax X90 will do for now. UPDATED After taking a number of shots with the camera over the past few weeks I can say that it performs remarkably well. Sure, it's not a professional camera but the clarity is astounding at this price point. The image stabilization is world class IMHO. Both at macro and tele, the camera performs excellently. There were a few situations in which it underperformed. A friend's Samsung P&S was able to get better backlit portrait shots (the background came out much better - but that same Samsung did a terrible job with any other portrait shot so Pentax left it far in the dust overall), and I had to adjust the flash to -2.0 to reduce the strength. The default settings of the camera have the flash set for super bright and white balance to wash out most colors. This is adjustable once I became familiar with the menu options. What I really, really like about it is that it remembers all your custom settings. I have one at Program, Scene, and Manual. Each time I want to take three different shots to get a variety of results in difficult lighting conditions, all I have to do is turn the dial to another mode and it automatically returns to my previous setting. When I couldn't get a good outdoor portrait shot of my wife, I turned to Manual mode, adjusting the aperture such that I got good exposure with the flash and in the background. The options are virtually endless! The camera says it's made in Indonesia if that is important to you. Excellent job Pentax! PROS Numerous customization options for the beginner and advance amateur Superb image stabilization Relatively small size Excellent fit and grip for average size hands Excellent image quality for the price Li-Ion battery for large number of shots CONS Awkward menu options, takes many clicks to get what you want (but that's too be expected considering how many options there are) Awkward lens cap (comes off easily) Build quality average, when you shake the camera you can feel the lens moving about a little Charging unit comes with separate cord. The plug should have been built in for easier carrying (like Panasonic in same price class). No lens thread. This is actually a major disadvantage because a polarizing filter could make lots of outdoor pictures with this camera much better than they already are. In this economy, Pentax should have taken the trouble to put a thread in, even if it were plastic, IMHO. UPDATED JANUARY 12, 2011 Since Amazon has it back in stock, let me expand a bit on my experience with it. After several months of extensive use, I no longer find the lens cap issue to be a big problem. Even though I put the camera right into a shoulder bag with other items or in a backpack or briefcase, the lens has yet to get scratched by anything. The cap comes off quite easily, but that's actually an advantage too, I flip it off with a finger of the same hand that's holding it. The viewfinder is excellent and gives you all the info you need. I make much more use of it then I thought in the beginning. Image quality in wide angle mode is pretty amazing overall. The only problem I find is with the panoramic function. It could be just me but I have the hardest time lining up the overlapping parts. The camera guides me through the process so it should be a piece of cake but the results are always off somehow. Now that I live close to the beach I take more wildlife and surfing pictures. Chromatic aberration is noticeable especially at the longest zoom setting in higher contrast situations. I love the long zoom, rarely do I take pictures in between the wide angle and farthest zoom setting. VIDEO I have yet to get any useful video out of the camera. It's always overexposed and jittery. Don't buy this if you're planning to shoot video with it!
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