Dec 10 2009
Himfr.com, one of China's leading B2B search platforms with more than 30 B2B industry websites to its name, today looks at 2009's top two single-lens reflex cameras.
Pentax K-x -- Estimated retail price of RMB4,280
The Pentax K-x is the latest in Pentax digital SLR cameras. The body follows the characteristics of a small camera, while the performance is the same with the SLR K-7. It is a high-performance entry-SLR; it has 20 kinds of body colors available and five kinds of handle colors, which caters for the trends and tastes of the consumer.
While the body still uses the design of the small K-m, the upgraded functions are very obvious, as the pixels increased to 12.4 million. It also joined the K-7 with its high-definition video capture capabilities, and improved focusing capabilities.
The Pentax K-x focus system has been upgraded from a 3-point to an 11- point, and this is a big step for the Pentax entry-SLR, but it's concerning that in the optical viewfinder one can still not see the right focus, with only one area remaining in focus, so in effect, the focus can only be estimated.
Himfr comments that the Pentax K-x has an SLR performance plus a stylish and colorful body, making it a fashion-conscious product, albeit not a single- lens reflex camera for professional users. Such a design is popular with young people, but the viewfinder focusing issues make it suitable only for more entry-level users. Compared to the same level of SLR cameras, it is not good.
Sony Alpha330 -- Estimated retail price of RMB3,599
Sony released a number of digital SLR cameras in China this year, among them the A230 and A330 are products introduced for the beginners, retaining the previous generation features and practicality, in particular, to strengthen the habit of regular consumption, the operation of the cameras remains similar to earlier models to allow for ease of use. But, a big change in contour design has become more fashionable.
The Sony A330's shape when compared to previous generations has been a considerable change in style: it is very different to the A300. Handle design is the biggest change in the level of the camera, goggles, as well as the appearance of folding screens are also a new change, while the streamlined and texture are better. A 128x97x71.4mm body size and a 490g-weight is very small and light, and consistent with entry-level cameras. It also brings a good portability.
The Sony A330 uses a new film interface, with new icons, which makes it easy to understand. Sensors allow for quickly and automatic switch between vertical and horizontal display modes, while the design is more aesthetic. For SLR users who just got started, this camera is more practical.
Himfr comments that the Sony A330 is a very suitable for entry-level SLR users to use, with a user-friendly interface, shooting, compact body and to facilitate folding screens are designed specifically for SLR beginners, while the prices is also very reasonable. This all makes it suitable for learning photography. But the new handle design in the same entry-level SLR reduces comfort. The Sony A230 price is cheaper, but there is no folding screen and no real-time viewfinder. Relatively speaking, a few hundred yuan on the A330 is more comfortable for the entry user.