Announced in September 2009, the Pentax K-x replaced the K2000 in the company's lineup. The K-x takes some of the features of the the company's prosumer K-7 model, and places them in a more consumer-friendly body. The main changes include a new image sensor and processor, Pentax's 11-point SAFOX VIII AF module, the addition of both live view and 24fps high-definition video capability, and significant boosts to both the camera's maximum shutter speed (1/6000), ISO sensitivity (up to a boosted ISO 12,800) and burst-shooting (4.7 fps) capabilities.

Until now, the K-x has been available in the USA eight body colors - Black, White, Red, Orange, Green, Blue, Navy, and Purple. To these choices, Pentax USA has added four more options - Beige, Chocolate, Olive, and Pink. While still not quite to the same extent as in the Japanese market, where consumers can customize their own K-x by selecting from twenty body and nine grip colors, the new US versions allow photographers rather more choice over the look of their camera.

The full selection of body colors, including the four new ones, are available from the Pentax webstore. Pricing is set at about US$650, including an SMC Pentax-DA L 1:3.5-5.6 18-55mm AL lens. For more details, read our hands-on Pentax K-x preview!