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The Pentax K-x Korejanai Robot Model kit, showing off the 'face' markings. Photo provided by Hoya Corp. Pentax offers limited-edition 'Korejanai' K-x
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(Friday, October 16, 2009 - 15:45 EDT)

Pentax Japan has unveiled a new limited-edition variant of its recently-announced K-x single-lens reflex digital camera drawing inspiration from a popular series of handmade toys.

The Pentax K-x Korejanai Robot Model will be available exclusively from the Pentax Japan web store in extremely limited numbers. Only one hundred sets will be sold, including a matching Korejanai Robot Model limited-edition version of the smc PENTAX DA-L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens, with both camera body and lens identical to their standard counterparts with the exception of the body panel coloring / markings. Incredibly, the Korejanai edition of the K-x somehow manages to make the Japanese market version of the K-x - with its vast offering of user-selectable body colors - seem downright pedestrian.

Created by Japanese novelty designer ZariganiWorks, the company behind such whimsical items as the 'Self Destruct Button' USB hub, Korejanai is an extremely colorful robot character that's apparently developed rather a following in Japan. The Pentax K-x Korejanai follows the robot's eclectic color scheme, as well as other design cues including markings around the camera's popup flash and prism assembly that mimic those on Korejanai's face and chest.

The Pentax K-x Korejanai Robot Model digital SLR with matching lens, shown alongside a Korejanai robot. Photo provided by Hoya Corp. Click for a bigger picture!

The Pentax K-x Korejanai Robot Model digital SLR with matching lens, shown alongside a Korejanai robot.
Photo provided by Hoya Corp.

Pricing for the Pentax K-x Korejanai Robot Model with matching 18-55mm DA-L lens is set at ¥79,800 inclusive of tax (roughly equivalent to US$880, ignoring exchange rate fluctuations, taxes and duties). Sales start on November 2nd at 10AM Japanese time, with availability later that month.

Announced a month ago, the Pentax K-x replaces last year's K2000 in the company's lineup, and brings some of the impressive features of the the K-7, 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.

Front view of the Pentax K-x Korejanai Robot Model kit. Photo provided by Hoya Corp. Click for a bigger picture! Rear view of the Pentax K-x Korejanai Robot Model kit. Photo provided by Hoya Corp. Click for a bigger picture!

Front and rear views of the Pentax K-x Korejanai Robot Model kit.
Photo provided by Hoya Corp.

The Pentax K-x digital SLR is available this month, with US sales initially limited to three different kit versions, and two body colors - either black or white. The most affordable kit version includes an smc Pentax DA L 18-55mm zoom lens for a total price of around US$650. Two twin lens kits will couple this 18-55mm lens with either an smc Pentax DA L 50-200mm zoom lens for about $750, or with a new smc Pentax DA L 55-300mm zoom lens for approximately $850. Two limited edition Kx body colors - red or navy blue - are to follow in the US market, with details on availability and pricing to be announced at a later date.

For more details, read our hands-on Pentax K-x preview!

The Pentax K-x Korejanai Robot Model kit, showing off the 'face' markings. Photo provided by Hoya Corp. Click for a bigger picture!

The Pentax K-x Korejanai Robot Model kit, showing off the 'face' markings.
Photo provided by Hoya Corp.

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