The Pentax K-x is a feature-packed alternative to the bigger-name brands. Offering a conventional DSLR design and layout, the 12.4-megapixel K-x won’t baffle anyone trading up from a compact camera, as a point-and-shoot auto picture mode is the most prominent setting among the 14 options on its top-mounted mode dial. The pricing also includes a standard 18-55mm zoom.

The K-x feels lightweight and plastic, though not in a bad way. With a decent, full-sized grip, its sturdiness is thanks to four AA batteries inserted into the base of the grip, plus a stainless steel inner frame. Pentax claims that rechargeable batteries will give enough power for up to 1,900 images; with normal batteries it’s a less impressive 200 shots.

Flick the power switch encircling the K-x’s shutter release button and you’re up and shooting instantly. The rear LCD displays essential information in a clear, colourful format, and a cool blue light illuminates the top plate. A dedicated Live View button makes switching between the optical viewfinder and rear LCD to compose shots easy.

More unusually at this level, you can boost the K-x’s light sensitivity settings to an equivalent ISO 12800 for flash-free photography in near darkness – a setting usually only found on semi-professional DSLRs. Add HD video recording – at 1,280 x 720 pixels, 24fps – and in-body stabilisation from Pentax’s own sensor-shifting Shake Reduction mechanism, and the K-x is a winning affordable all-in-one device.

Pentax offers a range of digital effects: toy camera, high contrast, soft, starburst, retro, extract colour, fish-eye, and a custom setting. Image wise, even exposures are the norm. Colours are a little cool – but realistically so – with the camera left on its default settings. In the main, the camera and basic kit lens configuration perform very well.

Ultimately, this is a beginner-friendly model featuring most of the latest must-haves – and the best choice here for those wanting video too – but the lack of a rechargeable battery is a pain. For Mac fans it’s available in white as well as black, red and navy blue.