Though the Pentax ZX-5N autofocus camera body has all of the popular attributes of its predecessor, the ZX-5, several sophisticated features--such as six-segment metering, center-weighted metering, spot metering, as well as a TTL phase-matching autofocus system--have been added. A single turn of the metering mode switch lets you select one of the three metering mode options, giving you full control in any lighting situation. The automatic exposure compensation, which works with the multipattern metering system in the autoexposure mode, lets you try many creative options. Pentax's original electronic control mechanism also lets you preview your image in any exposure mode. Simply push the preview button and you can pinpoint the exact in-focus area (depth-of-field) of your image in relation to the selected aperture.
The TTL (through the lens) phase-matching autofocus system gives you high-quality, crisply focused images, no matter the lighting conditions. You get to choose between one of two autofocus frames--three-point or spot AF--whichever suits your individual preference or needs. The autobracketing is easy-to-use and automatically takes three different exposures: normal, under-, and overexposed of the same scene in 1EV or 1/2 EV steps; using a simple dial control, you can quickly shift exposure across a range of +/- 3EV in 1/2EV steps. This feature works when using flash photography, too.
When you want to frame the same scene a little differently, you can simply push the memory lock button and your current settings are memorized for 10 seconds. This lets you recompose your subject without changing all of your settings. If the standard setting just doesn't capture the scene, you can switch to panorama mode at any frame on a roll of film. This is perfect for large group shots or landscapes. In addition, you can also set your own pace with three drive modes: single-frame advance, consecutive-frame advance at two frames per second, and a self-timer with a 12-second delay.
With all of these options, it could be easy to forget what your camera's indications and settings are. However, the ZX-5N has a multidata, fixed pentaprism viewfinder and easy-to-read LCD panel so you can keep track of all your information, such as: the exposure frame number, exposure compensation factor, battery exhaustion warning, flash use recommendation, and recharge completion/incompletion. The LCD panel even has an automatic brightness level adjustment, so you can easily check your settings whether it's day or night.
1 Fantastic concept, but limited flexibility.
I really love this camera! Why do I then just rate it as a 4? Although I think this camera deserved to be SLR of the year when it came, it lacks some of the flexibility that would be nessessary for a 5 rating. The manual shutter speeds are to few and too far apart. The shortest shutter speed is 1/2000 and the longest 2 seconds, which somewhat limits your ability for different light situations. Otherwise, the handling of the camera makes it easy and logical to work with. No need to spend ours reading the manual to be able to take advantage of the different exposure modes.
2 Easy to use
My first camera was a Pentax ME which I wore out. Because I had such good luck with the ME, I purchased this camera as a replacement. I found it very easy to use and the built in flash with the red-eye flash to be very helpful. My only complaint is that if you use the built in flash the batteries in the camera do not last as long. Also the built in flash does not light large areas very well. I like the fact that the camera will not take a picture if there is not enough light.
3 I'm still a huge PENTAX fan after 20+ years with them!
I grew up in a photography family and my Dad gave me a Pentax MX when I was pretty young. It was great for high school yearbook photos and photography class, then later on in college for more photo classes. I ended up with a Minolta Maxxum for a little while (4si, I believe) and ended up finding every little limitation it had and being very annoyed with it in the long run. Then it occurred to me that that wonderful "brick" MX that I had had for so long was still great, so why not try a modern Pentax. After great debate as to which model to purchase, I settled on the ZX-5 (the predecessor to the ZX-5n...the same without one or two little options). The reason I chose it was because the layout of the controls was so intuitive, as the MX was...I could switch easily from one to the other with no difficulty whatsoever. I am a semi-professional photographer and have done everything from private model photo shoots to wedding photography and have loved every minute with my ZX-5 and have come out with some great results! I highly recommend this to any photographer who is in classes due to the fact that it has a full manual mode, to the amateur who just wants better quality photos than the little point and shoots produce, or even the professional due to the many settings on the camera and accessories that are readily available for this model. If you are looking for something similar in Nikon, Canon, or Minolta, then check this one out and I bet you 9 times out of 10 that the Pentax has a better price...same for the accessories!
4 Really Good, But . . .
I've had this camera for over two years and I really like it. Very easy to use but with lots of advanced features. Also, it's fairly light-weight so it's easy to carry. My only complaint - and it's a big one - is that higher-end lenses (zooms with 2.8 aperature) for this camera are very expensive and not quite as good as a comparable Nikon.
5 pentax rocks
i first used a pentax in my yearbook class in high school. i soon became photography editor because of the great shots i captured ... thanks all to the camera! my friend has this camera and has let me borrow it. I love it!! it is easy to use and has the great features of past pentax slr's but it gives you more options as far as the lighting goes. ill admit if you dont know about lighting it might be confusing at first. however the manual explains it well and it is fun to learn how to manipulate the settings by just fooling around and having fun. this camera is definitely worth your investment in fact i am buying one for myself!
