We have used GaAs and GaAs:Cr photoconducting detectors (PCDs) to measure the absolute x‐ray output from 1 to 10 keV fromZ‐pinch plasma radiation sources. We calibrated the detectors over the spectral range of 900–3000 eV and found the spectral response to be constant to within the accuracy of the measurements. The flat spectral response, increased sensitivity (compared with bolometers), and good time response of the PCDs, coupled with their reliability and long lifetimes, have allowed us to acquire absolute x‐ray data of significantly higher quality than possible with resistive bolometers or x‐ray diodes (XRDs). An added attraction of PCDs is their smooth saturation at high incident x‐ray fluxes. Unlike other types of electrical x‐ray detectors, this feature allows a PCD to operate over a wide range of incident x‐ray powers (10–104W/cm2). We present results from gas puffZ‐pinch experiments on Proto‐II and Supermite comparing PCD, XRD, and resistive bolometer performance.