
7 expert reviews - 0 user reviews
Follow
0
0
Want it
0
Have it
0
Had it
0
We have collected 7 reviews of the Pentax K-r. Experts rate Pentax K-r 7.6/10. Reviewsor.com helps you find reviews, best prices, user reviews of the Pentax K-r and Pentax Digital cameras.
As Pentax's entry-level SLR, the K-r ($699.95 direct with 18-55mm lens) has a bit of a storied heritage. The company's K1000 was the student camera of the 1970s—thousands of photographers cut their teeth on that 35mm SLR. The K-r offers full compatibility with the K-mount lenses used by the K1000, but that's where the similarities end. The 12-megapixel K-r is a fully automatic D-SLR with a high-resolution rear LCD and the ability to grab photos at close to 6 frames per second. The camera is a bit behind in terms of video technology—it doesn't support any type of autofocus while recording—and the bundled kit lens is pretty poor in terms of sharpness. The camera poses no danger to our Editors' Choice for sub-$1,000 D-SLRs, the Nikon D5100 ($899.99, 4.5 stars), but if you're interested in shooting with Pentax's line of compact prime lenses, take a look—assuming that you're willing to ditch the included 18-55mm lens and shoot with something of better optical quality. Design and Features The K-r doesn't offer as much of a size advantage over entry level D-SLRs as the Pentax K-5 ($1,649.95, 3 stars) does over mid-range bodies.
The Pentax K-r is an entry-level DSLR that is designed for those just getting into higher-end photography or those who have shot with another DSLR before. It features a stainless steel chassis beneath a mostly plastic body, a 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor, and a 3-inch 921k-dot LCD display. It is designed to be simple to operate, but still perform at a level comparable to any camera at its sub-$700 price point. We found the K-r to offer enough great handling, very extensive menu options, and enough performance to make it worth a long look for anyone in the market for an entry-level DSLR. In typical Pentax fashion, the camera is available in a number of colors, including black, red, and classic white. The other color modes in the K-r were less accurate, but intentionally so. The modes ranged from muted to “reversal,” which offers much larger color errors due to more extreme saturation levels. We conducted our testing in natural because it was the most accurate mode, but we found portrait quite pleasing, as it offered decent color accuracy and good saturation.
With a 12-megapixel sensor, a high-res 3-inch LCD, and a six frame per second burst rate, the Pentax K-r takes up the middle spot between the K-7 and the K-x. The Pentax K-r sports a number of improvements over the K-x, most notable of which is the addition of autofocus indicators in the viewfinder, something missing from both the previous K-2000 / K-m and the followup K-x. Like the K-x, the Pentax K-r comes in three body colors in the US market: black, red, and white. Pentax says that for the K-x, the non-traditional colors have been very popular, and they're expecting the same for the K-r. But the Pentax K-r doesn't seem to be just about fun and fashion. There's more to this model, including a 921,000-dot, 3-inch LCD, ISO sensitivity ranging from 100 to 25,600, in-camera HDR and Night Scene HDR mode, and 720p HD video recording at 25 fps. A unique touch on the Pentax K-r is a dual-power system that lets users choose their preferred battery type. By default, the K-r ships with a proprietary lithium-ion battery that provides the maximum energy density, but courtesy of an optional battery holder, it can also accept four standard AA batteries -- great when you've nowhere to charge your batteries, or if your other gadgets accepts AAs and you don't want to carry multiple charger types on a trip.
The format of this review has been slightly shortened as the Pentax K-r is operationally similar and identical in terms of output to the Pentax K-x that we reviewed in December 2009. We tested to confirm the image quality is identical, then concentrated the review on the differences between the two cameras. To learn everything about the K-r we recommend reading not only this review but also the full review of the Pentax K-x. The K-r was announced in September 2010 and slots into the Pentax line-up between the entry-level K-x and the enthusiast models K-7 and K-5. Visually it is much closer to the K-x but a look under the hood reveals that the new model has been improved over the K-x in various areas. Most notably the K-r shows the active focus point in the viewfinder when the shutter button is half-pressed. The lack of this feature was one of our main points of criticism of the K-x and K-m (this is also almost certainly the reason why the K-r's prism is slightly larger than the K-x's). Like the K-x the K-r captures its images and 720p video footage on a 12.4 sensor, but like on Pentax's semi-pro models the output and menus can be viewed on a 3.0 inch LCD screen with 921k pixels resolution.
Launched in the latter half of 2010, the Pentax K-r sits in the middle of Pentax's DSLR range, above the entry-level K-x but below the enthusiast K-7 and flagship K-5 models. The question then, is whether the K-r continues the company's recent record for releasing innovative and competitively priced DSLR cameras? The What Digital Camera Pentax K-r review finds out... Built around the same 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor and Pentax PRIME II image processor used in the entry-level K-x, the Pentax K-r improves on the specifications of the K-x in several key areas and even outperforms the more expensive K-5 and K-7 models in some respects too.Indeed, for a mid-range model the Pentax K-r boasts some pretty impressive headline specs. For example, the camera's standard sensitivity runs from ISO 200-12,800 but can be expanded to ISO 100-25,600. In addition, the K-r is able to shoot continuously at six frames per second (6fps) - one frame more than the K-7 can muster. In addition, the K-r also benefits from Pentax's in-camera, sensor-based Shake Reduction technology that allows for up to an apparent four stops of image stabilisation.
The K-x was a well-liked camera that took excellent pictures, but the time has now come for Pentax to update its entry-level SLR. The K-r is based very heavily on its predecessors, particularly the K-x, but it does have several new features that bring it in line—or even ahead of—certain competitors' higher-end models. The overall design has changed quite a bit. The decorative chrome-effect line on the front of the K-x has been ditched, as has the on/off light. The K-r also now has the same kind of chiselled edges as the K-5. That said, regular users of the K-x won't have too much trouble finding their way around, as the control layout is identical, with the same comfortable, deep-set handle and little change in the internal menus. Pentax is clearly on to a winning combination and doesn't want to take any risks. After all, if it ain't broke ... That doesn't mean there haven't been any improvements though. There's a new finish on the handle and left-hand edge of the camera, a VGA screen replaces the previous 230,000-dot model and, above all, the AF focusing points have returned to the viewfinder.
Pentax has long been the bridesmaid of the DSLR market. As professionals almost exclusively opt for Nikon and Canon bodies to get access to top-end lenses and accessories, that apathy towards Pentax trickles down to consumers.That hasn't stopped Pentax putting out some cracking consumer DSLRs, though. The Pentax K-x has long held a place in our hearts for its excellent image quality and top-notch kit lens, and the Pentax K-r is effectively its bigger brother.Like the K-x, the K-r sensor is APS-C at 12.4 megapixels, and, also like the K-x, boasts a 720p Motion-JPEG video mode. It also has the same image processor as the K-x: the Pentax PRIME II.There are improvements and changes elsewhere. The screen on the smaller, cheaper K-x has long felt a little tight at 2.7in; the Pentax K-r wisely upgrades to an industry-standard 3-inch LCD, and the resolution has increased sharply as well. The Pentax K-r also takes a unique approach to the K-x's double-edged sword of only accepting AA batteries, allowing you to fit either the included rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, or AAs depending on what you have to hand.
| Retailer | Information | Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Pentax Kr K-r 14720 Digital Slr Camera Red Body Only | $589 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD (Black Body) | $617.39 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) | $630.89 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r (white) Digital Slr Camera & 18-55mm Lens (white) Kr | $634.37 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r Digital Slr Camera & 18-55mm Lens (black) Kr | $637.82 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (White Body) | $640.41 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax Kr K-r Digital Slr Red Camera 18-55mm Lens | $649 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax Kr K-r Digital Slr Black Camera 18-55mm +acc | $654.97 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-R 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lense (Black) + 16GB SDHC Card + Card Reader + Case + Tripod Starter Kit | $658.89 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (White Body) | $662.93 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (White) | $683.89 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r Dslr 12.4 Mp Digital Camera Body, Black 14622 -bundle- W/4gb More | $694.72 | See it |
![]() |
Digital SLR Camera: PENTAX K-r 12.4MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens: White | $699.99 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax Kr K-r Digital Slr Red Camera 18-55mm + 32gb | $712.97 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r 12.4 Mp Digital Camera - Black | $719.95 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r Digital SLR Camera with SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.4 AL Lens, Black | $719.99 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r 12.4 Mp Camera With 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 Lens | $749.99 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r Digital Slr Black & 18-55mm Lens 16gb Kr Kit | $767.77 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens (Black) + Huge Accessories Package Including Wide Angle Macro Lens + 2x Telephoto Lens + 3 Pc Filter KIT + 16gb Sdhc Memory Card & Much More!! | $809.95 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens (Black) + SSE Accessory Package Including 3 Pc Filter KIT + 8gb Sdhc Memory Card, Extra Battery, Rapid Charger & Much More!! | $879.95 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Red) | $887.09 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Red Body) | $888.61 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r Digital Slr Camera (red) & 18-55mm Lens | $892.95 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r Camera Kit W/35mm Lens (black) 14678 | $948.32 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-R 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 and 50-200mm f/4-5.6 Lenses (Black) | $1020.41 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens (Black) + SSE Accessory Package Including 8GB SDHC Memory Card, Jump Start Guide To SLR, Carrying Case, Full Size Tripod And SSE Cleaning Cloth | $1029.95 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-R 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 and 50-200mm f/4-5.6 Lenses (Black) + Telephoto / Wide Angle Lens External Flash 16GB DLI109 Battery DavisMAX Bundle | $1218.74 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-R 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 and 50-200mm f/4-5.6 Lenses (Black) + 16GB DavisMAX Accessory DLI109 Bundle | $1232.65 | See it |
![]() |
Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 and 55-300mm f/4-5.8 Lenses (Black) | $1549.99 | See it |