Pentax K-r dSLR Review

By

Review posted 3/4/2011

Quick Take
Pros
  • Stylish and comfortable body
  • Three matching body/lens color combinations; White, Black, and Red
  • Robust shooting performance in normal shooting modes
  • Fast and accurate 11-point AF system, even in lower lighting
  • Improved performance in Live View mode over past models
  • Captures nice 12-megapixel photos
  • Great ISO performance up to ISO 3200; 6400 isn't half bad either
  • Bright 3.0-inch LCD screen
  • Cool in-camera HDR options
  • Unmatched power supply options
  • Competitively priced
Cons
  • OVF is a bit dim, and shows minimal info
  • ISO 12,800 and 25,600 look horrible
  • Lacks more robust HD video options, like a full 1080p option
  • HDR mode doesn't give you the dramatic effects you see from heavily processed HDR images that are created manually
Bottom Line
Pentax has created a worthy competitor in the entry to mid-level dSLR categories, with pleasing image quality, speedy shooting performance, and improved Live View performance compared to past models. This camera will appeal to a wide variety of photogs, whether you're a seasoned vet or just entering the dSLR world. Read more in our Full Conclusion.
K-r_Black.jpgPentax's K-r is their latest entry to mid-level dSLR model (as of 03/2011), which boasts some impressive features, such as a stainless-steel chassis, and a variety of color choice options. The K-r records images at 12-megapixels with a fast CMOS image sensor, along with 720p HD video and burst rates up to six frames per second at full resolution. The camera comes with a 3.0-inch, 921,000 pixel LCD on the back as well as Shake Reduction & Dust Removal mechanisms. The CMOS sensor offers sensitivity settings of 100 - 25,600 as well as several in-camera processing functions for adjusting photos.

Pentax K-r dSLR Major Features:
  • 12.4 megapixel CMOS sensor
  • Shake Reduction compatible with any PENTAX lens ever produced
  • 3.0-inch high resolution (921k pixel) LCD monitor
  • PRIME II image processing engine
  • Dust Reduction 
  • Upgraded 11-point "SAFOX IX" autofocus system
  • Lens mount: PENTAX KAF2
  • Compatible with PENTAX K, KA, KAF, and KAF2 mount lenses; screw mount lenses, 645, and 67 series lenses (adapter required)
  • Pentamirror viewfinder with 96% field of view
  • Broad sensitivity range from ISO 100 up to 25,600 
  • Custom Settings to personalize camera operations
  • Auto pop-up flash
  • Shutter speeds from 1/6000 to 30 seconds plus Bulb
  • Various exposure mode options, including intelligent Auto Picture mode for novice users
  • Several in-camera HDR options
  • Record video at 1280x720 or 640x480 at 25fps with sound
  • Continuous shooting at 6fps in Hi mode
  • Uses SD, SDHC, or SDXC type flash memory cards
  • USB 2.0 hi-speed connectivity, PictBridge and Print Image Matching III compatible
  • Powered by either the included Li-ion battery pack D-LI109 (7.4 V, 1050 mAh) or 4xA batteries 

The Pentax K-r dSLR is available now with three color options (Red, Black, and White), with the following MSRPs:
  • $799.95 US for just the body
  • $849.95 US for the K-r Lens Kit with the smc 18-55mm DAL lens
  • $899.95 US for the K-r Double Lens Kit w 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses
  • $999.95 US for the K-r Double Lens Kit w 18-55mm and 55-300mm lenses.
Check our online vendors below for actual "street" prices.

Additional Product Views

K-r_White.jpg
K-r_Red.jpg

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.

Buy related cameras and accessories from Amazon.com
Related Product Description Price
Pentax K-01 16MP APS-C CMOS Compact System Camera [Body] (Yellow) + Extended Life Battery + 32GB SDHC Class 10 Memory Card + USB Card Reader + Memory Card Wallet + Deluxe Case w/Strap + Shock Proof Deluxe Case + Mini HDMI to HDMI Cable + Accessory Saver Bundle! Pentax K-01 16MP APS-C CMOS Compact System Camera [Body] (Yellow) + Extended Life Battery + 32GB SDHC Class 10 Memory Card + USB Card Reader + Memory Card Wallet + Deluxe Case w/Strap + Shock Proof Deluxe Case + Mini HDMI to HDMI Cable + Accessory Saver Bundle! $749.99
Pentax K-01 16MP APS-C CMOS Compact System Camera [Body] (Black) + Extended Life Battery + 32GB SDHC Class 10 Memory Card + USB Card Reader + Memory Card Wallet + Deluxe Case w/Strap + Shock Proof Deluxe Case + Mini HDMI to HDMI Cable + Accessory Saver Bundle! Pentax K-01 16MP APS-C CMOS Compact System Camera [Body] (Black) + Extended Life Battery + 32GB SDHC Class 10 Memory Card + USB Card Reader + Memory Card Wallet + Deluxe Case w/Strap + Shock Proof Deluxe Case + Mini HDMI to HDMI Cable + Accessory Saver Bundle! $749.99
Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera Body & EF-S 18-55mm IS II Lens with 75-300mm III Lens + 16GB Card + Battery + Case + (2) Filters + Flash + Cleaning & Accessory Kit Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera Body & EF-S 18-55mm IS II Lens with 75-300mm III Lens + 16GB Card + Battery + Case + (2) Filters + Flash + Cleaning & Accessory Kit $564.95
Olympus E-PM2 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5 - 5.6 II Lens (Black) Kit. Includes: 16GB Memory Card, High Speed Memory Card Reader, Extended Life Replacement Battery, AC/DC Rapid Travel Charger, Memory Card Wallet, Mini HDMI Cable, Table Top Tripod, LCD Screen Protectors, Cleaning Kit & Carrying Case Olympus E-PM2 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5 - 5.6 II Lens (Black) Kit. Includes: 16GB Memory Card, High Speed Memory Card Reader, Extended Life Replacement Battery, AC/DC Rapid Travel Charger, Memory Card Wallet, Mini HDMI Cable, Table Top Tripod, LCD Screen Protectors, Cleaning Kit & Carrying Case $564.95
Olympus PEN E-PL5 16.1 MP Digital Camera Body & 14-42mm II R Lens (Black) with 32GB Card + Battery + Case + UV Filter + Accessory Kit Olympus PEN E-PL5 16.1 MP Digital Camera Body & 14-42mm II R Lens (Black) with 32GB Card + Battery + Case + UV Filter + Accessory Kit $564.95
Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Autofocus Lens Kit for Pentax K-x, K-r Digital SLR Cameras. Package Includes: 0.45X Wide Angle Lens, 2X Telephoto Lens, Lens Cap, Lens Hood, Lens Cap Keeper, 3 Piece Filter Kit (UV-FLD-CPL) and Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Autofocus Lens Kit for Pentax K-x, K-r Digital SLR Cameras. Package Includes: 0.45X Wide Angle Lens, 2X Telephoto Lens, Lens Cap, Lens Hood, Lens Cap Keeper, 3 Piece Filter Kit (UV-FLD-CPL) and Microfiber Cleaning Cloth $263.95
NEW 58mm Digital Pro Wide Angle/Macro Lens Bundle For The Pentax K-R, K-X Digital SLR Camera Which Has Any Of These (55-300mm, 75-300mm, 18-50mm, 28-80mm, 31mm) Pentax Lenses. Includes Wide-Angle/Macro High Definition Lens, Lens Pen Cleaner, Cap Keeper, UP Deluxe Cleaning Kit NEW 58mm Digital Pro Wide Angle/Macro Lens Bundle For The Pentax K-R, K-X Digital SLR Camera Which Has Any Of These (55-300mm, 75-300mm, 18-50mm, 28-80mm, 31mm) Pentax Lenses. Includes Wide-Angle/Macro High Definition Lens, Lens Pen Cleaner, Cap Keeper, UP Deluxe Cleaning Kit $69.99