Mar
07

Pentax K-r is said to be a mid-level DSLR camera which counts a few great features, including stainless-steel chassis, as its selling point. It is a fun looking camera with a variety of colors that users can choose from.

The Pentax K-r uses a 12 megapixel CMOS fast image and it has 720p HD video. It’s capable of taking burst photos at 6 frames per second (full resolution).

The camera has a 3 inch LCD with 921,000 pixels. The Pentax K-r uses shake reduction and dust removal mechanisms.

The image sensor of the latest DSLR Pentax camera has an ISO setting of 100 – 25,600 and it is equipped with choices of in-camera processing functions which can adjust photos to your desired effect.

The Pentax K-r is a beginner to mid-level user’s DSLR. It lies somewhere between the domain of the K-x and K-5 Pentax DSLR models.

The Pentax K-r is relatively compact up in size. The main reason why people will opt for this camera is that it’s a fun camera that allows you to customize the color of its body from matte black, red and white.

Pentax has made several improvement in this DSLR offering including a dual-power system that allows you to use AA batteries or a Li-ion pack.

Whether you are a total noobie to photography or have been taking photography you will appreciate this camera.

For Photography Beginners

As a beginner you can use the fully automatic exposure options. You can also select controls manually. There are 16 different settings that include the new night scene HDR mode. You may chose the automatic setting but you can still customize the options, particularly the ISO.

Experienced Photographers

The Pentax K-r is a DSLR hardcore photographers will also appreciate its manual control and custom functions. The featured setting of the camera is the advance HDR function, the best offering in any camera released in this market.

Build Quality and Handling

The K-r build quality is excellent. The camera employs a sturdy stainless steel chassis finished off in a strong plastic.

For people who like their camera to be different from everyone else the K-r offers customized colors.

The controls are designed to be arranged in a comfortable ergonomic design. The kit lens which is a 18-55mm zoom has a more aggressive grip texture on the zoom lens and it feels more comfortable with that extra texture.

LCD Viewing

The Pentax K-r has a manual viewfinder as well as an electronic one. The Pentax OVF offers 96 percent view coverage of 96 percent. The view is pretty average and there should be more room in the eyecup to make manual viewing much more comfortable. You can also view images using the electronic viewfinder, having the 2 options is a great feature.

Shooting Performance

Shooting performance is pretty robust. It only takes 3/10 to 8/10 a second from power. The camera has a quick buffer ability and you can take 6 frames per second to do so. The K-r has a High and Lo bust capture mode. Changing the image format to RAW does not affect .

Image Quality

The images of the K-r are nice for a 12 megapixel camera. The DSLR produces pleasing exposure with natural saturation and color balance. The colors are very realistic especially if you use manual setting. If you use the auto-function the images are a bit more saturated.

HDR Options

One reason to buy this DSLR is the HDR feature especially if you like practicing HDR techniques. HDR basically is capturing 3 or more images at 3 different settings (-2EV, 0EV and +2EV). When you combine these exposure together you form a single image with a heighten dynamic range. The Pentax K-r offer automated HDR photos that take seconds to accomplish.

Get the Pentax K-r for £489.00.

Conclusion:
Pentax is a great camera with lots of automatic features. The HDR feature is one of the highlights that this DSLR has to offer.
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PENTAX K-r 12.4-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera - White

This digital SLR camera features a PENTAX DA 18-55mm lens for customized use and a 3" color TFT-LCD monitor for viewing shots. The Sensor-shift Shake Reduction with 4 stops and face detection technology helps ensure images are clear and detailed.

3" TFT-LCD displayHD movie mode6 fps (frames per second)ISO 100-25,600

Product Features

  • PENTAX DA 18-55mm AL II lens included With 0.34x optical zoom for intricate picture detail. Also features quick-shift focus, a filter window and SP (Super Protect) coating.
  • 3" color TFT-LCD monitor With 921K pixels, wide-angle viewing and adjustable brightness for a clear display. Pentamirror viewfinder with 0.9x zoom, -2.5 to 1.5 diopter adjustment and a focusing screen with natural, bright and matte II options.
  • >> Store more photos! Find compatible memory cards in our Memory Center!
  • Multicard slot Supports Secure Digital and Secure Digital High Capacity formats for storing or transferring media.
  • 12.4-megapixel 23.6mm x 15.8mm CMOS image sensor Captures high-resolution images up to 4288 x 2848.
  • Special effects Include bright, natural, monochrome and more. Color modes include fine adjustment, hue and more. Filter effects include green, yellow, orange, red, magenta, blue, cyan and infrared. Also features sepia warm and cool toning.
  • Face detection technology Isolates subjects in-frame and optimizes conditions to take the best pictures of friends and family.
  • 11-point SAFOX IX autofocus system With a dedicated AF assist lamp for clear photos up close. Also features AF single (with focus lock) and AF continuous modes.
  • Flash modes Include on/off, red-eye reduction, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, slow sync with trailing curtain and wireless options.
  • High ISO sensitivity (100-25,600) For enhanced image quality. Sensor-shift Shake Reduction features a maximum of 4 stops for clear, detailed photos.
  • From our expanded online assortment; not available in all Best Buy stores
  • Automatic shooting modes With auto picture and scene modes, including portrait, action, night scene portrait, landscape, surf & snow, food, sunset, kids, pet, candlelight, museum, stage lighting and more.
  • High-definition movie mode Allows you to capture video clips in 720p resolution with audio.
  • Burst shooting mode Captures 6 fps for fast-action shots.
ManufacturerPENTAX
ModelK-r with 18-55mm Lens Kit
WidthCamera: 3.8"; Lens: 2.7"
HeightCamera: 4.9"; Lens: 2.7"
DepthCamera: 2.7"; Lens: 2.7"
WeightCamera: 1.3 lbs.; Lens: 7.9 oz.
ShockproofNo
ColdproofNo
WaterproofNo
Smile ModeNo
HD Movie ModeYes
Color CategoryWhite
Software IncludedPENTAX
TouchscreenNo
Tripod MountYes
Filter Diameter52mm
Imaging Sensor Size23.6mm x 15.8mm
Imaging Sensor TypeCMOS
AC AdapterYes
Batteries1 rechargeable lithium-ion D-LI109 (included)
Image Storage CapacityVaries
AudioYes
File FormatsRAW, (PEF, DNG), JPG (EXIF 2.21), DCF 2.0, DPOF and AVI (motion JPG)
Exposure ControlExposure lock via programmable AF/AE-L button; 3-shot auto exposure bracketing (±1.5 in 1/2 steps or ±1 in 1/3 steps); exposure compensation (±3 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 steps)
Video OutputsA/V, NTSC, PAL
Camera DockNot included
InterfaceUSB 2.0
Self-Timer12 sec. or 2 sec.
Movie ModeYes
ISO Equivalent100-25,600
Focus Range9.8" - infinity
External Flash MountYes
Orientation SensorNo
White BalanceAuto, daylight, shade, cloudy, fluorescent (D, N, W, L), tungsten, flash, CTE and manual
Flash ModesOn/off, red-eye reduction, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, slow sync with trailing curtain, wireless
Compatible Memory FormatsSecure Digital (SD)|Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC)
Aperture Rangef/3.5 - f/5.6
Shutter Speeds30 - 1/6000 sec.
Internal MemoryNone
Image StitchingNo
Panorama ModeNo
Burst ModeYes
Face DetectionYes
Image StabilizationYes
LCD Screen FeaturesColor TFT-LCD with 921K pixels, wide-angle viewing and adjustable brightness
ViewfinderPentamirror with 0.85x magnification, focusing screen (natural, bright, matte II) and -2.5 to 1.5 diopter adjustment
LCD Screen Size3"
Lens Focal Length(s)35mm equivalent 27.5-82.5mm
Digital ZoomNone
Lens FeaturesPENTAX DA 18-55mm AL II with quick-shift focus, filter window and SP (Super Protect) coating
Optical Zoom0.34x with included lens
Image ResolutionUp to 4288 x 2848
Megapixels (Effective)12.4
Megapixels (Total)12.9
Vista CompatibleHome Basic
Included Items
Strap, body mount cover, hot shoe cover, eyecup, lens cap, PENTAX software CD-ROM
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (D-L109), battery charge cradle, USB cable, AC cord
PENTAX K-r 12.4-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera
PENTAX DA 18-55mm lens
Main Features
Capture images and video to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards (not included)
3-inch LCD with 921,000 dots of resolution; wide range of in-camera image processing and special effects filters
Widescreen 720p HD video at 25fps; powerful automatic shooting modes including Pentax Auto Picture
Kit includes 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor; compact, lightweight body
Optional Accessories
AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR Cameras and Accessories (Black)
AmazonBasics 8 GB Class 4 SDHC Flash Memory Card
AmazonBasics SDHC Class 4 16GB Secure Digital Card
AmazonBasics SDHC Class 10 4 GB Secure Digital Card
AmazonBasics SDHC Class 4 32GB Secure Digital Card
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4.5 stars
3 reviews

Reliable, Fast and Delivers Unbelievable Images.

5 stars

If you are starting out, don't even think twice! I don't think I would be as far along my photography as I would be had I a different camera. The camera has a stabilized image sensor inside of the camera which makes any lens attached stabilized if you'd like it to be so no more picking between $200 and $500 lenses. A welcome change in design from other manufacturer's standard offerings. The menus are easy to get the hang of and you can tailor the camera to your preferences and settings with no problem. The firmware on the camera is incredibly fast meaning you can zip through menus quickly without lag which I wish I could say for some other cameras in this price range. The kit lens is a okay to get started with, and consider the two kit lens set that's also listed as that's a great value. Personally, I'd rather splurge on the lenses than on the camera itself which is something many get hung up on. I've thrown on the DA* (Highest quality $1,000+ Pentax Lenses) on this camera and haven't looked back. Fast and tack sharp lenses make shooting almost feel like cheating and I find myself in a rut with the camera as I can hardly justify upgrading to the K-5 anytime soon as I still don't feel like I've hit my head on the ceiling of what this camera is capable of. The camera isn't everything to everyone, though. It does not have a flip out LCD screen or an incredibly robust video mode as it only has 720p mono audio- but the image quality is still there. I would not consider this for videos of anything other than goofing off, blogging or shooting basic short/student movies. I've shot with the D3100, D5100, T3i and other cameras in this range and it is very easy to get hung up about which camera is the better buy. I looked at the entire package. Pentax has the stabilized sensor, accepts old film lenses no problem, new digital lenses are pretty economical as far as lenses go, and great support staff. Plus it is white so you know your are going to stand out. B) If you want bang for your buck, you just found yourself some dynamite at a dollar store.

POSTED BY MrEndo on August 19, 2011

Great entry-level performer

4 stars

The Pentax K-r certainly breaks up the long march of black-bodied entry-level DSLRs with its collection of bright bodies, innovative features, and breadth of controls. We found its image quality and performance was solid, but never really standing above its peers that we compared it to. Those looking for a steady performer with good handling and in-depth controls will enjoy the K-r, as it offers great value for its price point. The Pentax K-r's performance doesn't stand out in any single way over any of the competing cameras, for better or worse. It doesn't have a single category where it soundly outperforms anything we put it up against, nor is it really well beaten in any of the performance categories. The K-r's biggest asset comes in other aspects of its abilities as a camera, namely its breadth of controls and digital effects. Overall, its performance was average, with decent noise results beneath ISO 12800, improved color accuracy over the K-x, good dynamic range results at low ISO speeds, and sub-par resolution results with the 18-55mm kit lens. Read our full in-depth review at: http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Pentax-K-r-Digital-Camera-Review.htm

POSTED BY DigitalCameraInfo on July 11, 2011

Amazing camera for amateur photography

5 stars

I took a couple of college courses on photography, so I had some experience using a film SLR before I purchased the Pentax K-r. Although the Pentax K-r does have point-and-shoot capabilities, and using the Auto mode will provide better quality than a "typical" digital camera, I would still recommend learning about shooting with an SLR before you purchase. This is a great entry-level camera and it is very user-friendly. The auto-focus can be on the loud and slow side at times, but keep in mind once again that it's not a point-and-shoot camera. The Live View is great quality and the screen is a very good size. I love that Pentax has offered these cameras in a choice of colors. The body of the camera is solid, compact (for a DSLR), and control placement is excellent for my hands. If you notice a noise coming from the body when the camera is shifted, do not be alarmed: Pentax has image stabilizers built into the camera body rather than just the lens, and that is what causes this noise. My only real complaint is the video does not shoot in 1080, but that is also not a real issue for me since I do not plan on producing high quality films made for a large screen. 720 is plenty for uploading videos to your computer. Try web searching for "K-r video sample" and you'll be able to determine if the video quality is good enough for you.

POSTED BY cgall on April 07, 2011

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