| Author: | | Junior Member Registered: July, 2012 Posts: 43 | | Review Date: August 16, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $550.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | value, 6 fps, ergonomics,pretty fast af, HDR, very low noise on higher ISO | | Cons: | AF hunts sometimes, very noisy "clunk" sound and noisy AF when using kit lens, SR could be more effective | | Years Owned: 1 year
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| |
First I am going to talk about front focus problems. I dont think that is so huge problem. When I take pictures indoor I use my external flash. Build quality is very good, ergonomics are awesome,same or even little better than on Canon 550d. Image quality is good especially for entry level dSLR. User interface is good, you can easily find out what to do. Auto focus is pretty fast when you use viewfinder but on liveview it is not that fast. Not that good image stabilization are only cons for this dSLR, despite this can be fixed with setting higher ISO number, because this camera have low ISO noise.
I can't understand guys who can't recommend this camera because of little front focusing issue under tungsten light. This problem can be solved with AF fine adjustment, you just need to set it on -10 when capturing under tungsten light.
I think, this is pretty good entry level dSLR for the money I paid.
| | | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: September, 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Posts: 12,285 | | Review Date: August 11, 2012 | Not Recommended | Price: $450.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | Small, responsive, takes AAs w/adapter, uses K mount, solid low light performance | | Cons: | AF slow, requires AA adapter, fewer keepers | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 8
Value: 7
Image Quality: 7
Noise: 9
New or Used: Used
| |
I bought the K-r after having had the K-x for about a year. I had heard so much about how focus points in the viewfinder would improve accuracy of focus that I wanted to try it out. I bought the K-r here used body only.
The higher ISO and the in viewfinder focus points were a nice improvement over my K-x. The body is essentially the same ergonomics so getting used to it was no real adjustment for me. Slightly faster burst rate for shooting sports was nice too. The dedicated AF assist lamp was a plus over the K-x too.
So, why did I sell the K-r and keep the K-x when I bought my K-5? The simple reason is that with all its advancements I had more keepers with my K-x. I shot mostly outdoors and did not experience the tungsten issue that many reported. After I sold my K-r the buyer wrote me and said he was having Tungsten issues with the K-r but I can honestly say that when I did indoor shots they were either MF or macro shots and it never bothered me. It was just that the K-r was newer but I got fewer keepers at my kids sports events and on vacation with it. So, when I upgraded to the K-5 I decided to sell the K-r to offset the cost of the K-5.
On the issue of would I recommend the K-r I said no. The main reason is that the K-x has done a better job for me and is less expensive when you can find a nice used one for sale.
| | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: March, 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Posts: 23,920 | | Review Date: May 21, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $450.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sturdy design, lightweight and responsive | | Cons: | Indiscernible improvement of AF speed from K-x | | Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: Used
| |
This is a fine camera. Period.
It is an entry-level camera with features and ergonomics a professional would be pleased with.
It is light and has the sturdiness an outdoor photographer would want, without the need for weather sealing.
It is full of functions yet so easy to use that would make a newbie feel comfortable using straight away as well as grow into.
Its performance is excellent, and is a camera to last.
The hiccup as mentioned is the AF speed; accuracy is there, and the addition of the LED AF assist lamp is very welcome for those low light situations, but it does struggle to hit the mark at times, which could have been tweaked a little more above that of its predecessors.
Nevertheless, I find the camera a worthy successor to the K-x, particularly its crisper rear display, its ability to customise the AF points without having to delve into the menus (just like the K-5) and the implementation of the smaller Li-ion battery power source.
I give it a 9 as for an entry-level camera, it exceeds my expectations, even as seasoned amateur.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2010 Location: New York Posts: 1,071 | | Review Date: April 27, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $850.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Fast burst shooting, compact, good build quality, strong feature set | | Cons: | Some reliability problems, metering can be better | | Years Owned: 1 1/2 years
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 7
Features: 8
Value: 9
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| |
Overall, the K-r is a solid camera, with quite a few features to satisfy the budding photographer.
Image quality is very good, despite having a relatively low-resolution 12 MP sensor, and noise is well-controlled at high ISO speeds. At higher ISO speeds, the camera matches most of the competition, but can't resolve as much as detail at low ISO because of the relatively low pixel count.
Build quality is well above average for an entry-level camera. The camera feels far more solid than the competition because of the rugged design, which includes a stainless-steel subframe. However, it certainly does not match the build quality of a K-5, EOS 7D, or D300S. Competing Canon and Nikon cameras feel much cheaper, but are also considerably lighter.
The camera is easy to use, with a simple control layout that is especially beginner-friendly. The camera has relatively few buttons, making it easy to work with, but this also means that enthusiasts will find the camera slower to use when settings like the metering or autofocus mode need to be changed.
Autofocus is fast on static subjects, but can be improved especially with moving subjects. The 6 fps burst rate is unusually fast for a camera at this level, and makes it competent in handling action shooting. Compared with the competition, the K-r is above average with moving subjects.
Exposure metering can be improved, with the camera prone to underexposure with backlit subjects or a bright sky. Exposure compensation in the range of +0.7 to +2.0 is often needed. Otherwise, exposures are accurate.
The feature set is quite large, but certainly isn't packed with as many features as the K-5. The features available in the K-r are good for a camera in this class, but serious enthusiasts may find the K-r inadequate.
However, I did run into several problems during my 18-month ownership of the K-r. First, the camera showed slight (not severe) autofocus errors, with the AF system showing slight front-focus. This was corrected by the service center. Second, the e-dial became unreliable after about 8 months of use, skipping or going reverse especially when turned quickly. This, too, was fixed under warranty by the service center. Third, the shutter became increasingly inaccurate after about 30,000 cycles.
In the end, in spite of these issues, I enjoyed using the K-r and would recommend it to others as a first camera.
The price listed includes DA L 18-55mm and DA L 55-300mm lenses. | | | | | | | Pentaxian Registered: April, 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Posts: 18,076 | | Review Date: March 17, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $750.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | IQ, handling, price/value | | Cons: | No AA tray, cheap DA L 18-55 kit lens w/out hood, some FF | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
| |
Bonjour,
After having a K110D for over five years, I decided to upgrade to either a K-x or a K-r. Obviously, I went for the K-r and believe that I made the better choice. K-x's lack of AF point(s) was a deal-breaker for me.
I have had this DSLR for over a year and used it extensively for the first six month period until I deceided to purchase a used K-7. My wife uses the K-r now for her backyard "birding" shots, etc. Overall, I got some real great shots with the K-r using a variety of lens ... my favorite use is/was the DA 35mm f2.4 AL which I purchased two months after the K-r. My biggest gripe would be the DA L kit lens supplied in my bundled purchase. Not good, never liked it, and no hood (?). The DA 18-55 AL that came with my K110D was much better, thus one of the main reasons for my disappointment here. If I could have had the K-r bundled with the DA 35 (like I saw elsewhere), I would have been a very happy camper.
I have some FF issues, but not severe for me. Plus I just uploaded the newest firmware (v 1.12), so I need to shot to see if there's any improvement here.
To conclude, I am overall very happy with my K-r and was quite surprised that some reviewers gave it a "No" recommendation ... the French photo press really liked the K-r, getting top marks for its qualities within its market position and price point.
Allez, salut et prenez des belles photos !!! John le Frog | | | | | Senior Member Registered: December, 2011 Posts: 254 | | Review Date: December 13, 2011 | Not Recommended | Price: $650.00
| Rating: 3 |
| Pros: | Great spec nice price. | | Cons: | Huge FF problems in low kelvin light | | Years Owned: 6 months
Ergonomics: 7
Build Quality: 7
User Interface: 7
Autofocus: 2
Features: 8
Value: 8
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| |
Due to some huge AF problems I'm having to give this a low rating. If the front focus problem were not so severe I would happily give this camera 8/10 it's a great camera in many ways so much to offer at a very good price. Loaded with features and customisation, nice IQ great low light sensor.
It just cannot AF accurately in low kelvin light, and the lack of a fix from Pentax is deeply frustrating.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2011 Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Posts: 647 | | Review Date: October 21, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $699.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Low noise, ergonomics, fast burst, great autofocus, old lens compatibility | | Cons: | Loud shutter! (if thats a problem for you). I mean it! Really loud. / No 1080p video (no a problem for me) | | Years Owned: 21 days, i'll complete my review
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| |
I would rate this as a 9, but then i though : there's no cons at this camera that matters to me. So.
Theres a 10!
Great autofocus, no problem at tungsten light.
Ergonomics are great, although when i grabbed my old Sony HX-1 ("slr like" point and shoot) it was more confortable, but I THINK its because the HX-1 is like 300/400g lighter.
So anyway, the image quality is great. The shake reduction is amazing (1/13 speeds with 50mm f1.7 with no problems).
Just buy it. You wont be dissapointed.
| | | | | New Member Registered: October, 2011 Location: Ottawa Posts: 5 | | Review Date: October 7, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $599.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | small, best feature set in this price range, ability to use legacy lenses | | Cons: | none so far | | Years Owned: <1
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| |
I'm pretty happy with this camera so far. IQ is great and I haven't had any of the FF issues that others have described (maybe I just haven't noticed). About the only thing that I have found annoying about the K-r is the viewfinder, which is smaller and darker than what I am used to coming from film slrs. This really isn't a critique of the K-r so much as an issue with crop sensor cameras in general I would suspect.
I'm still blown away that I can use 40+ year old lens with this camera (something that I wasn't going to be able to do with my old minolta gear).
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: May, 2011 Posts: 61 | | Review Date: August 4, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $650.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Great VFM, loads of lenses will fit (same as any other Pentax, but better than Canikon) | | Cons: | Reported issues with autofocus (not mine though) | | Years Owned: 1
| |
The Pentax K-R is the perfect choice for someone looking to upgrade from either 35mm SLR or digital compact. If you're in the latter group, adapting to interchangeable lenses and all the extra buttons and settings can be daunting but with a little patience and practice you can get so much more out of a DSLR. And if you're moving up from 35mm, being able to change exposure settings and composition and see the effects instantly will change the way you take pictures forever (in a good way). And if you have a stash of Pentax K-mount lenses from your 35mm (as I did), they will fit straight onto the K-R and you won't have to spend a fortune re-buying all that glass.
The body itself is very well built, with a metal chassis giving it a feeling of robustness without being too heavy. It features a 3 inch high-resolution LCD screen which is as clear as my TV. All the buttons save the flash pop-up/delete button are to the right of the screen, meaning you right thumb and index finger do almost all the work (a good thing in my view). My only gripe is having to use your left hand to delete pictures, but that's a minor issue. The menu system is simple to navigate, but finding the right setting is sometimes a little long-winded.
The kit lens (18-55mm DA-L) is optically pretty good, although the plastic construction leaves a little to be desired. The DA equivalent has a metal chassis and mount and feels so much better, even if the pictures it produces are no different to the DA-L. There are reports of autofocusing problems in artificial light, but I haven't had any issues and in daylight it's brilliant.
Because the K-R has in-body image stabilisation, lenses are cheaper and you can use virtually any lens with a Pentax K mount (several million according to Pentax, going back to 1975). Older lenses without an A setting on the aperture ring can only be used in Manual or Av modes and you have to change a setting to allow the shutter to fire, but that's a lot better than some cameras where you can only use more modern lenses. The K-R doesn't support auto-zoom, but normal shaft-driven autofocus and the newer SDM autofocus will both work. The selection of aftermarket lenses may be smaller than Canon or Nikon, but with so many older lenses available and almost every off-brand lens maker doing something that will fit, you should struggle to find an option that won't work with the K-R.
When compared to Pentax's other offerings, the K-R fairs very well. It is essentially the same as the K-X, with a few important upgrades. Most notably, higher resolution CMOS sensor; autofocus confirmation in the viewfinder; choice of proprietary or AA batteries; 6fps continuous shooting; high-resolution LCD screen; higher ISO sensitivity (100-25,600 extended), and several others besides. It effectively makes the K-X obsolete.
Compared to the K-7 (which is around Ł200 more), it has a higher continuous frame rate, the same 3" screen, higher ISO figures, and the same imaging software. It loses out on shutter speed (1/6000th against 1/8000th), megapixels (12.4 versus 14.6), and few other less important features (K-7 has HDMI output, external mic socket, higher exposure compensation range). If you're struggling to find the budget for the K-7, the K-R is a very good alternative.
Overall the K-R is great for the hobbyist photographer. Image quality is fantastic, lens choice is huge, build quality is second to none, and it shoots HD-ready video too.
| | | | | New Member Registered: July, 2011 Location: St Louis, MO Posts: 1 | | Review Date: July 26, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $625.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Easy to Use, Solid Feel, lets me use my old lenses | | Cons: | Loud Shutter, slow focus in low light | | Years Owned: 1 month
| |
Very happy with camera so far. Still learning all the features. I obtained Pentax mount adapter so I can use old lenses from my Pentax ES, but lens that came with the camera works well and has good range of focal lengths (18-55mm). | | | | | Junior Member Registered: December, 2010 Location: Zagreb Posts: 32 | | Review Date: July 3, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $850.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Light weight, simple to use, continuous shooting, high ISO range, HD video | | Cons: | kit lens looks cheap, fixed LCD (non rotating), AV cable not included | | Years Owned: 1
| |
This is my first digital SLR. I bought it with 18-55 kit. I love this camera. It has very wide ISO range so it is easy to shot in low light. Except that, I like it's continous shooting speed. I have 18-55 kit, and additional FA 80-320, and M42 Pentacon 50mm/1.8.
I compared few other models before I decided to buy Pentax K-r. These other models are Canon 450D, Canon 500D, Nikon 3000 and Nikon 5000. All these models are lot expensive but have same or similar specifications. On many sides Pentax have even a better results for less money. So I decided to buy it and didn't make mistake.
I can recommend this camera to all entry level consumers.
Excellent feature is AA battery adapter (can be cheaper) but it is very usefull so I can recommend this adapter too.
Camera has good design. It is not the smallest SLR at market, but is not too big. Same size as Sony Alpha 390. Some people said that missed uper info LCD but it is not neccesery to me because all informations are available on main screen and also in viewfinder.
PROS:
light weight, high ISO, built-in flash, LCD, HD video recording, simple to use
NEG:
no A/V cable included, IR port is on camera front side only
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: August, 2009 Location: Łódź, Poland and Riverside, California, U.S.A Posts: 488 | | Review Date: June 12, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $727.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | AF speed, af fine adjustment, visible af points in OVF AF assist light, hd movie capture, 6 fps, low noise, high iso, ergonomics, very usable live view | | Cons: | No AA battery adapter included. | |
Prior to the K-r, I had the Samsung GX-20 (K20D) and then after that the Pentax K100D Super.
In comparing the photos side by side. The increased resolution of the Pentax K-r is great. Though the K100D Super took amazing photos as well and was only 6 mp.
The K-r is much better in every way for me. The grip is more comfortable. The AF is blazing fast in comparison to the K100D and the Gx-20. My DA 35 ltd. was really slow to focus with the K100D while the K-r is almost instant.
The K100D would start to struggle to achieve an af lock in slightly dim light, while the K-r will still get an af lock in the same situation with out hesitation.
The frame rate is simply amazing on the K-r at 6 fps. The K100D could capture 2.5 fps if all the conditions were right. On average though I would be able to get 1.5 - 2 fps. The Gx-20 managed about 3 fps. The write speed is also very quick on the K-r. The time it takes to empty the buffer is about 1-2 seconds after filling it with raw photos. My K100D Super takes up to 4 seconds after a burst in raw.
The Live View function is really useful to me as I like to take macro photos and it really helps me get the precise point of focus. I even use Live view for my older manual lenses and they really are easier to focus.
The user interface is also alot better too. it's much easier to navigate as well.
I was a little hesitant about the camera after hearing some concerns from the forum members but I am more than happy that I made the right choice.
p.s. I was thinking about the K-5 and the K-r. The K-5 would be great if I was a professional or even semi-professional. But for occasional gigs and everyday shooting, the K-r is the choice for me.
| | | | | Inactive Account Registered: June, 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 10 | | Review Date: June 7, 2011 | Not Recommended | Price: $749.00
| Rating: 6 |
| Pros: | Value for money, Compatible with old lenses, HDR | | Cons: | Poor quality construction, too many hot pixels. | | Years Owned: 1 month
| |
Bought this with the 18-55mm and 55-300mm kit lenses.
The good:
- Really low noise even at 3200 ISO.
- Good grip on the hand. Very easy to hold it steady.
- Takes AA Batteries too.
- Simple and clear interface.
- Good LCD.
The Bad:
- The E-Dial and the control buttons often have problems. I just shipped mine for repairs. This same problem has also been reported by *several* other people. I feel like this puts the overall quality of construction in question.
- Linux programs like ufraw still don't get things perfectly right. The Pentax provided software for Windows is far superior when it comes to RAW images. So if you are a Linux user, you might have problems.
| | | | | New Member Registered: May, 2011 Posts: 5 | | Review Date: June 2, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | the speed, the looks, the weight and size, the IQ, the UI, the handling and the feel | | Cons: | no input for a cable release, would love a dedicated movie button | | Years Owned: several months
| |
Originally, I bought a k-x for $400, but had to send it back cuz the edial was broken. With the k-x, i hated the fact that the lcd was so low-res it wasnt really possible to see how the photo came out. also, the lack of focus light-up spots in the viewfinder made it difficult to see what it was focusing on, sometimes.
Then i found a k-r with the 18-55 and 55-300 for a little under 500 shipped. fantastic price, so i snapped it up, and have been thrilled with it ever since. i did play around with an old canon 20d for a few days, and obviously there's no comparison.
the k-r in general has handled just about everything i've thrown at it, the only real limitations have been cuz of the lenses.
in short, im really happy with it and it's been really wonderful.
| | | | | Inactive Account Registered: January, 2011 Location: NYC Posts: 56 | | Review Date: May 26, 2011 | Not Recommended | Price: $650.00
| Rating: 6 |
| Pros: | Image quality, High ISO, Price, ease of use | | Cons: | Front Focus, no water resistance | | Years Owned: Less than 3 months
| |
The Pentax KR is a decent camera that has the potential to be great.
Build
The KR is smaller than most DSLRs but it seems to have a solid and quality build. The small size is great most of the time, but it can feel a bit unbalanced with a larger heavy telephoto lens, but easily remedied with a tripod. All the buttons and dial are well placed and easily accessible while shooting. Love the large 3in LCD and it’s resolution. All the Menus are easy to access and navigate. The KR is without the top LCD screen found on higher priced cameras, but it is still easy to use without. The Kr’s viewfinder is a little dim and small, but I doubt it is worse any other camera on the market.
Image quality and focus.
The improved High ISO range in the KR is great. With a fast lens, High ISO, and shake reduction it is easier to get quality available light photos and not use the flash. The auto focus seems to lock on its target easily and fast.
My biggest gripe with the KR is the front focus issue it has in indoors under tungsten lighting. The focus on my particular camera was way off and I sent it to CRIS service center to be repaired. It returned a month later with much better focus over all, but still has a large degree of front focus when using Auto White balance in tungsten lighting. By using the Pentax suggested workaround of choosing the tungsten white balance I now get acceptable auto focus, although it is a bit of a hassle to remember to change the setting.
Other
I think the AA battery adapter is a must have especially when traveling. It would be great if it was included with camera. Also if you use manual focus a lot invest in a Katz eye split screen to help you focus.
Value
While I think the KR is generally a good value for a camera, it has an odd place in the Pentax line up. It is only very slightly more advanced than the KX, and nowhere near the K5. I think one can purchase the lower priced KX without missing the few added features of the KR (dual battery, Larger higher resolution LCD, 11 focus points, Higher frames per second and a few others).
As it is with its front focus issue I would not recommend the Pentax KR for a new buyer. I would suggest save a little money and hassle and get a KX, save up and buy the K5 or wait a few months for a new improved models to be released. If the front focus problem is fixed with a firmware or even hardware fix I would gladly give it an upgrade to an 8 or 9.
| | |
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
