Pentax K-r Review

What's New

New features from the K-x include an improved AF systems with the SAFOX IX with 11 focusing points, an additional white balance preset setting, addition of high-speed sync flash mode, increased continuous mode shooting speed of 6fps, rear lcd screen increased to 3 inches (up from 2.7 in the K-x) and the addition of superimposed AF points in the viewfinder.

One obvious change from the K-x is the battery configuration. While the K-x operated solely on the use of AAs, the K-r comes provided with a proprietary lithium-ion battery that fits into the same compartment that can also hold AAs with the use of an adapter. The adapter is available for separate purchase.

Another change from the K-x is the addition in the K-r of an AF assist light. This light kicks on with a green beam of light, when attempting to use autofocus in extreme low light. The light comes on when the shutter button is depressed half-way in engaging the auto-focus. It can also be turned off in AF-S mode (Custom Menu page 2, option 11).

AF Customization

Auto-focus function is customizable. AF-S and AF-C can be customized to focus-priority (shutter cannot be released unless the subject is in focus) or release-priority (shutter can be released even if the subject is not in focus), another feature also found in the K-5.

Infrared Data Exchange

A fun new feature in the K-r is the ability to exchange image data with other devices via infrared transmission. Data can be transferred between K-r cameras or other devices that support this type of transmission, such as cell phones. There is even a "Dueling Images" game that can be played between two K-r cameras using the IR transmission.

Noise Reduction Customization

Slow shutter speed noise reduction can be turned off for exposures longer than 30 seconds, a feature shared with the K-5.

High ISO noise reduction is customizable for each individual ISO setting, or the same setting can be used throughout, or the camera can be allowed to determine the amount of noise reduction based on the ISO value, sensor temperature, and other factors, a feature also shared with the K-5.

Cross Processing

Cross Processing, a JPEG output feature, simulates the cross-processing effect of developing color film in the wrong kind of developer for that particular film. When selecting cross-processing, there are three presets and random (for a little serendipity in your photography). Each image will come out a little differently. When a desired result is achieved, the settings can be saved for future use. Up to three custom settings can be stored. The purpose behind this feature is rather unclear as it seems that similar results can be achieved by application of the various digital filters, with their wide range of customizing ability.

HDR capture capabilities

HDR capture capabilities have been enhanced with Auto-Align, a feature that can correct for minor misalignment of the images used in the HDR creation in the event that the shots are taken handheld. Night-scene HDR uses setting optimized for low-light exposure when capturing the images to be combined into the final HDR image.

Other Exciting Features

Backwards Compatibility: As with every Pentax body, the K-r is compatible with every Pentax K-mount lens made, dating back to the 1970s. Older screw-mount (m42) lenses can be used with an adapter. See our lens database for details.

Scene modes on mode dial: The most commonly used scene modes are selectable right on the mode dial on the top of the camera. This makes for a quick selection of optimized settings for modes used most frequently: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, and Night Scene Portrait.

Lens Correction: Like the K-5, the K-r has the ability to correct for lens distortion and lateral aberration in all DA, SA L, D, FA and select FA lenses. The corrections are applied directly to jpg files. In RAW files the information is applied automatically by the Digital Camera Utility software in post-processing.

Dynamic Range Adjustment: The dynamic range in the K-x can be expanded to give better coverage in both shadows and highlights. Changing the dynamic range, however, will change the lowest and/or highest ISO level attainable. Below are some examples of results from the various D-range settings.

Digital Filters: These fall into the category of "a lot of fun." They can be applied to the image while shooting when the camera is set in JPEG capture, or can be applied after the fact when shooting in both JPEG and RAW capture modes. Each filter also has multiple customizing features to create a truly unique image. Some examples are below (not including starburst, which is also greatly customizable). All filtered images were created from one image with the filters applied after the shot was taken.