| Author: | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: February, 2014 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 2,568
5 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 2, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $350.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Well built, fantastic color rendition, cheap used | | Cons: | Battery life, low magnification viewfinder, loud shutter | | Years Owned: 8
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 6
Features: 9
Value: 9
Image Quality: 8
Noise: 6
New or Used: Used
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I bought my K-r for my wife to use on our adventures back in 2012. Unfortunately, we haven’t been traveling since 2015 and the K-r just sat around until this year when I discovered its potential with m42 Takumar lenses. The K-r may just be the perfect body to make a permanent m42 screwmount DSLR.
My rather large collection of 1957-1975 Takumar glass has been tried on several Pentax DSLRs. K30, K5, K5iis, K3 and KP. The highest resolving power lenses worked well enough on most bodies, however the super sharp sensors in the K5iis and newer models really amplify any optical flaws present in classic glass. The K-r at 12.4 MP seems to be the “sweet spot” for the older glass. The colors rendered by the K-r with the Takumars is just spectacular. Exposures are accurate in AV mode, however significant positive exposure compensation is always required, normally 2 full stops. The K-r sensor holds shadow detail very well up to ISO 800, so slight under exposure works well.
The slightly dimmer, lower magnification Pentax-mirror viewfinder makes manual focusing with the slower f3.5-5.6 manual lenses a bit more challenging. Adding the ME-O53 eyepiece helps. In good light, the AF confirmation is generally quite accurate unless the lens is stopped down past f5.6.
Another plus to using the K-r as a dedicated m42 body, its sensor works well with manually controlled flash. Old school auto flash works well also. The K-r also delivers very nice images when used for close up tabletop studio work using LED lighting. Auto color balance is usually spot on, something I can’t say for my K-5iis or K3.
I certainly wouldn’t give up my more modern, higher megapixel bodies for a K-r, however as a dedicated screwmount body, the K-r is earning its keep. I highly recommend the K-r for this assignment.
| | | | | | | Senior Member Registered: April, 2014 Posts: 224
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 1, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $700.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | high ISO, build quality, takes AA batteries, intuitive layout (both - menu and buttons), ergonomics | | Cons: | only 720p video, remote control, shutter is little loud | | Years Owned: 3 yrs
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 6
New or Used: New
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From here it begans my journey to Pentax system. Before that I used only Olympus cameras (film and first DSLRs).
This is a very good entry level camera. And also it was very good starting point (to me) with Pentax too. Manufacturing quality is a top grade.
The only real problem for me was the video quality - too far behind to the same level Nikon/Canon cameras.
All other issues could leave the matter of "entry-level". Entry-level DSLRs come saddled with entry-level compromises.
But overall - there's a whole lot of camera packed inside the Pentax K-r !
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: April, 2014 Posts: 134
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 30, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $550.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Uses all my lenses from the film days. light, great user interface includes a fully manual mode. | | Cons: | Noisy shutter. | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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I bought this as my first Digital camera. I wanted a Pentax DSLR simply because I already have a collection of K-mount lenses, left over from my days using my first and only film SLR, a Pentax K-1000 made in 1979, owned by me since 1980 (and which I still have). The ability to use all of my old lenses was a big factor, but research and handling a few DSLRs tended to suggest also that most of the time if you compare two DLSRs with the same specification the Pentax will be smaller and lighter than most. I think the feature list on the KR was ridiculously good for the price I paid. In the end I opted for the 18-55mm kit and have never regretted it. I expected the kit lens to go largely unused but to my surprise I do actually use it a fair amount.
In use I found the camera easy to learn, laden with features and tremendous fun to shoot with. I like the manual control options, I found the menu system a dream to learn and on the whole the camera has been a joy to work with.
Autofocus is normally quick; as it is the first autofocus camera I've owned I don't have anything to compare it with but it rarely takes more than a fraction of a second to focus. Sometimes in very low light I have found the autofocus can't cope, but that's actually fine as I was expecting it. I was startled to find a built in intervalometer as an acquaintance paid over £100 for one as an add-on to his DSLR, and I'll be experimenting with that to make some time-lapse videos as soon as I get an AC adapter. If I were buying a DLSR now I'd probably only go for the KR if it was significantly cheaper, because since I bought mine quite a few better options have been made available, but when I bought it the KR was a bargain.
Yes, I'd still recommend it, but nowadays only if you can find it significantly below the standard retail price. For what I paid it's a bargain and a feature-packed bundle of fun.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: October, 2012 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,437 | | Review Date: April 1, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $74.99
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Light, good ISO range, familiar menu system, AA battery capability in-body, very quiet shutter | | Cons: | Pentamirror, relatively small viewfinder image, mono audio recording only, no mic jack, many functions don't have dedicated buttons (such as ISO) | | Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 7
User Interface: 5
Autofocus: 8
Features: 7
Value: 9
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: Used
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I'll update this review as I get to know this camera better. I bought my K-R specifically to use with the PK+MM adapter ring. But I wanted a capable camera that was cheap. I picked this one up on Amazon, with a kit lens. The seller indicated that the shutter randomly went on high and wouldn't stop, but it also didn't take images. I found that it was still on firmware 1.00. After updating the firmware, I have been unable to replicate the error (I was able to prior to the update.)
I like the camera's weight, handling, and general layout so far. I am very used to and spoiled by the K-3 and K-7 interfaces with more buttons and a more robust feel, but I expect to like this camera a lot. As I get to know this camera, I'll update this review.
| | | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: January, 2011 Location: Blackwood Posts: 359
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: February 10, 2014 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Fantastic learning camera, capable of wonderful pictures with a decent lens, excellent in low-light. The white-bodied 'Stormtrooper' version rocks, totally reliable in all conditions. | | Cons: | Slight ff issues in low light and tungsten. | | Years Owned: 3yrs
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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My first DSLR and the camera that got me into the Pentax fold. The trusty Stormtrooper traveled the world with me in my work for an international NGO. Never a problem. So much fuss was made about tungsten light issues when this camera was released but they had negligible impact on me shooting across a huge variety of contexts. I loved every moment with the K-r and have only moved on from it to get the K5IIs. As an under-rated, under-valued DSLR to start and go a long way with, the K-r is a ripper!
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: June, 2011 Location: Bountiful, Utah, USA Posts: 74 | | Review Date: December 15, 2013 | Not Recommended | Price: $600.00
| Rating: 3 |
| Pros: | Compact, dirt cheap | | Cons: | Incandescent focusing is off, flash issues, battery issues, menu issues, and more | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 6
Build Quality: 5
User Interface: 4
Autofocus: 3
Features: 7
Value: 5
Image Quality: 6
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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Not even going to waste time writing up a full review. I have had more problems with this camera than every other camera I've ever owned - combined. SO many issues. The incandescent focusing problem (google it) is a pain, but constantly shutting down because it thinks the batteries are dead when they aren't (dedicated lithium, alkaline or NiMH AA (conventional and variable internal resistance types including Eneloops)) makes it almost useless. The crippling of features through the way the menus and controls are arranged is just ridiculous. For instance you can't shoot a bracketed set for HDR and use the remote or a shutter delay, so there is no way to eliminate camera shake, and SR often isn't enough to compensate.
There is a lot to like as well, such as 6 FPS shooting in a budget camera, but the cons far outweigh the pros. This camera never should have been released.
| | | | | New Member Registered: October, 2011 Posts: 1
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 25, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $648.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | High build quality, good image quality | | Cons: | Noisy AF and shutter noise | | Years Owned: 2.5
Ergonomics: 7
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 7
Autofocus: 5
Features: 7
Value: 9
Image Quality: 8
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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I've owned this camera for over two years now and, as my first dslr, this camera has grown with me as my skills and knowledge and photographic tastes have grown and changed.
Physically the KR is solid, well made and well laid out. I've had a bit of buyer's remorse over my time with this camera, often hankering after a canon...heresy on here I know but it's the truth. But when you compare this Pentax with similar canons/nikons at the price bracket etc, you cannot get a similar camera with the same build quality without paying a lot more.
I started of with the twin kit lenses. And have kept the 200mm zoom, but have replaced the 18-55mm with a Tamron 17-50 non-vc lens. And I have to say that this camera really responded!! Great image quality from this combo for sure.
I also have an old manual focus Pentax 50mm f1.7, this kicks ass also!
The majority of my camera work is HDR of landscape / street architecture and the shots really hold up to a lot of processing scrutiny! And for portrait work I use an old 80's swivel head shoe-mount flash which has improved my photography immensely.
Overall a great camera that has grown with me.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: November, 2013 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 87 | | Review Date: November 24, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $485.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Value for money, easy to navigate, Good IQ | | Cons: | AF goes a bit haywire at times, noisy shutter | | Years Owned: one month!
Ergonomics: 7
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 5
Features: 8
Value: 9
Image Quality: 8
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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Bought this brand new and my first ever DSLR, so excuse my lack of knowledge! Seems like old stock with originally firmware, but have updated and will see if any discernable difference to results.
Overall, quite pleased with this camera. Came with kit lens which probably don't do the camera justice, but fine for a newbie like me. Definately an improvement on quality from previous Bridge cameras that I have owned.
AF does seem problematic at times.
I'm enjoying this camera and it was definately value for money.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: November, 2013 Location: Barcelona Posts: 656 | | Review Date: November 23, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $330.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Continuous Shooting speed, high ISO, light, quality in general | | Cons: | Not any. Maybe it has not a display screen up like the K110D | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 9
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: Used
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I just got this beauty for about a year now, I bought it second hand and I just found a bargain with 500 pictures done. And after 40.500 more pictures done, I have changed my review a bit. Just bought myself a K5 in my more recent trip just because of it's value; if not I'd have kept my Kr.
Before the K-R I have had a Pentax K110D and I loved it, it's been my first DSLR camera and I just learned a lot with it, and had lots of fun with, but as long as I love motorsport photography, I felt I needed to improve because the K110D could be somehow not that fast at shooting many pictures at the same time.
So I begun to check online, read many reviews and found the perfect candidate: The Pentax K-r, it has a fast enought continuous shooting speed, it's ISO is perfect as you can use High ISO and there is no problem, and in general it's a wonderful camera, it performs great.
I have no negative points at this point. Yes, I'd love it to have a grip available, and I'd love it to have a sealed body, but at this price I can ask for more! Maybe, and this is the only thing I miss from my beloved K110D, it could have an upper display as the K110D has. That would be perfect.
After some use, my KR started to have some mirror flop issues, sometimes more often, sometimes less often. I have to get that fixed before moving to my K5, but it might be because of the serie of the camera, I am not sure how many have suffered this same problem.
I have been using this camera for semi professional motorsport photography (check the pictures here http://www.motorcanario.com/galeria/ver.asp?id=24horasbarcelona14), for holidays, and almost for everything and it's interface is very easy to use, in general it's a very easy to work with camera, and gives great feedback and photos. Sometimes it's focus it's a bit slow, or it could have more vivid colours, but a part from that, it's a great starting point and a fast shooter.
If you are looking for a camera to shoot at dark spots or motorsport on a budget I believe this is a great option, even if you wanna start in this world.
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2012 Location: Czech Republic - Brno Posts: 8 | | Review Date: November 11, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $570.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | colour rendition, build quality, functions | | Cons: | poor AF, lack of grip option | | Years Owned: 2+
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 5
Features: 8
Value: 8
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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I have the K-r now for more than 2 years and I couldn't regret it. It is my first DSLR which showed me that I can have a lot of bang for my buck  . Usually I am quite satisfied with my camera but sometimes the poor AF upsets me mainly when I am using the camera to shoot a model  and although I have corrected the focus in the menu the camera still front focuses with almost every prime lens  . But I really love the color rendition what this little guy creates and I would probably buy it again.
| | | | | New Member Registered: March, 2013 Posts: 1 | | Review Date: November 4, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $300.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Almost no shutter lag, quick startup, 6fps | | Cons: | Auto-focus is finicky, noisy at higher ISOs | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 6
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 6
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 8
Noise: 6
New or Used: Used
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My first DSLR I've personally owned. My only basis for comparison is a Canon 40D I've used at work. The K-r outperforms that camera by far.
The K-r is ready to shoot very quickly after turning it on. Barely any shutter lag and fast continuous shooting. I have young kids that rarely sit still, so having a fast camera has been awesome. This is why I bought this camera.
Only drawback is that speed is sometimes lost if the AF goes hunting.
I've had a lot of fun in low light that this level of camera allows, although it gets pretty noisy above ISO 800.
There are great used examples to be found at reasonable prices out there. I found mine on eBay for $300 with std 18-55mm kit lens.
This camera is manueverable and light. I gave its "ergonomics" a "6" because I'd actually prefer a slightly larger frame.
When my skill/experience level increases, I'll trade-up...until then, this is a great camera with which to learn.
| | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2011 Location: Riga Posts: 1 | | Review Date: October 16, 2013 | Not Recommended | Price: $650.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | comfortable | | Cons: | | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 9
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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Great camera for the novice photographer, a lot of pleasant experiences, excellent build quality!
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: January, 2013 Posts: 25 | | Review Date: October 15, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $650.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | price, image quality when it was released | | Cons: | autofocus could be faster, loud shutter, noise at high ISO | | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 7
Build Quality: 7
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 7
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 8
Noise: 5
New or Used: New
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An entry level that, as usual for Pentax camera, is better than competition's one.
When it was released it had better and more features than the previous model, the K-x. But in image quality it wasn't such an upgrade, only colors rendition seems better.
The price was adeguate for the big value of the camera.
Paired with good Pentax lenses (I had the Pentax 100mm macro WR and the FA 50mm 1.4) it's surprising and I enjoyed it a lot. By now, the camera out there are very amazing and I'm thinking to an upgrade.
Overall it's a beautiful camera
| | | | | New Member Registered: October, 2011 Posts: 20 | | Review Date: October 15, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $750.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Interchangeability of lens, ease of use | | Cons: | Too many controls | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 8
Features: 8
Value: 9
Image Quality: 10
New or Used: New
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I upgraded from older film SLRS. ALL my old lenses snap on and work. Just amazing. the controls are a bit different than film or point and shoot. Almost all of accessories worked as well. I bought a digital remote and extra batteries. I also bought a large SD disc which will hold an amazing 10.000 photos (I think ).
Very good value and takes excellent photos.  | | | | | New Member Registered: October, 2013 Location: Ružomberok Posts: 6 | | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | price, body size, AA bateries | | Cons: | none | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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Perfect camera for beginners/amaters.
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