| Author: | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: February, 2014 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 2,710
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: 136
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: 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!
| | | | | 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 !
| | | | | | | 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.
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: December, 2012 Location: Washington, DC / Palo Alto, CA Posts: 26
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $700.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Fast burst mode, AA batteries, IQ | | Cons: | Not WR, loud shutter, video | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 7
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 7
New or Used: New
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I love my K-r! It was my first not point-and-shoot camera, so I did my research beforehand, and chose the K-r. I made a giant spreadsheet with all of the specs of the cameras in the price range at the time, assigned a fitness value to each spec based on how important it was to me, then totaled the fitness values and chose the camera with the highest number in my price range.
The K-r does important things well. It fits nicely in my hand (my one gripe is that I wish the grip was just a little bit deeper), and it feels way better built than similarly priced Canikons. The usable ISO range is certainly good enough for learning with. The viewfinder isn't bad. All of the relevant controls are quickly available from the rear menu and buttons. The burst mode is phenomenal when compared to other entry-level DSLRs. I love that you can put an adapter in to use AA batteries.
On the negative side, the video is meh. However, I shoot mostly stills, so the fact that the video is only 720p isn't that important to me.
In short, the K-r is all of the things that a starter DSLR should be. It is fully capable of taking great pictures (and do the kinds of things that smartphones really can't), and though it wouldn't be a professional's first choice, it's an extremely capable tool.
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: September, 2011 Location: Skopje Posts: 49
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $790.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Body size, excelent specs | | Cons: | None considering the price | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 8
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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I own the K-r for two years and so far i'm very pleased to own this camera.
As i am a amateur photographer, i don't face any of the issues that professional photographers do and the K-r delivers everything i need. Along with the kit lens it's a nice pair, giving the oportunity to learn photography in a very nice way. The interface of the camera is clear and gives all the information needed. Also, i like the easy access to settings using the "Info" button while on main screen.
The DNG raw format is another plus for this camera. There are not much options while recording video, as i would like to be able to set parameters manually instead of the camera (iso, shutter speed etc, and overall exposure compensation). Beside the kit lens, now i have a 50mm f/2 Pentax-A lens and i'm very happy with it.
Sorry if i forgot something to mention. Overall this camera is great  | | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2011 Location: NC Posts: 9
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $800.00
| Rating: N/A |
| Pros: | i like the built in HDR, the high ISO, and the overal size of the body | | Cons: | the shuttter is really loud compared to other dSLR's, only 720p for video, there is no manual jack for remote shutter, and the kit lens's are at a range where if thats all you have you are changing them out a lot. | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 8
Autofocus: 9
Features: 8
Value: 8
Image Quality: 8
Noise: 4
New or Used: New
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aside from what I mentioned in the pro's and cons', this really is a great little camera for the price and class (12 MP). this is my first dSLR, so I did not want to spend a whole lot of money so I looked around and between other brands of it's class, this camera is far superior in my opinion. its a great little walk around camera for a beginner, and even a professional.
| | | | | New Member Registered: June, 2013 Posts: 13
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $413.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | solid, fast, long battery life, comfortable | | Cons: | slow contast-detect, no weater sealing, pentaminor | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 10
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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Very solid and sturdy camera. Comfortable to use, fast focus via Phase detection, but slow contrast-detect. Excellent menu - easy to use. Very long battery life, if used almost in phase-detection mode. Variety of lens...Work's very good with manual lenses. I like this camera a lot and reccomend it!
| | | | | New Member Registered: October, 2012 Location: Potsdam Posts: 9
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $600.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | very handy, sturdy case, great photo quality, user interface | | Cons: | little bit noisy | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 9
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 6
New or Used: New
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This camera is an excellent exmaple of the old good Pentax approach. You will find there the classical Pentax interface that is incredibly friendly, compared to those from other brands.
The most incredible thing I found about this camera is its colours. The green colour of grass on my photos is so good, that it looks like real and I just want to touch it through my monitor.
The case is made of stainless steel covered with plastic (black in my case). This means that the camera is unbreakable. Although, it does not have weater sealing I used it outside during rain and everything was fine.
All in all, I would recommend this camera to anyone.
| | | | | New Member Registered: February, 2013 Posts: 1
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $750.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | tough and compact, great design | | Cons: | only 1 crosstype autofocus point | | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 7
Features: 7
Value: 9
Image Quality: 7
Noise: 6
New or Used: New
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This has been my workhorse digital camera since I replaced the K100d with it in 2010. The e-dial is getting flaky on it, so it will be getting replaced, but it was unstoppable in all conditions.
| | | | | New Member Registered: March, 2011 Location: Bucharest Posts: 17
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $700.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Image at high ISO, feels good in my hands. | | Cons: | Not easy to focus using OVF with manual focus lenses | | Years Owned: 2011
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 7
Value: 9
Image Quality: 8
Noise: 9
New or Used: Used
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It's my first real camera (DSLR) and my first learning camera. It's nice, size fit me, it shows no problem with focus in tungsten light.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: August, 2010 Location: Melbourne Posts: 62
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $750.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | light, great image quality, Pentax usability, in-body stabilization | | Cons: | no weather sealing, wouldn't mind a few more pixels | | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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My first DSLR after a couple of super-zooms. Chose the Pentax for its in-body stabilization and general value for money and it hasn't disappointed. Just a great little camera, brilliant for travel, excellent in low light. A few more pixels would be good occasionally, but on the other hand the smaller file sizes are easy to handle. A really excellent starting point.
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: November, 2012 Posts: 45
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $400.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | light weight, quick auto focus, handling, result | | Cons: | none | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: Used
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My first DSLR which bring me the true happiness and the image quality i was expecting from it. I am going to keep it with me forever regardless of any upgrade.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: June, 2013 Location: Sunny Dun(ny)fermline, Fife Posts: 405
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: August 8, 2013 | Not Recommended | Price: $600.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | nice build quality, very capable | | Cons: | front focus, bizarre behaviour with external flash | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 4
Features: 9
Value: 9
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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I feel like I'm repeating previous comments but here goes. This is my first dSLR and it has taken me a fair amount of time to get to grips with it. If you never used the flash and shot in daylight - then the deal breakers might never be an issue.
The front focus issues in tungsten lighting are ridiculous, I have taken to using the rear screen but recently have decided to abandon AF entirely and focus 'old school' indoors. Also using an external flash is a real test - many of the exposure modes are useless and seem blissfully unaware that a flash is connected until you fire the shutter and get a horribly overexposed foreground.
For these reasons I cannot recommend the camera to friends, especially beginners, because understanding these glitches and working around them is not on for a novice.
What is really galling is, these two issues aside, this could be a classic affordable dSLR. And probably a maximum points scorer.
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