| Author: | | 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: 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: 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.
| | | | | 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.
| | | | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2013 Posts: 11
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: August 7, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Everything (for me) | | Cons: | No focus peaking, video mode | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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This is my first DSLR (bought right after a Lumix Bridge) and I love it.
I'm using it for 2 years now and I still haven't pushed it to its limits. I know other DSLRs must be much better but for its price (500 in 2011) it's just the best you could find. Great ISOs (3200 is totally correct), fast (6,2 IPS), easy to use.
I just miss the focus peaking for older lenses non AF (or a stigmometre).
Coupled to my DA40 Ltd, it provides greats images!
| | | | | 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
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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.
| | | | | 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
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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.
| | | | | 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
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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.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: December, 2010 Location: Usa Posts: 10 | | Review Date: December 16, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $899.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Image quality, high ISO, continuous shooting
| | Cons: | Loud Shutter
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| Pros | Image quality, high ISO, continuous shooting | | Cons | Loud Shutter | | Rating | 10 | | Price (U.S. Dollars) | $899 Kit | | Years Owned | 1 month |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
For a beginner DSLR this was a great value. I paid $899 for the body and two (18-55 and 50-200) lens.
Camera Review
I bought this camera after weeks of research on entry-level DSLR. I want to take better pictures on my family and especially my son. Also, I was growing out of my point and shoot and wanted better quality and more control over my shots.
I bought this camera kit because of its small and light-weight design. It fits easily into my small hands without feeling too heavy or bulky. It has an easy learning curve, the menu is very well laid out as are the controls and it comes with 2 lenes (great value). I am very happy with this purchase.
Attached is one of the first pictures I shot in full manual mode. Im still practicing, but I can see improvements in my shots already
 | | | | | Inactive Account Registered: December, 2010 Posts: 2 | | Review Date: December 3, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $899.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | image quality, ease of use
| | Cons: | Can't find any
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| Pros | image quality, ease of use | | Cons | Can't find any | | Rating | 10 | | Price (U.S. Dollars) | 899 | | Years Owned | one month |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
Great value. Great performance. Just plain great.
Camera Review
I’m submitting my review of my Pentax K-r DSLR. I must admit though, I am a little partial to this camera because of what it has done for my life. For more than a dozen years I was a sports columnist, then found myself laid off in Nov. 2005. For just over five years I was unemployed and scratching for a way for my family and I to get by. The economic times and situation here meant very little prospects in my field. However, recently I stumbled upon a position in my field (journalism). However, I would also be required to take photographs for each article. After speaking with some professionals, I decided to go with a Pentax K-r. I borrowed the money from a relative to purchase a K-r kit with a Pentax 55-200 telephoto lens, and began reading the book and experimenting with the camera.
Please understand, my job prospect hinged not only on how well I performed as a writer (which I had confidence in), but how well my photographs were. I had little experience with photography in the past, but the K-r was easy to use, and produced high quality, professional-grade images – and I really didn’t know what I was doing. I set the mode and pressed the shutter release at first. And – amazing images! It allowed me to shoot fast-action sporting events as well as feature-style photographs. Not only was I pleased with the results from my K-r, so were the editors. I got the job and my K-r and I are now gainfully employed and getting back on our feet. Thank you Pentax.
So, my review may not be as technical as many other out there, and I know that. However, this review is a real-world example on how well this camera performs. If this camera didn't perform when I needed it to, then I'm still looking for work and struggling to make ends meet.
I’m learning to be a top-notch photographer, beginning to grasp the more technical aspect of the camera, and my K-r is always with me. I love it, and, more importantly, I love what it’s been able to do for me and my family.
I don’t know if I could ever give this camera a more glowing review. Sure, there are some out there who will test the camera extensively in all types of situations. They’ll find fault, and benefits of the K-r. Me, on the other hand, only know one thing about the Pentax K-r – it’s performance, quality and versatility saved my family, and allowed me to look toward a brighter future. It’s allowed me to find a job, and it helped me discover a true passion in my life, photography. Thank you, Pentax, and thank you K-r! | | | | | 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.
| | | | | 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!
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: November, 2013 Location: Barcelona Posts: 659 | | 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: 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.  | | |
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