| Author: | | 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.
| | | | | | | 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.
| | | | | 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
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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.
| | | | | 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
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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.
| | | | | | | 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
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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.
| | | | | 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
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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.
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: March, 2011 Posts: 32 | | Review Date: May 10, 2011 | Not Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | Image quality, low light performance, 6 FPS!, compact/ergonomic, feels solid, too many to list | | Cons: | front focuses in artificial light, loud shutter | |
I love this camera. The image quality, dynamic range, low light performance, frames per second, shake reduction built in, autofocus built in, solid and intuitive feel of it - that is all perfect. The autofocus is actually pretty quick IMO. I like how it has shake reduction and autofocus built into the camera while the canon and nikkon brands have left that to the lens.
Also, I like that I can throw ancient lenses on it and make great pictures with them without having to hack/mod anything up except for the occasional m42 adapter.
I listed the loud shutter as a CON, but it is only sometimes a negative thing. If you are in a quiet room or a museum, the shutter SLAP can actually make someone jump - it is that loud.
I was taking pictures of wildlife on the move once though and there was a guy with an expensive canon setup. We both had our fingers jammed on the shutter release button trying to grab as many frames as we could of the moving subject. His canon was taking shots almost half the speed of my entry level pentax and the sound of my pentax shutter loudly slapping away rapidly over the muted and slow canon was amusing. I think he was offended by the noise, though.
My biggest problem with this camera is the front focus issue in artificial lighting. In my opinion, it is a glaring defect given how awesome this camera would otherwise be. It bothers me that Pentax has acknowledged the problem, but have given notice that they have no knowledge of an upcoming fix. Instead, Pentax offers up a workaround to set white balance to tungsten (and remember to change it back).
Because of this defect and lack of action from Pentax, I could never recommend it to anyone.
The defect takes it down to a 6.5 to a 7 for me as the rest of the camera is that good. I think if it were not for the front focus issue, I would rate it a solid 10.
| | | | | 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: 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: 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: 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!
| | | | | 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: 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.
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