K-R High Iso Noise compared to Nikon D90

KotchPotato · 04-14-2011, 06:14 AM

Hi all.

I'm considering upgrading from my D90. The only thing that really interests me about the K-r is the much talked about low light performance (and SR but not so important for its uses). I'm wondering whether it is so great that it would be worth me upgrading.

How much improvement would I get in my images at gigs / concerts running equivalent 50mm 1.8 lenses or Nikon 35 1.8 (normally set at 2.4 - 2.8) Vs Pentax 35 2.4 at ISO's 3200 - 6400. Currently I can push the ISO to 6400 using my 35 1.8 and these are 'useable' for smaller sizes if the exposure is spot on and my preference would be B&W. Would the K-R allow me to keep these in colour with minimal noise? If theres a significant difference at 1600 and 3200 I would consider the change. I've seen images from a D700 at high ISO and they are quite impressive. How would the K-R compare?

Thanks!

Last edited by KotchPotato; 04-14-2011 at 06:45 AM. Reason: Title Change

**Deimos** · 04-14-2011, 07:19 AM

From what I understand the K-r sensor is basically the same sensor as the D90 but heavily modified to be much better at low-light.

1600 ISO is amazing and super clean, 3200 is very usable, above that it depends on your noise tolerance. if you search you should find lots of high iso K-r pics here

jie88 · 04-14-2011, 11:57 PM

I have had a D90 before and i was particularly content with the 1.6k iso ..
I think we are talking about a stop of HIGH iso improvement , its like KR 3200 is d90 1600 and so on.. The KRs 1600 iso is still very clean
But if you are content with your d90 6400 iso then you probably will be happy with 12800 on kr , 6400 on D90 the detail retain and colour noise is awful

kheldour · 04-15-2011, 12:57 AM

Although Nikon got better on HighISO noise, especially with D700, Pentax K-r and K-5 are on FX level, or better.

K-7 was ok'ish, but Pentax really improved the noise performance. That, and in addition that you have an in-body image stabilizer makes a huge difference upon Nikon and Canon.

Another reason, why I picked the K-r is the M42 compatibility. On Nikon you loose "infinite focus" on old M42-lenses, on Pentax (or Canon) you don't.

awo425 · 04-15-2011, 11:39 AM

Totally not worth it if you ask me. Kr maybe one stop better in ISO, but D90 is in a different league, it is way better camera overall.

Sekul · 04-15-2011, 12:17 PM

i used to have a D90 and if high iso is your main concern, then its not worth it change.
i switched back to pentax because:
-preferred the pentax color rendering
-smaller body
-the stabilized body

what i miss from d90?
-the viewfinder
-front wheel

04-14-2011, 06:14 AM	#1
KotchPotato New Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 1	How is the K-R High Iso Noise compared to Nikon D90?? Hi all. I'm considering upgrading from my D90. The only thing that really interests me about the K-r is the much talked about low light performance (and SR but not so important for its uses). I'm wondering whether it is so great that it would be worth me upgrading. How much improvement would I get in my images at gigs / concerts running equivalent 50mm 1.8 lenses or Nikon 35 1.8 (normally set at 2.4 - 2.8) Vs Pentax 35 2.4 at ISO's 3200 - 6400. Currently I can push the ISO to 6400 using my 35 1.8 and these are 'useable' for smaller sizes if the exposure is spot on and my preference would be B&W. Would the K-R allow me to keep these in colour with minimal noise? If theres a significant difference at 1600 and 3200 I would consider the change. I've seen images from a D700 at high ISO and they are quite impressive. How would the K-R compare? Thanks! Last edited by KotchPotato; 04-14-2011 at 06:45 AM. Reason: Title Change

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
K-5 high ISO night shots compared	SteveM	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	2	12-31-2010 11:19 AM
The K7 and High ISO noise	Workingdog	Pentax DSLR Discussion	49	11-24-2010 05:14 AM
Nikon high ISO noise reduction?	MidwestMax	Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands	4	03-30-2010 02:09 PM
Pantax k7 compared with Nikon D90	pakuchn	Pentax DSLR Discussion	79	12-15-2009 09:43 PM
Pentax K20D, K-7 and Canon 50D high ISO compared	emr	Pentax DSLR Discussion	8	07-09-2009 07:44 AM

04-14-2011, 07:19 AM	#2
Deimos Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kingdom of Wonder Posts: 1,777	From what I understand the K-r sensor is basically the same sensor as the D90 but heavily modified to be much better at low-light. 1600 ISO is amazing and super clean, 3200 is very usable, above that it depends on your noise tolerance. if you search you should find lots of high iso K-r pics here

04-14-2011, 11:57 PM	#3
jie88 New Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 7	I have had a D90 before and i was particularly content with the 1.6k iso .. I think we are talking about a stop of HIGH iso improvement , its like KR 3200 is d90 1600 and so on.. The KRs 1600 iso is still very clean But if you are content with your d90 6400 iso then you probably will be happy with 12800 on kr , 6400 on D90 the detail retain and colour noise is awful

04-15-2011, 12:57 AM	#4
kheldour Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Cologne Photos: Gallery Posts: 306	Although Nikon got better on HighISO noise, especially with D700, Pentax K-r and K-5 are on FX level, or better. K-7 was ok'ish, but Pentax really improved the noise performance. That, and in addition that you have an in-body image stabilizer makes a huge difference upon Nikon and Canon. Another reason, why I picked the K-r is the M42 compatibility. On Nikon you loose "infinite focus" on old M42-lenses, on Pentax (or Canon) you don't.

04-15-2011, 11:39 AM	#5
awo425 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NYC, USA Posts: 481	Totally not worth it if you ask me. Kr maybe one stop better in ISO, but D90 is in a different league, it is way better camera overall.

04-15-2011, 12:17 PM	#6
Sekul Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 102	i used to have a D90 and if high iso is your main concern, then its not worth it change. i switched back to pentax because: -preferred the pentax color rendering -smaller body -the stabilized body what i miss from d90? -the viewfinder -front wheel