K-x? K-r?

**hman** · 12-12-2011, 12:02 PM

Lots of traffic about K-r focus issues makes me somewhat wary. Want to upgrade from K100D, and am now considering used K-x in addition to used K-r. I shoot lots of flowers, landscape, indoor at times. In addition to the 2 kit lenses, I have a few manual lenses, and a great and cheap 28-90. Can folks assist with my pre-decisional conflict? Thx.

Adam · 12-12-2011, 12:56 PM

Despite those issues I would still go for the K-r as it's got a nicer screen and better overall performance, especially now that it's being discontinued.

JinDesu · 12-12-2011, 01:24 PM

Wait, you want to get a k-x in addition to a used k-r?

**hman** · 12-12-2011, 01:25 PM

No- trying to decide between the two. Sorry if I wasn't clear

JinDesu · 12-12-2011, 01:42 PM

oh - I have a k-x and I have handled a k-r in store. The k-r has quite a few more features that really make it a better entry level than the k-x. The light up focus points, 6fps, higher resolution screen, and lithium battery option (and AA battery option).

I think you can typically find a used one for about $100 more than the k-x on here, so it's definitely the better buy. As far as the issues go, I can't speak on that since I don't have the k-r.

WestOfPecos · 12-12-2011, 02:24 PM

Pentax has been taking its time to fix focus issue, but now that (1) the K-x is discontinued and (2) Pentax has just been bought again, I am starting to think they will never fix it. I have been waiting since Feb to see them fix the focus issue on the K-x before purchasing one - I am pretty much ready to quit and look at something else. Have you considered the Sony A65? Great IQ (in my opinion), will take all your M42 lenses and can shoot faster than the K-x.

**hman** · 12-12-2011, 02:45 PM

I am committed to Pentax given small collection of lenses and brand loyalty since Spotmatic days. Thanks for responding- I am collecting data to inform my decision.

JinDesu · 12-12-2011, 02:53 PM

Theoretically the replacement of the k-r should be coming up soon (discontinuation of the k-r, Pentax typical release of entry level has been shown to be at the beginning of the year, special edition k-rs popping up, rumor threads abound) - is that something to consider for you?

**Just1MoreDave** · 12-12-2011, 04:28 PM

I'm not sure about current prices, but a K-7 might be an option. You'd give up high ISO, but gain a lot of other features.

It's hard to tell how bad the K-r focus issue is, but I would make my decision based on Pentax not fixing it.

**hman** · 12-12-2011, 05:53 PM

There's no hurry, other than the opportunistic price drop of used K-rs since it's discontinued. No problem with the K100D other than a desire to upgrade, and it would make a great gift for myself (from my family). But great advice- things to consider that I might (or have not) considered. And I agree that despite significant and vociforous clamoring and complaining (seen mostly on that other forum), Pentax will not fix the focus issue.

Docrwm · 12-13-2011, 06:57 PM

I've owned both. I just sold my K-r because I purchased a K5 on CyberMonday. I kept the K-x as my backup for two main reasons: it had more shutter actuations and hence would bring fewer $'s to offset the cost of the K5 and it uses AA batteries without an adapter which means one less charger system to worry about.

The higher resolution of the K-r screen and the illuminated focus points were big pluses for me with the K-r. However, I have all that with the K5 plus a bunch of other things.

Some things not often mentioned between the two:

The K-r has a better pop-up flash - its physically larger and pops a bit higher thereby adding reach particularly with hooded large diameter lenses.
Focus was a bit faster on my K-r for most of my lenses from what I could tell.
Genuinely no noticeable difference in continuous shooting when I was shooting my son's soccer with the DAL 55-300.

If you are buying used you have the opportunity to ask if the user has experienced any FF issues with the K-r. I honestly had not, but most of my photographs with it (by far the majority) were outdoors.

I am a huge fan of AA batteries. They just make sense as long as the weight issue does not become a real factor. For the K-X and K-r weight is NOT a factor IMHO. If you decide on a K-r I strongly advise you to get the AA battery adapter for it. You can ALWAYS find AA batteries but charging a proprietary battery is not always in the cards in my experience.

Good luck with your decision.

sterretje · 12-13-2011, 10:20 PM

If there is no urgent need, I would wait and see what the future brings.

Alizarine · 12-13-2011, 11:04 PM

Originally posted by hman

Lots of traffic about K-r focus issues makes me somewhat wary. Want to upgrade from K100D, and am now considering used K-x in addition to used K-r. I shoot lots of flowers, landscape, indoor at times. In addition to the 2 kit lenses, I have a few manual lenses, and a great and cheap 28-90. Can folks assist with my pre-decisional conflict? Thx.

I have a K-x and the resolution of the LCD screen doesn't help when I'm doing shots of flowers and plants. I believe the K-r's higher LCD resolution will improve perception of color and sharpness of the shot without having to upload it to a PC first. The AF assist lamp is also a big plus. In my opinion, the K-r is the better choice also based on your subject preferences (except maybe under indoor tungsten light which I am not very sure of). Good luck with your choice!

**hman** · 12-14-2011, 06:22 AM

Thanks all for your input! Still not sure which way to go, unless I change every light bulb in the house to CFL!

ducdao · 12-14-2011, 07:08 AM

Originally posted by hman

Thanks all for your input! Still not sure which way to go, unless I change every light bulb in the house to CFL!

I have the K-r and am very with happy with it. Is the FF focus issue your current showstopper? If so, just manually change the WB to tunsteng whenever you shoot indoor. Problem solved. Better if you could shoot RAW as it will give you plenty of room for post processing.

12-12-2011, 12:02 PM	#1
hman Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: WEST CHESTER, PA Photos: Gallery Posts: 299	K-x? K-r? Lots of traffic about K-r focus issues makes me somewhat wary. Want to upgrade from K100D, and am now considering used K-x in addition to used K-r. I shoot lots of flowers, landscape, indoor at times. In addition to the 2 kit lenses, I have a few manual lenses, and a great and cheap 28-90. Can folks assist with my pre-decisional conflict? Thx.

12-12-2011, 12:56 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	Despite those issues I would still go for the K-r as it's got a nicer screen and better overall performance, especially now that it's being discontinued. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

12-13-2011, 06:57 PM	#11
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	I've owned both. I just sold my K-r because I purchased a K5 on CyberMonday. I kept the K-x as my backup for two main reasons: it had more shutter actuations and hence would bring fewer $'s to offset the cost of the K5 and it uses AA batteries without an adapter which means one less charger system to worry about. The higher resolution of the K-r screen and the illuminated focus points were big pluses for me with the K-r. However, I have all that with the K5 plus a bunch of other things. Some things not often mentioned between the two: The K-r has a better pop-up flash - its physically larger and pops a bit higher thereby adding reach particularly with hooded large diameter lenses. Focus was a bit faster on my K-r for most of my lenses from what I could tell. Genuinely no noticeable difference in continuous shooting when I was shooting my son's soccer with the DAL 55-300. If you are buying used you have the opportunity to ask if the user has experienced any FF issues with the K-r. I honestly had not, but most of my photographs with it (by far the majority) were outdoors. I am a huge fan of AA batteries. They just make sense as long as the weight issue does not become a real factor. For the K-X and K-r weight is NOT a factor IMHO. If you decide on a K-r I strongly advise you to get the AA battery adapter for it. You can ALWAYS find AA batteries but charging a proprietary battery is not always in the cards in my experience. Good luck with your decision. Last edited by Docrwm; 12-14-2011 at 06:17 AM.

12-12-2011, 01:24 PM	#3
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Wait, you want to get a k-x in addition to a used k-r?

12-12-2011, 01:25 PM	#4
hman Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: WEST CHESTER, PA Photos: Gallery Posts: 299 Original Poster	No- trying to decide between the two. Sorry if I wasn't clear

12-12-2011, 01:42 PM	#5
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	oh - I have a k-x and I have handled a k-r in store. The k-r has quite a few more features that really make it a better entry level than the k-x. The light up focus points, 6fps, higher resolution screen, and lithium battery option (and AA battery option). I think you can typically find a used one for about $100 more than the k-x on here, so it's definitely the better buy. As far as the issues go, I can't speak on that since I don't have the k-r.

12-12-2011, 02:24 PM	#6
WestOfPecos New Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 6	Pentax has been taking its time to fix focus issue, but now that (1) the K-x is discontinued and (2) Pentax has just been bought again, I am starting to think they will never fix it. I have been waiting since Feb to see them fix the focus issue on the K-x before purchasing one - I am pretty much ready to quit and look at something else. Have you considered the Sony A65? Great IQ (in my opinion), will take all your M42 lenses and can shoot faster than the K-x.

12-12-2011, 02:45 PM	#7
hman Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: WEST CHESTER, PA Photos: Gallery Posts: 299 Original Poster	I am committed to Pentax given small collection of lenses and brand loyalty since Spotmatic days. Thanks for responding- I am collecting data to inform my decision.

12-12-2011, 02:53 PM	#8
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Theoretically the replacement of the k-r should be coming up soon (discontinuation of the k-r, Pentax typical release of entry level has been shown to be at the beginning of the year, special edition k-rs popping up, rumor threads abound) - is that something to consider for you?

12-12-2011, 04:28 PM	#9
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	I'm not sure about current prices, but a K-7 might be an option. You'd give up high ISO, but gain a lot of other features. It's hard to tell how bad the K-r focus issue is, but I would make my decision based on Pentax not fixing it.

12-12-2011, 05:53 PM	#10
hman Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: WEST CHESTER, PA Photos: Gallery Posts: 299 Original Poster	There's no hurry, other than the opportunistic price drop of used K-rs since it's discontinued. No problem with the K100D other than a desire to upgrade, and it would make a great gift for myself (from my family). But great advice- things to consider that I might (or have not) considered. And I agree that despite significant and vociforous clamoring and complaining (seen mostly on that other forum), Pentax will not fix the focus issue.

12-13-2011, 10:20 PM	#12
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	If there is no urgent need, I would wait and see what the future brings.

12-13-2011, 11:04 PM	#13
Alizarine Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Manila Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,185	Originally posted by hman Lots of traffic about K-r focus issues makes me somewhat wary. Want to upgrade from K100D, and am now considering used K-x in addition to used K-r. I shoot lots of flowers, landscape, indoor at times. In addition to the 2 kit lenses, I have a few manual lenses, and a great and cheap 28-90. Can folks assist with my pre-decisional conflict? Thx. I have a K-x and the resolution of the LCD screen doesn't help when I'm doing shots of flowers and plants. I believe the K-r's higher LCD resolution will improve perception of color and sharpness of the shot without having to upload it to a PC first. The AF assist lamp is also a big plus. In my opinion, the K-r is the better choice also based on your subject preferences (except maybe under indoor tungsten light which I am not very sure of). Good luck with your choice!

12-14-2011, 06:22 AM	#14
hman Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: WEST CHESTER, PA Photos: Gallery Posts: 299 Original Poster	Thanks all for your input! Still not sure which way to go, unless I change every light bulb in the house to CFL!

12-14-2011, 07:08 AM	#15
ducdao Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Montreal/Vermont Posts: 2,160	Originally posted by hman Thanks all for your input! Still not sure which way to go, unless I change every light bulb in the house to CFL! I have the K-r and am very with happy with it. Is the FF focus issue your current showstopper? If so, just manually change the WB to tunsteng whenever you shoot indoor. Problem solved. Better if you could shoot RAW as it will give you plenty of room for post processing.