Originally posted by r00t_b33r post up what you think... and point and shoots vs. DSLRs can be debated as well
That's sort of off-topic for a thread that's already broad, but your other question seems valid enough.
Currently there's a big difference between the K-x/K-r and the K-5. The technical differences can be viewed here:
Pentax K-5 vs. Pentax K-r vs. Pentax K-x - Pentax Camera Comparison - PentaxForums.com
Essentially, the most important distinction is that the K-5's sensor scores 10 points higher than the K-r's in the dxomark sensor test (see link below). It has a higher dynamic range (by about two stops), better noise control, and higher resolution (it does make a difference). The other important difference is that the K-5 has a weather-sealed body featuring lots of external control, a 100% pentaprism viewfinder, and a top lcd. It supports a battery grip, and also has a slightly better AF system (with an added light wavelength sensor for low-light situations). The shutter is marginally faster, and the image buffer is larger (though it would be nice if it were larger). You pay twice the price, and you get a lot for it.
Read our review of the K-5's image quality here:
Pentax K-5 Review - PentaxForums.com Professional Reviews
In my opinion, the K-r is sort of in the wrong place in the wrong time. It's not cheap enough compared to the K-x to be as popular, and it's more expensive than a used K-7, which still has a lot of advantages.
Adam
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