Pentax K-r test

With only three digital SLRs in its range, Pentax faces a tough task to wrestle market share from the likes of Canon, Nikon and Sony, which all have several models to choose from. But what it lacks in quantity, Pentax has so far managed to make up for in quality, with previous entry-level models, the K-x and K-m, as well as the current enthusiast-level K-5 and K-7 all proving to be very capable models. While Samsung and Olympus are both moving away from DSLRs and more towards ‘hybrid’ cameras, Pentax remains dedicated to its DSLR supporters, with the K-r being its latest entry-level model. It faces stiff competition not only from DSLRs like the EOS 1100D, Nikon D3100 and Sony A390, but also from the various hybrids in the same price point. In this month’s test, we put the Pentax through its paces and try it out in all the most common shooting situations you’d expect a K-r to be used in, 
to see how well it performs.

IMAGE RESOLUTION: 12.4-megapixels
LCD: 3in (921,000 dots)
STORAGE: SD (SDHC)
WEIGHT: 544g (without battery and card)
PHONE: 0870 7368299
WEBSITE: www.pentax.co.uk
Handling & ease of use  22/25
One thing that Pentax has always done very well is to make entry-level DSLRs that are comfortable, solid and feel more expensive than they really are. The K-r’s design is a mix of smooth curves and angular, yet nicely rounded, edges, that while not giving it the most modern of looks, allows for a very firm hold. The handgrip is large and pronounced, giving a very secure grip, and this, along with the body’s light weight, means it’s possible to shoot one-handed if required.
Novices will find the Pentax to be one of the easiest DSLRs to get to grips with, thanks to the relatively low number of buttons spread around the body. Located on the right side of the top-plate is the exposure mode dial and the shutter release button with an exposure compensation button and green button (see panel) behind it. The rear is dominated by the 3in LCD monitor on the left, with the majority of buttons to its right. These are nicely grouped together to be easy to use, with a four-way selection arrangement ensuring that accessing and setting various modes is fast and easy.
The LCD monitor boasts a bright and sharp 921,000-dot screen and a clean and colourful menu system. It’s not as clean-cut a set-up as you’ll find on the Canon or Nikon systems, but navigating through the various menu options isn’t a problem. The LCD can be used for various shortcuts to key features; for instance pressing the INFO button with the screen on its standard exposure information setting allows access to a large number of secondary functions, while the green button can be custom set to to provide a variety of useful purposes.
The viewfinder is much as you’d expect from an entry-level model, providing a clear, sharp image and 96% coverage of the frame. Black frame markings indicate the area covered by the AF sensors, while unlike previous entry-level models, AF points illuminate red when activated. While the design of the Pentax may not make it the most stylish on offer, there’s little to criticise in terms of its build quality or ease of use, which allows it to score highly in this area.

Features 22/25
As with its predecessor, the Pentax K-r sports a 12.4-megapixel resolution, which puts it on a par with the majority of its rivals. This resolution is as high as most amateur photographers require; in context, with a decent lens, it’s possible to make a high-quality print up to A3 in size from images with this resolution. The K-r sports Pentax’s latest image processor, the PRIME II IMAGINE ENGINE, which handles images’ tonal and colour characteristics as well as controlling noise. It’s quite a powerful processor, allowing continuous shooting at six frames-per-second for bursts of up to 
25 JPEGs. The ISO range is wide too, being able to be set from 200-12800 and extended to 100-25600.
The autofocus system is impressive, with nine cross-type sensors among the 11 in the array. All are user-selectable and as well as having all active, you can limit it to central point only or to work off five sensors only. There are three main AF modes in the form of single shot, continuous F or Auto AF (a mix of the two), and AF, along with exposure, can be selected via a small button on the top right of the camera’s rear (see panel).
There are lots of exposure options available for K-r users. The choice of modes is very extensive, in fact there are far more options than you are ever likely to need, ranging from various fully-auto scenes to a choice 
of semi-auto modes and manual too.
Three metering patterns are available: 16-zone, spot and centre-weighted average, with overrides in the form of three-shot autobracketing, AE-Lock and also 
exposure compensation.
Another area well catered for is flash photography, with auto, forced-on/off, slow-sync, second-curtain-sync and wireless options all available. It certainly allows beginners a chance to try out creative flash techniques should they wish!
Digital filters are included for those wishing to experiment with in-camera effects, and while purists or Photoshop experts may avoid this function, it’s a fun option that can deliver interesting results and worth a try, with the likes of Toy Camera, Retro and Fish-eye on offer.
The list of features doesn’t stop there. The K-r offers both LiveView and HD video (1280x720 pixels at 25fps or 640x480 at 30 or 25fps) as well as a built-in Shake Reduction system, which Pentax claims offers a four-stop advantage. Bearing in mind that this is an entry-level camera, the specification is very impressive.

Performance  22/25
Following on from the excellent performance of the K-5 in last month’s test, Pentax proves it can deliver an entry-level model that can compete with the leading brands. The K-r’s operation is simple and it is very fast and responsive to use. The autofocus system works efficiently at locking on the subject and is good in low light situations as well as bright conditions. The continuous focus struggles when tracking fast-moving objects, but that’s the case with all entry-level models.
In terms of numbers, the 16-zone pattern is low compared to rivals but it’s a system that Pentax has fine-tuned over the years and in our tests we found it to be accurate and consistent.
Image quality is very good, with JPEGs showing high sharpness (DNG/PEF Raw files deliver slightly more) and the natural setting producing accurate tones and colours. Noise isn’t a problem up to ISO 800 but above this, it becomes more prominent, and at ISO 6400 and upwards, there is a noticeable loss in sharpness, so we’d recommend avoiding these high ISO ratings unless absolutely necessary.

Overall verdict:
The Pentax K-r is an excellent entry-level model. It’s ideal for those looking for a very easy-to-use DSLR that is packed full of creative features, although it should be noted that some, such as the extensive choice of scene modes, picture settings and digital filters, may prove superfluous to needs. That said, they’re there if you need them. Where the K-r scores best is with its core features: its excellent AF and metering systems, along with a very capable image sensor and processor, ensures it delivers sharp, well-exposed images time and again. It may lack a little of the finesse of some of its rivals, but it is on a par in terms of the images it produces. It’s a great all-round camera that deserves placing on the shortlist of all those looking for their first DSLR.


Handling & ease of use: 22/25
Features: 22/25
Performance: 22/25
Value For Money: 22/25
Overall: 88/100