Pentax K-r

Pre-Photokina 2010: Pentax has announced the K-r, its latest mid-level DSLR. Initially sitting above the K-x in the range it offers more angular, K-7-esque styling. It offers 6 fps continuous shooting and HD movie recording and regains AF-point illumination in the viewfinder. It also features a high-res 920k dot (VGA) LCD display and the ability to shoot at up to ISO 25600. Unusually for a Pentax at this level it uses an rechargeable Lithium Ion battery pack but can be used with AAs via an optional adapter. We've had a chance to get to grips with the K-r and have prepared a brief hands-on article discussing its features and additions.

Jump to:

Press Release:

PENTAX Imaging Systems announces the launch of its latest digital SLR camera – the K-r.  Encased in a compact, lightweight body, this new model combines simple, user-friendly functions with a wide array of advanced features, designed to enhance the fun and excitement of digital SLR photography.

Developed to be a mid-range model targeted at digital SLR novices and family users, the PENTAX K-r offers an assortment of features and functions that make it easy for everyone to effortlessly capture the high-quality images people expect of a digital SLR camera.

In addition it comes equipped with a host of handy tools that help create more personalised, creative images, including:

high-quality image reproduction with approximately 12.4 effective megapixels HDTV-proportion movie recording high-speed continuous shooting at approximately six images per second super-high-sensitivity shooting at ISO 25600 (via a custom function) a large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch high-resolution colour LCD monitor

The K-r boasts outstanding performance and versatility, almost the equivalent of more advanced digital SLR cameras, while allowing the photographer to easily deal with different photographic requirements.  Its dual-power-source design offers a choice between the standard rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a set of AA-size batteries. 

It is also compatible with the IrSimple™ high-speed infrared data transmission system for wireless data transfer to IrSimple-compatible devices, and for swift image data exchange. 

What are its key functions?

High-quality, true-to-life image reproduction: The K-r incorporates a new-generation CMOS image sensor with approximately 12.4 effective megapixels. It also features the high-performance PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II imaging engine to ensure accurate and high-speed data processing equal to that of upper-level models Compact, lightweight body: Despite the incorporation of the large 23.6mm x 15.8mm image sensor, the K-r sports a compact, lightweight body, thanks to a trim, stainless-steel chassis, a downsized in-body shake reduction mechanism, and state-of-the-art, high-density packaging technologies that ensure space-efficient positioning and layout of the camera components High-speed continuous shooting at approximately six images per second: The shooting mode records as many as 25 images (in JPEG recording format) in a single sequence at a maximum speed of approximately six images per second — the fastest of all entry-class models High-precision AF system: The K-r’s high-precision, wide-frame SAFOX IX autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) for pin sharp focusing. Spot beam is also available for difficult lighting situations. Bright, clear optical viewfinder: Thanks to the combination of PENTAX-original finder optics and the renowned Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen, the K-r’s viewfinder offers a bright, clear subject image at 0.85X magnification and a 96% field of view Large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor with wide-view design and approximately 921,000 dots: High-resolution colour LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots.  Its wide-view design assures a clear view of the monitor image from approximately 170 degrees horizontally and vertically Versatile dual-power-source design: Powered by a standard rechargeable lithium-ion battery or four AA-size batteries using optional AA Battery Holder D-BH109 PENTAX-original SR mechanism for sharp, blur-free images: Features the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, producing sharp, blur-free images even under demanding conditions prone to camera shake; compatible with the full range of Pentax lenses Innovative image-processing functions to produce distinctive photographic expressions: Custom image function for distinctive finishing touches/ Versatile digital filter function/ Cross process mode with three options/ Upgraded HDR (High Dynamic Range) function High-speed infrared data transmission system: The first PENTAX digital SLR camera equipped with the IrSimple™ high-speed infrared data transmission system High-quality, HDTV-proportion movie recording at 1280 x 720 pixels and at 25 frames per second: True-to-life movie clips in 16:9 high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels) at a frame rate of 25 frames per second

In addition it has...

DR (Dust Removal) mechanism, to shake dust off the CMOS image sensor User-friendly layout of essential control buttons and levers, all positioned on the camera’s grip side for quick, effortless access by the photographer Auto Picture mode, for effortless, automatic selection of the most appropriate shooting mode, even during Live View shooting Eleven scene modes, including a new Night Scene HDR mode Versatile white balance control, featuring a new CTE mode designed to emphasise the dominant colour components of the captured images Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic aberration (available only with DA-,DFA- and FA Limited-series lenses) PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, with RAW-data processing and browser applications

The PENTAX K-r will be available from October 2010
Recommended Retail Price:

K-r + 18-55mm DAL - £599.99K-r + 18-55mm DAL + 50-200mm DAL - £699.99PriceUS
• $799.95 (body only)
• $849.95 (with 18-55mm DAL)
• $899.95(with 18-55mm DAL + 50-200mm DAL)
• $999.95 (with 18-55mm DAL + 55-300mm)
UK
• £599.99 (with 18-55mm DAL)
• £699.99 (with 18-55mm DAL + 50-200mm DAL)Body materialPlastic on stainless steel chassis Sensor• 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor
• Primary color filter
• 12.4 million effective pixelsDust reduction• Image sensor moving mechanism and SP coatingImage sizes• [12M] 4288 x 2848 pixels
• [10M] 3936 x 2624 pixels
• [6M] 3072 x 2048 pixels
• [2M] 1728 x 1152 pixelsImage formats • JPEG (Conforms to Exif 2.21), (Best, Better, Good)
• Compressed RAW ( PEF )
• Non-compressed RAW ( DNG ) LensesPENTAX K, KA, KAF, KAF2 and KAF3 mount lensesFocusing• 11-point wide autofocus system, 9 cross-type (SAFOX IX)
• TTL Phase matching
• 11-point or 5-point Auto, Select or Center Focus modes• AF-Auto
• AF-Single
• AF-Continuous
• Manual focusShooting modes • Program AE
• Sensitivity-Priority AE
• Shutter-Priority AE
• Aperture-Priority AE
• Metered Manual
• AutoPicture mode
• Portrait mode
• Landcscape
• Macro
• Moving object
• Night scene portrait
• Flash off Picture modes • Bright
• Natural
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Vibrant
• Monochrome
• Reversal Film
• Bleach BypassScene modes• Night Scene
• Surf & Snow
• Food
• Sunset
• Kids
• Pet
• Candlelight
• Museum
• Stage Lighting
• Night Snap
• Night scene HDRMetering modes• Multi-segment metering
• Center-weighted metering
• Spot meteringMetering• TTL open-aperture 16-segment metering
• Exposure range: EV 1-21.5(Standard Output Sensitivity 200 50mm F1.4)AE LockCan be allocated to AF/AE-L button by Menu.AE Bracketing• ±0.5EV to ±1.5EV (1/2 EV steps)
• ±0.3EV to ±1.0EV (1/3 EV steps)
• ±0.7EV to ± 1.0EV (1/3 EV steps)Exposure compen.±3 EV (1/2 EV or 1/3 EV steps)Sensitivity• Auto (selectable range)
• Manual : 200-12800
• Bulb Mode: up to ISO 1600
• Expandable ISO 100 - 25600
• 1EV, 1/2EV or 1/3EV stepsShutterElectronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter
White balance• Auto
• Daylight
• Shade
• Cloudy
• Tungsten Light
• Fluorescent Light (W, D, N, L)
• Flash
• CTE
• Manual setting with WB fine adjustmentMovie mode• AVi (Motion JPEG)
• 1280 x 720, 25fps
• 640 x 480, 30/25fps
• Three quality levels
• Built-in mono mic
• Movie processing including Custom Image, Cross Process and selected Digital Filters
Viewfinder• penta-mirror type
• Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen
• Field of view approx. 96%
• Magnification approx. 0.85X (with 50mm F1.4 lens, infinity, -1m)
• Diopter adjustment approx. -2.5 - +1.5m LCD monitor • TFT color LCD monitor with anti-reflective coating
• Brightness and color adjustable
• Wide angle view
• 3.0 inch
• Approx. 920,000 dotsLive View• TTL by Image sensor
• Enlargement (2X, 4X, 6X in case of AF mode, 2x, 4x, 6x, 8x, 10x in case of MF mode)
• Grid pattern, white/black out warning display, Histogram
display
• AF: Contrast detection + Face detection / Contrast detection /
Phase difference detectionFlash • Built-in retractable P-TTL pop-up flash
• Guide number: approx. 16 (Standard Output Sensitivity 200/m)
• Angle of view coverage: 28mm wide-angle (35mm equivalent)
• Flash Exposure Compensation: -2 EV - +1EV (1/2EV steps)
• P-TTL
• 1/180 sec flash-syncExternal Flash• Hot shoe, sync-speed: 1/180 sec.
• Wireless-sync with PENTAX dedicated flash Drive modes• Single-frame
• Continuous (Hi, Lo)
• Self-timer (12s, 2s)
• Remote control (0s, 3s)
• Interval up to 999 pictures
• Auto bracket (3 frames)Continuous shooting• Hi speed: 6fps - 25 JPEG, 12 RAW
• Lo speed: 2 fps - until card is full or 36 RAWRemote release• InfraRed remote (optional)
• Instant or with 3 sec delayCustom functions22 custom-programmable functions availablePlayback mode• One Image
• Index (4 or 9 or 16 or 36 thumbnails)
• Enlargement (up to 16X, scroll available)
• Image Rotation
• Folder view
• Slideshow
• Histogram
• Bright/Dark area
• Calender
• Resize
• Trimming
• Index
Digital filter
(Rec Mode)• Toy Camera
• High Contrast
• Soft
• Star Burst
• Retro
• Extract Color
• Custom
• Fish Eye
Digital filter
(Playback)• Monochrome
• Posterisation
• Color
• Soft
• Pastel
• Watercolor
• Sketch
• HDR
• Brightness
• Toy Camera
• High Contrast
• Soft
• Slim
• Star Burst
• Retro
• Miniature
• Fish Eye
• Extract Colour
• Base Parameter Adjustment
• CustomMenu languages • English
• French
• German
• Spanish
• Swedish
• Dutch
• Italian
• Russian
• Portuguese
• Danish
• Finnish
• Polish
• Czech
• Hungarian
• Turkish
• Japanese
• Korean
• Traditional Chinese
• Simplified Chinese
• GreekConnectivity • USB/Video
• USB 2.0 (HI-SPEED)
• Compatible with NTSC and PAL formats Power• D-LI109 rechargeable Lithium Ion
• Four AA (lithium, alkaline, and rechargeable Ni-MH) batteries with optional D-BH109 adapter
• Optional AC adapterBattery life (CIPA Standard)• 470 shots with D-LI109
• 1000 shots with AA Dimensions125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.8 x 3.6 x 2.7 in)Weight (no lens) 598g (20.5 oz.) with D-LI109 battery, 625g with AAs

View the original article here