Viewfinder, LCD, Live View and Video
The viewfinder gives a 96% field of view with a 0.85x magnification, which is very respectable at this level. It features dioptre adjustment of between -2.5 and +1.5 and a small rubber eyepiece, which feels a little tough to touch but is by no means uncomfortable. Shooting information in the viewfinder is presented via a green LED underneath the display, but it can become difficult to see if the rear screen remains on between shots.
The rear LCD screen is large in size and high in resolution, with 921,000 dots on a 3in display. It is clear and bright, and gives accurate colour definition for reviewing images or composing using Live View. It is also easy to check sharpness, especially when zooming in to images. The screen has an almost flawless angle of view, so composing from extreme angles using the screen is possible even though it does not have a vari-angle feature.
Live View functionality is one of the K-r’s strong points. The display is crisp and bright, although the refresh rate is quite slow, which is noticeable when panning. The AF point selection allows you to place your focal point anywhere, apart from at the edges of the frame, making it useful when you are using a tripod and are locked on to a composition. Another nice addition is the automatic zoom when half-pressing the shutter.
For video capture the K-r shoots in AVI motion JPEG format, with 720p HD resolution at 25 frames per second. This frame rate is more common with motion pictures than the potentially smoother 30 frames per second seen on some models. The motion JPEG format, however, is a less popular choice, as it doesn’t offer the same quality or compression as AVCHD or QuickTime H264 formats. The video shows signs of compression and noise in playback but is still acceptable. Clip length is limited to 12 minutes and has a relatively large 36Mb/s data rate. Sound is also limited by having just a mono built-in microphone and no external microphone port.
Our Verdict
Using the Pentax K-r is a pleasurable experience and the resulting images are just as enjoyable. The camera is clearly aimed at a younger, more techno-savvy audience than many DSLRs, with a strong leaning towards editing and adjusting your images in-camera.
However, traditionalists can still take pleasure from the camera’s natural colours and image definition. For those new to DSLRs, the controls are not as obvious as they might be and working with more manual options such as AF points can be tricky.
There is not the combination of manual and auto methods to encourage users to learn more photographic techniques. Instead, there are handy short cuts to avoid them. The camera has an impressive feature list and, because of its price, it should fare well against its competition.
The K-r has quality where it counts, which is in the results, and the clever modes and functions merely offer something more to play with. It might not be the obvious choice, but for traditionalists and techno fans alike, the Pentax K-r offers a great proposition.
Pentax K-r: Focal points
Viewfinder
The optical viewfinder offers a 96% field of view and dioptre adjustment of -2.5 to +1.5
LCD screen
The 3in LCD screen features a high 921,000-dot resolution for accurate image reviewing
Live View
This direct button allows quick selection of the Live View display, making it easy to swap between viewfinder and screen composition
Four-way function buttons
The collection of buttons act as directional controls for menu use and AF selection. They also double as quick function buttons
Video mode
Video is recorded in 720p HD (1280×720 pixels) using motion JPEG format at 25 frames per second. There is a built-in mono microphone for sound but no input socket
Sensor-shift stabilisation
The 12.4MP sensor is mounted on a moveable plate, allowing it to adjust and counteract a certain degree of camera shake that is equivalent to around 4 stops
Digital filters
The K-r includes a wide range of effects that can be added after the picture is taken and some in advance, so the effect is added when the shot is taken
Live View focusing
The latest addition to the Live View focusing is the ability to automatically zoom in to the focus area when the shutter is half pressed, to check sharpness
The Competition
The K-r might not be Pentax’s cheapest offering in the DSLR range, but it still performs well against the latest entry-level offerings from other manufacturers.
Nikon’s D3100 is its main rival, coming in at a very similar street price.
The D3100 is simpler in design and offers both a higher resolution sensor and more AF points, but in other areas the two are quite evenly matched.
The other major competition comes from Canon’s EOS 500D and Sony’s Alpha 550, which offer comparable features.
Where the K-r consistently lacks against this competition is in the sensor resolution, but it does offer far superior sensitivity in its ISO range and burst mode for continuous shooting.
