Pentax K-r mid-level DSLR announced with brief hands-on

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.

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• Brief hands-on article
• Press Release
• Specifications
• Additional Images
  

Press Release:

Compact, lightweight, multi-features... It’s the mid-range digital SLR camera

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 - £599.99
• K-r + 18-55mm DAL + 50-200mm DAL - £699.99

Pentax K-r specifications

Additional Images