Pixiq

Canon, Nikon, and Pentax all released new entry-level dSLRs this year. We’ve already looked at the Canon 550D and the Nikon D3100; now it’s the turn of the Pentax K-r. Nobody seems able to fault the Pentax on image quality, with great colour and little noise, or on ease-of-use. However, there are a couple of points to consider.

If video is your thing, they don’t seem to have got it quite right. If you’re already competent with a camera (and many people who know what they’re doing are happy with an entry-level), it might be a little bit hand-holdy. And, ultimately, Pentax isn’t able to offer the range of lenses that Canon and Nikon do. This isn’t immediately an issue, but might be as you develop as a photographer. Nonetheless, Pentax offers a whole heap of delicious picture-making genius for your money with the K-r.

CNETUK says ‘Ultimately, the Pentax K-r is a mid-range dSLR that’s accessible to entry-level users. We feel the K-r offers slightly more bang for your buck than an equivalent beginner’s dSLR. It’s basically a K-x crossed with a K-7.’ – Read the full review on CNET UK

ePHOTOzine says ‘I have no doubt that the K-r is a worthy contender for our cash. For existing Pentax users there is no better option at this price level, for those new to Pentax I firmly believe they will be impressed.’ – Read the full review on ePHOTOzine.

Expert Reviews says ‘With breakneck performance, friendly controls, tons of features and remarkably little image noise, we’re won over by this keenly priced SLR.’ – Read the full review on Expert Reviews.

Infosync says ‘The Pentax K-r is more expensive than the K-x, yes. However, the aforementioned improvements are well worth it, and in the end, we were left with a camera that outperformed the beloved K-x — a feat we thought would take longer to accomplish, especially in this price range.’ – Read the full review on Infosync.

PhotographyBLOG says ‘In summary the Pentax K-r is a logical fusion of the K-x and K-7, nicely filling the price-gap between the two whilst offering a worthy upgrade to the former and cheaper alternative to the latter. As a very well-specified and crucially cheaper alternative to the Big Two of Canon and Nikon, the new Pentax K-r is a great mid-range DSLR…’ – Read the full review on PhotographyBLOG.

PhotoRadar says ‘Although the K-r is a superb all-in-one camera, the Pentax K-mount system simply can’t contend with the breadth and quality of lenses, flashes and accessories supplied by Canon and Nikon.’ – Read the full review on PhotoRadar.

Pocket-lint says ‘To pick holes in the K-r’s standalone performance feels like grasping at straws. OK, it lacks a certain sophistication and more experienced users may find the degree of hand holding on offer grates after a while, but for the price we humbly suggest that you can’t go far wrong at the beginner level.’ – Read the full review on Pocket-lint.