The Pentax K-r is a hot new mid-level DSLR with some exciting tricks up its sleeve. Read our full coverage of the Pentax K-r here.
The Pentax color kick continues with the addition of the Pentax K-r, the company's latest mid-level DSLR. Pentax is touting the K-r as a DSLR geared toward those looking to express themselves from the outside, just like we saw with the crazed color wave that hit our beloved K-x lineup. Rather then specialize in just a Storm Trooper White or Black color scheme, Pentax has added a fiery red to the mix this year, and we're glad this color revolution is making its way up the chain of more advanced models. But color is not the only trick up the company's sleeve, for the Pentax K-r is stocked with a roster of new features that improve upon the previous K models, such as the Pentax K-2000 and Pentax K-x.
   
Hot, Fresh Upgrades
First off, the company stuffed an improved 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor under the hood of the Pentax K-r, promising enhanced noise performance and an ISO range of 100-25,600. That's right—25,600! We'll see if the K-r is capable of producing low noise images at 25,600 when we get pour hands on a review unit. PRIME (Pentax Real Image Performance Engine) II will be the processing, matching upper-level Pentax DSLRs like the Pentax K-r. The K-r also features improved in-camera HDR, including a Night Scene HDR mode.
Finally, a nice LCD screen! The Pentax K-r will feature a 3-inch, 921,000-pixel LCD, which matches some of the top displays in the industry. In addition, the viewfinder has a focus point indicator, providing a more versatile experience with one eye shut.
The K-r is also faster with a high speed 6fps framerate that can capture 25 images in a single sequence in JPEG format. The maximum shutter speed has also been stretched like taffy to 1/6000 for super fast action, as long as there's a plethora of light or you take advantage of that obscene max ISO setting.
The Pentax K-r has solved the power source conundrum by offering two different power options in one camera. Not only does the K-r have a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, but it also hosts four AA batteries in a separate chamber. Why hasn't anyone else thought of this!? If you're out on a long shoot and don't have time to recharge your battery pack, just simply head into a drug store for some Energizers and bob's your uncle. One of our primary complaints on the Pentax K-x was its single AA battery power source, so it's great to see the company offer an innovative solution.
The Pentax K-r will also support the IrSimple high-speed infrared data transmission for transferring images and videos to the web.
Tried and True Old Standbys
Pentax continues the legacy with 720p HD video at 25fps. We're big fans of Pentax image quality in video as well as still image, but hope that the K-r addresses the slight moiré patterns we saw occasionally with the K-x in video mode. The camera will also feature a Dust Removal mechanism designed to shake dust off the CMOS sensor and a wide range of in-camera image processing and special effects.
We love Pentax's in-camera filters, effects, and editing capabilities, and the K-r is no different from its siblings. We'll get 18 filters to choose from, including a new Starburst, Sketch, and Posterization. The best part is that we can apply filter upon filter for a seemingly endless combination of effects.
There will be nine different Custom Image functions, including Bleach Bypass, which is geared toward emulating an effect found in motion pictures. We also get a Cross Process filter with the ability to adjust parameters to select from a Preset or Favorite Cross Process mode.
The Pentax K-x is as user-friendly as all of the other Pentax DSLRs we've seen, and features an Auto Picture mode for beginners. We get a new CTE mode in White Balance options, which is designed to emphasize the dominant color components of images, and Pentax Digital Camera Utility 4 software with RAW processing and browser applications.
Pricing and Availability
The Pentax K-r will ship this October in four different variations:
K-r Body Kit $800
K-r Lens Kit w 18-55 $850
K-r Double Lens Kit w 18-55, 50-200 $900
K-r Double Lens Kit w 18-55, 55-300 $1000
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