New Pentax K-r to boost DSLR range

New Pentax K-r to boost DSLR range - News:Pentax announces the Pentax K-r DSLR

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Thursday 9th September 2010

Angela Nicholson

• Dual-battery • 12.4-million-pixel DSLR • 6fps continuous shooting

Pentax has unveiled a new DSLR, the Pentax K-r, that slots into its range between the Pentax K-x and Pentax K-7. Sharing the same 12.4-million-pixel count of the entry-level Pentax K-x, the Pentax K-r boasts a maximum continuous shooting rate of 6fps, faster than either existing Pentax DSLRs. The manufacturer claims this rate can be maintained for up to 40 high-quality JPEG images or 7 raw files (PEF or DNG).

Though it will be supplied with a rectangular, rechargeable D-Li109 lithium-ion battery, the Pentax K-r can also accept four universally available AA batteries with the optional D-BH109 adaptor. This will allow Pentax K-r users will be able to use their cameras in remote areas for extended periods when it's impossible to recharge lithium ion batteries, but AA cells are available.

Like the Pentax K-7, the Pentax K-r features a fixed 3in 921,000-dot LCD screen and is Live View enabled, with contrast detection AF and face detection technology. A new mode enlarges the free-roaming Live View focus area as shutter release is depressed and automatic focusing takes place. Video recording is also possible, with a choice of two resolutions, 1280x720 pixel at 25fps or 640x480 pixels at 30fps or 25fps. Movie footage is saved as AVI (Motion JPEG) files to SD or SDHC media at one of three quality settings.
Pentax's sensor-shifting image stabilisation system (Shake Reduction), which is claimed to extend the safe hand-holdable shutter speed by up to 4 stops, is also present. The same system is employed to remove dust from the Pentax K-r's sensor.

The K-r uses Pentax's SAFOX IX AF system, which has 11 points, 9 of which are the cross-type. It also has 16-segment metering, with multi-segment, centreweighted and spot metering options. Shutter speed may be set in the range 30-1/6000sec and exposure compensation is available to ±3EV.

Extra illumination can be provided by an external flashgun in the hotshoe or the built-in flash, which has a GN 12m @ ISO 100. In standard mode the top flash synch speed is 1/180 sec, but the Pentax K-r has a high-speed flash mode to allow synchronisation at faster shutter speeds.

Images are processed using the Pentax Real Image Engine (PRIME) II, the same engine as in the Pentax K-x and a collection of filter effects including Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Extra Color, Soft, Starburst and Fisheye can be applied to images at capture or post-capture. Multiple exposures, with up to nine images being superimposed, may also be made.

The K-r's native sensitivity range runs from ISO 200-6,400, which may be extended to 100-25,600. This means the maximum sensitivity setting is one stop higher than the ISO 12,800 peak of the Pentax K-x and two stops higher than the ISO 6,400 top setting of the K-7.

Pentax will be selling the Pentax K-r in red, white or black. While the black version will be available body only or in two kits with the DAL 18-55mm or the DAL 18-55mm and DAL 50-200mm, the white and red versions will only be available as in single lens kits with the appropriately coloured DAL 18-55mm lens.

The camera goes on sale mid October: fitted with the 18-55mm DAL at £599, and in a dual lens kit that includes the 18-55mm DAL and the 50-200mm DAL at £699.