Pentax comes through again with another value-packed entry-level / enthusiast digital SLR. The new Pentax K-r has a new 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor with improved noise control and sensitivity from ISO 100 to 25,600. The K-r can capture 720p HD video at 25 frames-per-second and it has a 6 FPS burst-rate for up to 25 images. It also has a new 3-inch 921k-dot LCD display, IrSimple™ high-speed infrared wireless data transmission and an optional battery grip that uses AA batteries. Along with the new K-r digital SLR, Pentax also announced a new 35mm f/2.4 prime lens.
Pentax is great at delivering a very competitive camera for the money and I think they’ve absolutely done that with the new K-r. Especially impressive are the 6 frames-per-second burst rate, top shutter speed of 1/6000th of a second and the 11-point auto focus system with 9 cross-type sensors. The Canon Rebel T2i / 550D and new Nikon D3100 may have it beat if you’re primarily interested in video. But the new K-r is a hell of a deal for serious still shooters who want a high-performance camera for less money. For most photographers, shooting speed and auto focus are more important than extra pixels or advanced video features. Pentax is also one of the three camera makers (Pentax, Olympus and Sony) that use built-in sensor-shift image stabilization instead of optical IS. That means the camera always compensates for camera shake – no matter what lens you’re using. That’s another way you get more for your money with Pentax.
Pentax also announced a new prime lens, the smc DA35mm f/2.4 AL. On an APS-C sensor Pentax camera (that’s all they make at the moment), the focal length is comparable to a 53.5mm lens mounted on a full frame or 35mm film camera.
The new Pentax K-r digital SLR and the smc DA35mm f/2.4 AL lens will be available in October (2010). Suggested retail price on the body is $799.95 or $849.95 with the standard 18-55mm kit lens. There are also a couple of two lens kits available for $899.95 (18-55mm & 50-200mm) and $999.95 (18-55mm & 55-300mm). You can have your K-r in three flavors – black, white and red. The new smc DA35mm f/2.4 AL lens will sell for $219.95.
Official Pentax K-r Digital SLR Press Release >>
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