CameraReview

Pentax Kr

Pentax · DSLR · 12.4 MP · APS-C · Standard HD video

Pentax Kr

Score Breakdown

Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.

Optics 54
Video 49
Features 41
Storage & Battery 27
49
SCORE /100
Independent Lab Scores
THIRD-PARTY LAB DATA · DXOMARK
72
Overall score
22.9
Color depth
12.4
Dynamic range
755
Low light ISO
Independent measurement — not part of our /100 score.
Buying Options

General

BrandPentax
ModelKr
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2010
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
October 9, 2010
Camera typeDSLR
Camera size125 x 97 x 68 mm
Camera weight598 g

Optics

54/100
About the Optics

Considering the camera’s age, its specifications may not be as competitive in today’s market. Nonetheless, the Pentax Kr still offers decent features for those seeking a reliable DSLR.

Pentax Kr Overview and Optics

The Pentax Kr earns a score of 54/100 for optics. With 12.4 megapixels, a shooting speed of 6, and a CMOS sensor, it presents decent specifications for a camera in this category. The camera’s Prime II processor and DXOMARK sensor score of 72 further support its capabilities.

The Kr comes with an APS-C sensor size and a Pentax KAF lens mount, which is compatible with a variety of lenses. The built-in image stabilization is a valuable feature for photographers who aim for sharp images. The 3:2 aspect ratio is standard for most cameras and offers flexibility in cropping and printing.

While the Pentax Kr’s optics may not be the most competitive in today’s market, they still provide satisfactory performance for casual photographers or those on a budget. The camera’s specifications offer a solid foundation for capturing quality images, despite not being at the forefront of current technology.

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
12.4 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4288 x 2848
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
15.8 x 23.6
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-C
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
6 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Pentax KAF
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Prime II
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
20030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
128003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
10030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
256003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
3044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
600080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
110300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder dotsN/A

Video

49/100
About the Video

The Pentax Kr receives a video score of 49/100. This camera offers standard HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1280 x 720 pixels. The maximum video frame rate is 25fps, providing adequate quality for casual video recording. Additionally, the Pentax Kr features built-in time-lapse functionality, which allows for creative video capture options.

When compared to today’s market, the Pentax Kr’s video capabilities fall short of the higher resolutions and frame rates offered by modern cameras. Many current models provide 4K video resolution and upwards of 60fps, delivering superior video quality and smooth motion capture.

The Pentax Kr’s video features are suitable for basic video recording needs but may not satisfy users seeking advanced video capabilities. Despite its limitations, the camera remains a viable option for those prioritizing photography over videography.

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Standard HD
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1280 x 720
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
25 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Yes
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
Motion JPEG

Features

41/100
About the Features

The Pentax Kr features a score of 41 out of 100, which reflects the camera’s capabilities in terms of specifications. With a 3-inch screen size and a resolution of 921,000 dots, the camera lacks a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity.

In today’s market, these specifications may seem outdated as many modern cameras offer touchscreens, flip screens, and wireless connectivity options. The absence of these features limits the flexibility and convenience that users seek in a camera to stay connected and share their work effortlessly.

Despite the low score, the Pentax Kr still offers reliable performance for basic photography needs. However, it faces stiff competition from other cameras with more advanced features and capabilities. The Pentax Kr may not be the ideal choice for those seeking the latest technology in their camera.

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen typeTFT LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
9210001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
No
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No

Storage & Battery

27/100
About the Storage & Battery

The Pentax Kr features a score of 41 out of 100, which reflects the camera’s capabilities in terms of specifications. With a 3-inch screen size and a resolution of 921,000 dots, the camera lacks a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity.

In today’s market, these specifications may seem outdated as many modern cameras offer touchscreens, flip screens, and wireless connectivity options. The absence of these features limits the flexibility and convenience that users seek in a camera to stay connected and share their work effortlessly.

Despite the low score, the Pentax Kr still offers reliable performance for basic photography needs. However, it faces stiff competition from other cameras with more advanced features and capabilities. The Pentax Kr may not be the ideal choice for those seeking the latest technology in their camera.” Pentax Kr Storage and Battery “The Pentax Kr storage and battery score is 27/100. It has one memory card slot, accepting SD and SDHC cards for storage. The battery life is 470 shots, using a D-LI109 battery type. However, the camera does not support USB charging.

In comparison to today’s market, the Pentax Kr’s storage and battery specifications are lacking. Modern cameras often have multiple card slots and support various memory card types. Additionally, the battery life is relatively low, and the absence of USB charging limits the camera’s usability and convenience.

The Pentax Kr falls short in storage and battery capabilities, making it less competitive in the current market. Its limited features in these areas may deter potential buyers seeking convenience and versatility in their camera choice.

Memory cardSD / SDHC
Dual memory card slotsNo
Battery typeD-LI109
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
470 shots1505000
USB chargingNo