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Under $1,000

Pentax K-r-2011

1. Li-Ion Battery: The K-r comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, but also can run off four AAs, via optional adapter. 2. Easy Mode Selection: A dial atop the camera makes it simple to select and activate shooting modes. 3. Memory Cards: The K-r can save images on SD and SDHC cards, and (via firmware upgrade) new SDXC cards.

Pentax K-r

LIST PRICE: $849
(with 18-55mm zoom)

ISOs TO 25,600: A new-generation, 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor and PRIME II image processing provide quick operation and improved image quality. Normal ISO range is now 200-12,800, expandable to 100 and 25,600.

HD VIDEO: Like the K-7 and K-x, the K-r can shoot HD video, but it’s at 25 fps, not the 24 or 30 fps commonly used in the U.S. The K-r can do 1280x720p HD or 640x480 SD video in AVI format with Motion JPEG compression. Sound is mono only via a built-in microphone; there’s no jack for an external mic.

6 FPS: Although it’s a high-entry-level model, the K-r is quicker than previous Pentax DSLRs, able to shoot full-res images at 6 fps for up to 25 JPEGs or 12 RAW images in a burst. (The new top-of-the-line K-5 can do 7 fps.) There’s also a 2 fps low-speed setting, which can do up to 36 RAW images or JPEGs until the memory card is full.

BIG, HIGH-RES LCD: Like the top-of-the-line K-5, the K-r has a 3.0-inch, 921,000-dot LCD monitor with live-view capability.

Fitting nicely into the Pentax DSLR lineup between the high-end K-5 and K-7 and the entry-level K-x, the K-r is a well-featured, compact model with much to offer (but doesn’t share the K-5’s weatherproofing). Carrying on a several-generations-old Pentax tradition, the K-r can shoot RAW images in two formats, Pentax’s proprietary PEF format or Adobe’s “universal” DNG. There’s also Pentax’s effective sensor-shift Shake reduction (which works with all lenses) and a sensor-dust removal mechanism.

A new wide-frame SAFOX IX AF system employs 11 sensor points (nine of them cross-types) for improved AF performance in normal shooting. The contrast-based live-view AF system also has been improved via a new-generation sensor and upgraded AF algorithms. Like all Pentax DSLRs, the K-r can use all Pentax lenses.

While previous-generation Pentax DSLRs offer in-camera HDR (which combines the best of three bracketed frames to increase detail in high-contrast scenes), the K-r provides more blending options, better pixel registration for better handheld results and a new Night Scene HDR feature. The K-r is also the first Pentax DSLR to feature the IrSimple high-speed, infrared data-transmission system. IrSimple provides quick and easy transfer of image data to IrSimple-compatible devices.

STANDOUT FEATURE: While previous entry-level Pentax DSLRs have run only on AA batteries, the K-r comes with a rechargeable D-LI109 lithium-ion battery (and charger). For those who prefer AA power (AAs being widely available around the world), an optional AA Battery Holder D-BH109 is available, providing around 1,600 shots per set of 4 AA lithium batteries.
VERDICT: This entry-level model is quick and has lots of higher-end features for a good price.

Pentax K-7
The next step up in the Pentax lineup is the K-7, with 14.6 megapixels, a weather/dust/cold-resistant body and 720p video at 30 fps with stereo sound. Estimated Street Price: $1,249 (with 18-55mm WR (weather-resistant) zoom).

Pentax K-x
Pentax’s lowest-priced model, the K-x features a 12.4-megapixel sensor like the K-r, 720p video at 24 fps, a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot LCD and operation on four AA batteries. Estimated Street Price: $649 (with 18-55mm zoom).