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Press Release

September 9, 2010

PENTAX K-r
A multi-featured, entry-class digital SLR camera,
featuring simple operation and a host of creative tools
in a compact, lightweight body

PENTAX K-r WhitePENTAX K-r BlackPENTAX K-r Pink

HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Products is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-r lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera. Encased in a compact, lightweight body, this new model combines simple, user-friendly operation with a wide array of advanced features designed to enhance the fun and excitement of digital SLR photography.

Developed to be an entry model targeted at digital SLR novices and family users, the PENTAX K-r not only offers an assortment of features and functions that make it easy for everyone to effortlessly capture high-quality images people expect of a digital SLR camera, but it also comes equipped with a host of handy tools that help user in creating more personalized, creative images. They range from high-quality image reproduction with approximately 12.4 effective megapixels and HDTV-proportion movie recording, to high-speed continuous shooting at approximately six images per second, super-high-sensitivity shooting at ISO 25600 (via a custom function) and a large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch high-resolution color LCD monitor. Its dual-power-source design offers a choice between the standard rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a set of AA-size batteries.* It also offers a greater selection of digital filters for effortless production of original, creative artwork. All combined, the K-r boosts outstanding performance and versatility, almost the equivalent of upper-class digital SLR cameras, while allowing the photographer to easily deal with different photographic requirements and to accommodate individual shooting styles. It is also compatible with the IrSimple™ high-speed infrared data transmission system for wireless data transfer to IrSimple-compatible devices, and for swift image data exchange and match-game playing between two PENTAX K-r’s. Totally new capabilities in a digital SLR camera, these features make the K-r a unique, new-generation communications tool.
* Requires the optional AA Battery Holder D-BH109 to hold four AA-size batteries.

PENTAX K-r
♦ White [ ⇒ Product Image]♦ Black [ ⇒ Product Image]♦ Pink [ ⇒ Product Image]
Major Features
  1. High-quality, true-to-life image reproduction

    The K-r incorporates a new-generation CMOS image sensor with approximately 12.4 effective megapixels to assure high-speed image data readout. It also features the high-performance PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II imaging engine to ensure accurate and high-speed data processing equal to that of upper-level models. As the result, the K-r produces high-quality images with fine detail, rich gradation and superb rendition, while suppressing annoying digital noise to a minimum. The K-r also offers a wide sensitivity range between ISO 200 and ISO 12800; this range can be expanded from ISO 100 to ISO 25600 via a custom function.
  2. Compact, lightweight body

    Despite the incorporation of the large 23.6mm x 15.8mm image sensor, the K-r sports a compact, lightweight body, thanks to a trim, lightweight stainless-steel chassis, a downsized in-body shake reduction mechanism, and state-of-the-art, high-density packaging technologies that assure space-efficient positioning and layout of the camera components.
  3. High-speed continuous shooting at approximately six images per second

    The K-r’s high-speed continuous shooting mode records as many as 25 images (in JPEG recording format) in a single sequence at a maximum speed of approximately six images per second — the fastest of all entry-class models — allowing the photographer to preserve sharp, crisp images of fast-moving subjects with great ease.
  4. High-precision AF system

    The K-r’s high-precision, wide-frame SAFOX IX autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to assure pinpoint focus on the subject. The K-r is also equipped with a spotbeam projector to assist the AF system in poorly lit locations. The accuracy and speed of contrast AF operation during Live View shooting has also been enhanced by the incorporation of a new-generation image sensor and drastic upgrading of AF algorithms.
  5. Bright, clear optical viewfinder

    Thanks to the combination of PENTAX-original finder optics and the renowned Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen, the K-r’s viewfinder offers a bright, clear subject image at 0.85X magnification and with a 96% field of view. Since it assures excellent visibility even in bright outdoor locations and provides delay-free, real-time display of the subject’s image, it is especially helpful in shooting where the timing of shutter release is critical, such as sports photography. The in-focus point is indicated as a red point in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation.
  6. Large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor with wide-view design and approximately 921,000 dots

    The K-r features a large, high-resolution color LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots. Its wide-view design assures a clear view of the monitor image from approximately 170 degrees horizontally and vertically, making it particularly useful in low- and high-angle applications during Live View shooting.
  7. Versatile dual-power-source design

    In addition to the standard rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which allows the photographer to capture approximately 560 images with a single recharge,** the K-r can also be powered by four AA-size batteries using optional AA Battery Holder D-BH109. Since these world-standard batteries are available almost anywhere, it removes worries about unexpected battery shortage, especially on the road.

    ** Based on the PENTAX in-house testing conditions conforming to the CIPA standards, using a rechargeable D-LI109 Lithium-Ion Battery.

  8. PENTAX-original SR mechanism for sharp, blur-free images

    The K-r features the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which effectively compensates the adverse effect of camera shake by up to approximately four shutter steps. This innovative mechanism extends its benefits to almost all PENTAX interchangeable lenses — even those designed for film-format cameras.*** Thanks to this user-friendly mechanism, the K-r produces sharp, blur-free images even under demanding conditions prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without flash illumination, and taking pictures of sunset scenes.

    *** Lenses compatible with this mechanism: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2- and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mounted lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.

  9. Innovative image-processing functions to produce distinctive photographic expressions

    1. Custom image function for distinctive finishing touches
      The K-r features the custom image function, which allows the user to easily select a desired finishing touch for a particular image in order to more faithfully express his/her creative intention or emphasize the prevailing atmosphere. The K-r offers a choice of nine custom image modes including Bleach Bypass, which is designed to create a dramatic visual effect used in motion pictures.
    2. Versatile digital filter function
      The K-r’s digital filter function allows the user to process recorded images in a variety of creative ways and produce highly creative visual expressions — without the need of a computer. The user not only has a choice of 18 different filters, including the newly added Starburst, Sketch and Posterization, but can also apply different filters one after another to a single image to create more inventive visual effects.
    3. Cross process mode with three options
      The K-r features the unique cross process mode, in which the camera automatically shifts photographic parameters for each exposure to create eye-catching images with unique, dramatic colors — just like pictures treated with the cross process**** in film photography. In addition to “Random”, where the results are unpredictable until the image has been processed, the user also has two other options: “Preset”, with three different sets of preset parameters; and “Favorite”, with user-input parameters.

      **** A film development technique that uses unconventional film development to create a distinctive finish with dramatic, stylized colors.

    4. Upgraded HDR (High Dynamic Range) function
      The K-r features the HDR (high dynamic range) function to create one composite image with an extra-wide gradation range from three images with different exposures, without the need of a computer application. It offers a choice of auto, standard and expanded (at three levels) modes to accommodate different creative intentions. Thanks to the introduction of Auto Align function, the user can now take advantage of this creative tool even with handheld shooting.
  10. High-speed infrared data transmission system

    The K-r is the first PENTAX digital SLR camera equipped with the IrSimple™ high-speed infrared data transmission system. Since this system allows the user to transfer image data to IrSimple-compatible digital devices with great ease, users can effortlessly post images taken with the K-r on their own blogs via a cellular phone. This system also makes the K-r a brand-new photo communication tool, as it also allows users to exchange their image data using a pair of K-r, and even let them engage in a simple match game using Exif data attached to the images such as aperture or shutter-speed values.
  11. High-quality, HDTV-proportion movie recording at 1280 x 720 pixels and at 25 frames per second

    The K-r provides a movie-recording function,***** which captures beautiful, true-to-life movie clips in 16:9 high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels) at a frame rate of 25 frames per second. This extends many benefits of high-quality SLR photography to the world of movie shooting: For instance, reduce the depth of field to make a subject stand out, or use different interchangeable lenses to create distinctive visual effects. The K-r also assures a greater possibility of visual presentation in movies — either through the application of digital filters, such as Toy Camera and Retro, to add specific visual effects during shooting, or through the use of various movie-editing functions after shooting.

    ***** When the PENTAX K-r’s AV output terminal is used, movie clips are output at normal resolution. The data must be transferred to a PC for the playback of movie clips at high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels).

  12. Other features

    1. DR (Dust Removal) mechanism, to shake dust off the CMOS image sensor.
    2. User-friendly layout of essential control buttons and levers, all positioned on the camera’s grip side for quick, effortless access by the photographer’s right hand.
    3. Auto Picture mode, for effortless, automatic selection of the most appropriate shooting mode, even during Live View shooting.
    4. Eleven scene modes, including a new Night Scene HDR mode.
    5. Versatile white balance control, featuring a new CTE mode designed to emphasize the dominant color components of the captured images which works best with such scene as sunset.
    6. Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic aberration (available only with DA-,DFA- and FA Limited-series lenses).
    7. PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, with RAW-data processing and browser applications.
[Optional Accessory]
AA Battery Holder D-BH109
  1. Exclusively designed as an alternative power source of the PENTAX K-r, this optional accessory holds four AA-size batteries - easily available anywhere.
K-r Specifications
Model Description Type TTL autofocus, auto-exposure SLR digital-still camera with built-in retractable P-TTL flash
Lens Mount PENTAX KAF2 bayonet mount (AF coupler, lens information contacts, K-mount with power contacts)
Compatible Lens KAF3-, KAF2- (power zoom not compatible), KAF-, KA- mount lens
Image Capture Unit Image Sensor Primary color filter, CMOS, Size: 23.6 x 15.8 (mm)
Effective Pixels Approx. 12.4 megapixels
Total Pixels Approx. 12.9 megapixels
Dust Removal SP coating and CMOS sensor operations with the Dust Alert function.
Sensitivity
(Standard Output)
AUTO/200 to 12800 (EV steps can be set to 1EV, 1/2EV, or 1/3EV), expandable from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. Up to ISO 1600 in Bulb mode.
Image Stabilizer Type / Construction CMOS image sensor shift
Effective
Compensation Range
Up to 4EV (depending on the used lens type and shooting conditions)
File Formats File format RAW (PEF/DNG), JPEG (Exif 2.21), DCF2.0 compliant
Recorded Pixel JPEG: 12M (4288x2848 pixels), 10M (3936x2624 pixels), 6M (3072x2048 pixels), 2M (1728x1152 pixels)
RAW: 12M (4288x2848 pixels)
Quality Level RAW (12bit): PEF, DNG JPEG: starstarstar (Best), starstar (Better), star (Good), RAW+JPEG simultaneous capturing compatible.
Color Space sRGB, AdobeRGB
Storage Medium SD/SDHC Memory Card
Storage Folder Date (100_1018, 100_1019···) / PENTX(100PENTX, 101PENTX ···)
View finder Type Penta-mirror viewfinder
Coverage (FOV) Approx. 96%
Magnification Approx. 0.85x (50mm F1.4 at ∞)
Eye-Relief Length Approx. 19.1mm (from the view window), Approx. 21.6mm (from the center of lens)
Diopter Adjustment Approx. -2.5m to +1.5m-1
Focusing Screen Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen
Live View Type TTL method using CMOS image sensor
Focusing Mechanism Contrast detection + Face detection / Contrast detection / Phase matching
Display Field of View approx. 100%, Magnified view (AF mode: 2x, 4x, 6x / MF mode:2x, 4x, 6x, 8x, 10x ), Grid display (16 segmentation, Golden Section, Scale display), bright/dark area warning, histogram
LCD Monitor Type Wide viewing angle TFT color LCD
Size 3.0 inch
Dots Approx. 921,000 dots
Adjustment Brightness and colors adjustable
Preview Type Optical preview and digital preview (Can be assigned to green button from the menu)
White Balance Auto TTL method using CMOS image sensor
Preset Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light (D: Daylight Color, N: Daylight White, W: Cool White, L: Warm White), Tungsten Light, Flash, CTE, Manual
Manual Configuration using the display screen
Fine Adjustment Adjustable ±7steps on A-B axis or G-M axis
Autofocus System Type TTL: phase-matching autofocus
Focus Sensor SAFOX IX, 11 point (9 cross type focus point in the center)
Brightness Range EV-1 to 18 (ISO 100)
AF mode Auto AF (AF.A), Single AF (AF.S), Continuous AF (AF.C).
Focus priority or shutter priority mode for AF.S.
Focus priority or FPS priority mode for AF.C.
AF Point Selection 5 point auto, 11 point auto, Select, Center
AF Assist Dedicated LED AF assist lamp
Metering Type TTL open aperture, 16 segmented metering, center-weighted and spot metering available
Exposure Compensation EV1 to 21.5 (ISO200 at 50mmF1.4)
Exposure Mode Auto Picture Mode, Picture mode (Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Flash Off) Scene Mode (Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Food, Sunset, Kids, Pet, Candlelight, Museum, Stage Lighting, Night Snap, Night Scene HDR)
* In Stage Lighting, Night Snap, and Night Scene HDR, the file format is fixed to JPEG. Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual, Bulb
EV Compensation ±3EV (1/2EV step or 1/3EV can be selected)
AE Lock Can be assigned to AF/AE-L button from the menu
(Timer method: two times the meter operating time set in the custom function setting), Continuous as long as the shutter release button is pressed halfway.
Shutter Type Electronically controlled, vertical run, focal plane shutter
Shutter Speed Auto: 1/6000 to 30 sec., Manual: 1/6000 to 30 sec. (1/3EV step or 1/2EV step), Bulb
Drive modes Mode Selection Single frame, Continuous (Hi, Lo), Self-timer (12s, 2s), Remote Control (immediately, 3 sec.), Bracketing (3 frames)
Continuous Shooting Approx. 6 fps, JPEG (12M: starstarstar at Continuous Hi): up to 25 frames, RAW: up to 12 frames Approx. 2 fps, JPEG (12M: starstarstar at Continuous Lo): until SD Memory Card is full, RAW: up to 36 frames
Built-in Flash Type Built-in P-TTL flash with serial control,
GN: approx. 16 (ISO200/m), approx. 12 (ISO100/m)
Angle of view: equivalent to angle of view of 28mm lens (35mm format equivalent)
Flash Mode P-TTL, Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Trailing Curtain Sync High-Speed Sync and Wireless Sync are also available with PENTAX dedicated external flash.
Sync Speed Range 1/180 sec.
Flash Exposure
Compensation
-2.0EV to +1.0EV
Capture Functions Custom Image Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Muted, Monochrome, Reversal Film, Bleach Bypass
Noise Reduction Slow Shutter Speed NR, High-ISO NR
Dynamic Range Setting Highlight Correction, Shadow Correction
Lens Correction Distortion Correction, Lateral Chromatic Aberration Correction
Cross Processing Random, Preset 1-3, Favorite 1-3.
Digital Filter Toy Camera, Retro, High-Contrast, Extract Color, Soft, Starburst, Fish-eye, Custom
HDR Capture Auto, Standard, Strong1, Strong2, Strong3, Automatic composition correction function
Multi-Exposure Select the number of shots between 2 and 9. Auto EV adjustment available.
Interval Shooting Capture Interval setting (1 sec. to 24 hours), Start Interval setting (Immediate, Designated time), Captures up to 999 images
Movie File Format Motion JPEG (AVI)
Recorded Pixel HD (1280x720, 16:9, 25fps), VGA (640x480, 4:3, 25fps)
Quality Level starstarstar(Best), starstar(Better), star(Good)
Sound Built-in monaural microphone
Recording Time Up to 25 minutes. Automatically stops recording when internal temperature rises more than designated
Custom Images Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Muted, Monochrome, Reversal Film, Bleach Bypass
Cross Processing Random, Preset 1-3, Favorite 1-3.
Digital Filter Toy Camera, Retro, High-Contrast, Extract Color, Color
Playback Playback view Single frame, Image comparison, Multi-image display (4, 9, 16, 36, 81 segmentation), Display magnification (up to 16x, scrolling and quick magnification available), rotating, calendar display, folder display, slideshow, histogram, bright/dark area warning, resize, cropping, copyright display, detailed exif information display.
Delete Delete single image, delete all, select & delete, delete folder, delete instant review image
Digital Filter Toy Camera, Monochrome, Retro, Color, High Contrast, Soft, Extract Color, Starburst, Sketch Filter, Water Color, Fish-eye, Pastel, Slim, Miniature, HDR, Posterization, Base Parameter Adjustment, Custom Filter
RAW Development File Format (JPEG), Custom Image, White Balance, Sensitivity, High-ISO NR, Shadow Correction, Distortion Correction, Lateral Chromatic Aberration Correction, Color Space
Edit Resize, Cropping (Aspect ratio and Slant adjustment available), Index, Movie Edit (Divide or delete selected frames), Capturing a JPEG still picture from a movie
Customization Custom Functions 22 items
Mode Memory 13 items
Custom Button Green button (Green button, Custom Image, Optical preview, Digital preview, Digital Filter, Cross Processing, One Push File Format) AF/AE-L button (AF, AE-L)
Test Size Standard, Large
World Time World Time settings for 75 cities (28 time zones)
Language English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese
AF Fine Adjustment ±10 steps, Uniform Adjustment
Copyright Information Names of “Photographer" and "Copyright Holder" are embedded to the image file. Revision history can be checked using the provided software.
Power Supply Battery Type Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI109 With AA Battery Holder D-BH109 (optional), four AA batteries (Lithium, Ni-MH rechargeable, alkaline) can be used.
AC Adapter AC Adapter Kit K-AC109 (optional)
Battery Life <With D-LI109>
Number of recordable images:
approx. 470 images (with 50% flash usage), approx. 560 images (without flash usage)
Playback time:
approx. 300 minutes

<With AA lithium batteries>
Number of recordable images:
approx. 1000 images (with 50% flash usage), approx. 1600 images (without flash usage)
Playback time:
approx. 620 minutes
* Tested in compliance with CIPA standard. Actual results may vary depending on the shooting conditions/circumstances.
Interfaces Connection Port USB2.0 (high-speed compatible) / AV output terminal
USB Connection MSC / PTP
Video Output Format NTSC / PAL
Infrared Connection Infrared Connection in/out (IrSimple)
Dimensions
and Weight
Dimensions Approx. 125mm(w) x 97mm(H) x 68mm(L) (excluding protrusions)
Weight Approx. 544g (body only), Approx. 598g (including dedicated battery and SD Memory Card), Approx. 625g (including AA Battery Holder, four AA lithium batteries, SD Memory Card)
Accessories Package Contents USB Cable I-USB7, Strap O-ST53, Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI109, Battery Charger D-BC109, Software (CD-ROM) S-SW110,
<Mounted on the camera> Eyecup FQ, Hot shoe cover FK, Body mount cover
Software PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4

[ Storage capacity ]

Recorded Pixels Quality Level 32GB 16GB 12GB 8GB 6GB 4GB 2GB 1GB 512MB 256MB 128MB
RAW PEF 1593 794 595 394 295 194 98 48 24 12 6
DNG 1583 789 591 392 293 192 98 48 24 12 6
JPEG 12M
(4288×2848)
starstarstar 4547 2266 1699 1126 841 553 281 138 69 35 17
starstar 7994 3985 2987 1980 1479 973 495 244 122 61 31
star 15735 7844 5880 3898 2912 1915 975 479 239 120 61
10M
(3936×2624)
starstarstar 5358 2671 2002 1327 991 652 332 163 81 41 21
starstar 9441 4706 3528 2339 1747 1149 585 289 144 72 37
star 18358 9151 6860 4548 3398 2234 1138 564 282 142 73
6M
(3072×2048)
starstarstar 8772 4373 3278 2173 1623 1068 543 267 133 67 34
starstar 15251 7602 5699 3778 2823 1856 945 468 234 118 60
star 29157 14535 10896 7224 5397 3549 1807 902 450 227 116
2M
(1728×1152)
starstarstar 26088 13005 9749 6463 4829 3176 1617 805 402 203 104
starstar 45061 22463 16840 11164 8341 5485 2793 1373 686 346 177
star 82612 41182 30873 20468 15292 10057 5121 2518 1258 634 325
shots

Movie   32GB 16GB 12GB 8GB 6GB 4GB 2GB 1GB 512MB 256MB 128MB
HD (16:9)
25fps
(1280×720)
starstarstar 01:32:49 00:46:16 00:34:41 00:22:59 00:17:10 00:11:18 00:05:45 00:02:49 00:01:24 00:00:42 00:00:21
starstar 02:10:05 01:04:51 00:48:37 00:32:13 00:24:04 00:15:50 00:08:03 00:03:58 00:01:59 00:01:00 00:00:30
star 03:03:34 01:31:31 01:08:36 00:45:29 00:33:58 00:22:20 00:11:22 00:05:35 00:02:47 00:01:24 00:00:43
VGA (4:3)
25fps
(640×480)
starstarstar 05:59:10 02:59:03 02:14:13 01:28:59 01:06:29 00:43:43 00:22:16 00:10:56 00:05:28 00:02:45 00:01:24
starstar 08:05:57 04:02:15 03:01:36 02:00:24 01:29:57 00:59:09 00:30:07 00:15:02 00:07:30 00:03:47 00:01:56
star 11:28:26 05:43:11 04:17:16 02:50:34 02:07:26 01:23:48 00:42:40 00:20:59 00:10:29 00:05:17 00:02:42
hh:mm:ss

The maximum file size is 4GB for movie.
The maximum length is 25 minutes for movie.

  • PENTAX, K-r and smc PENTAX are trademarks of HOYA CORPORATION.
  • PENTAX Digital Camera Utility and SDM are trademarks of PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
  • HDMI, the HDMI Logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
  • IrSimple™ and IrSS™ Trademarks are owned by the Infrared Data Association®.
  • All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
  • Designs and specifications are subjects to change without notice.
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