Pentax Canada Inc. says it will introduce the 12.4 MP Pentax K-r DSLR during October. While billed as an entry-level design, the K-r slots in above the existing K-x, which stays in the line.

Encased in a compact, lightweight body with a stainless-steel chassis, the K-r offers HD video recording and high-speed continuous shooting at approximately six images per second.

At its heart is a "new-generation" CMOS image sensor with approximately 12.4 effective megapixels that feeds a PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II imaging engine.

The K-r uses the firm's SAFOX IX AF system that has 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle); while a spotbeam projector assists the AF system in poorly lit locations.
Pentax says 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. Autofocus fine adjustment is available as a custom function.

The K-r is capable of continuously shooting 25 images (in JPEG format), or 12 images (in RAW format) in a single sequence at a maximum speed of approximately six images per second. Pentax says this is the fastest of all entry-class models.

The K-r offers a wide sensitivity range of between ISO 200 and ISO 12800, with the range expandable from ISO 100 to ISO 25600 via a custom function.

A 3" high-resolution (921,000 dot) colour LCD offers a clear view of the monitor image from approximately 170 degrees horizontally. The K-r's viewfinder shows images at 0.85X magnification, with a 96% field of view and with a converted finder magnification or 0.54. The in-focus point is indicated as a red point in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation.

Another useful touch is the dual-power-source design that offers a choice between the included rechargeable D-LI109 lithium-ion battery and a set of AA-size batteries (over and above the optional AA Battery Holder D-BH109 that also holds four roundcells). With only the rechargeable battery, the K-r is rated to snap about 560 images. With four AA lithium cells packed into the D-BH109, that number almost trebles to approximately 1,600 images.

Like previous Pentax DSLRs, the K-r benefits from the firm's proprietary SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which Pentax says can compensate for camera shake by up to approximately four stops. It works on all lenses, even ancient M42 manual optics.

Nine available custom image modes include the new Bleach Bypass, which is designed to create a dramatic visual effect used in motion pictures.

Like previous Pentax DSLRs, the K-r offers a menu of special effects (a.k.a. digital filter function) for in-camera processing. The choice of 18 different filters has been enhanced with the newly added Starburst, Sketch and Posterization. Effects may be combined to yield more options.

The K-r features the HDR (high dynamic range) function that was introduced with the K-7, but with the major advance of Auto Align function. With the K-7, the subject and camera must be absolutely still to avoid blur while the camera snaps three separate images, before combining them into one with expanded dynamic range. K-r users can snap HDR photos handheld. It also offers a choice of auto, standard and expanded (at three levels) modes.

The K-r is the first Pentax DSLR equipped with the IrSimple high-speed infrared data transmission system that allows the user to transfer image data to IrSimple-compatible digital devices or post images taken with the K-r on their own blogs via a cellular phone. It also allows users to exchange their image data using a pair of K-rs, and even allows them to engage in a simple match game using Exif data attached to the images such as aperture or shutter-speed values.

The K-r shoots 720p high-def images at 25 frames per second. This mode also supports the application of digital filters, such as Toy Camera and Retro. When the PENTAX K-r's AV output terminal is used, movie clips are output at normal resolution. Viewing them in high-def (1,280 x720) requires that the data is transferred to a PC.

A DR (Dust Removal) mechanism shakes dust off the CMOS image sensor upon turn-on; while an exclusive DUST ALERT system checks to see if there is dust on the CMOS image sensor, and shows the location of the dust.

The PENTAX K-r will be available in Canada October 2010 with an anticipated retail price of $849.99 for the body.

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