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Pentax K-r SMC Pentax DA L 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 AL Review | 108 Data compared

Avg. price:~£95Sensor size:APS-CWeight:598 gBattery life (CIPA):470 shots

Pentax K-r SMC Pentax DA L 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 AL Review: Compare 108 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Cameras category and whether it is worth buying.

5.3

Overall score

Score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best cameras on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

5.3

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–²Better than 55% of cameras
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Cameras category across these key areas: Sensor & Image, Photo Features, Video & Audio, Display & Design, Battery & Power, Connectivity & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

28%

6.2

Sensor & Image

25%

6.1

Photo Features

18%

3.6

Video & Audio

14%

5.4

Display & Design

8%

6.3

Battery & Power

7%

2.0

Connectivity & Storage

â–²Better than 58% of cameras
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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Technical Specifications of camera Pentax K-r SMC Pentax DA L 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 AL

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Cameras category across these key areas: Sensor & Image, Photo Features, Video & Audio, Display & Design, Battery & Power, Connectivity & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

28%

6.2

Sensor & Image

25%

6.1

Photo Features

18%

3.6

Video & Audio

14%

5.4

Display & Design

8%

6.3

Battery & Power

7%

2.0

Connectivity & Storage

5.3
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When you want to see which cameras attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Pentax K-r SMC Pentax DA L 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 AL has a popularity score of 1, which is lower than 51.3% of cameras.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

5.3

Overall score

40%

10

Price

6.7
Sensor size
APS-C
Sensor size
APS-C
This camera uses a sensor classified as APS-C; it is larger than the sensor in 57.4% of cameras and the same size as the sensor in 25.7% of cameras.
Main camera megapixels
12.4 MP
Main camera megapixels
12.4 MP
This camera has a sensor resolution of 12.4 MP, which is lower than that of 82.9% of cameras and equal to that of 0.8% of cameras.
Main camera pixel size
5.07 µm
Main camera pixel size
5.07 µm
This camera has sensor pixels measuring 5.07 µm, which are larger than those in 83.2% of cameras and the same size as those in 0.3% of cameras.
Base ISO
200
Base ISO
200
This camera has a base ISO of 200 which is higher than that of 84.7% of cameras and equal to that of 13.9% of cameras.
Max ISO
ISO 12800 ISO
Max ISO
ISO 12,800
This camera reaches a maximum sensitivity of ISO 12,800, which is higher than that of 54.4% of cameras and equal to that of 18.8% of cameras.
Show more
Lens mount
Pentax KAF2
Built-in focus motor
yes
Built-in focus motor
yes
This camera has a built-in focus motor. 10.9% of cameras have a built-in focus motor.
N. of focus points
11
N. of focus points
11
This camera has 11 focus points, fewer than the number offered by 60.4% of cameras and equal to the number offered by 6.5% of cameras.
Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
yes
Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
yes
This camera supports phase-detection autofocus for photos. 37.3% of cameras support phase-detection autofocus for photos.
AF tracking
yes
AF tracking
yes
This camera supports AF tracking. This feature is available on 88% of cameras.
Show more
Max video resolution
1,280 px
Max video resolution
1,280 px
This camera supports 1,280 px video recording which is lower quality than that of 71.4% of cameras and equal to that of 18.5% of cameras.
Video bitrate
36 Mbps
Video bitrate
36 Mbps
This camera has a video bitrate of 36 Mbps which is higher than that of 57.3% of cameras and equal to that of 2.6% of cameras.
Video bit depth
8 bit
Video bit depth
8 bit
This camera supports video at 8 bit, a bit depth higher than that of 7.8% of cameras and equal to that of 80.6% of cameras.
Video chroma subsampling
4:2:2
Video chroma subsampling
4:2:2
This camera supports 4:2:2 video chroma subsampling which is more advanced than that of 77.9% of cameras and equal to that of 22.1% of cameras.
Video codecs
Motion JPEG
Show more
Type
dslr
Weight
598 g
Weight
598 g
This camera weighs 598 g which is heavier than 73.1% of cameras and equal to the weight of 0.1% of cameras.
Width
125 mm
Width
125 mm
This camera has a width of 125 mm which is wider than 61.9% of cameras and equal to that of 0.8% of cameras.
Height
97 mm
Height
97 mm
This camera has a height of 97 mm which is taller than 77.2% of cameras and equal to that of 1.7% of cameras.
Thickness
68 mm
Thickness
68 mm
This camera has a thickness of 68 mm which is thicker than 61.8% of cameras and equal to that of 0.2% of cameras.
Show more
Battery life (CIPA)
470 shots
Battery life (CIPA)
470 shots
This camera has a CIPA-rated battery life of 470 shots, which is longer than that of 77.2% of cameras and equal to that of 1.1% of cameras.
Battery capacity
1,050 mAh
Battery capacity
1,050 mAh
This camera has a battery capacity of 1,050 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 56.1% of cameras and equal to those in 3.6% of cameras.
Removable battery
yes
Removable battery
yes
This camera has a removable battery, and 98.7% of cameras include one.
USB Power Delivery (PD)
no
USB Power Delivery (PD)
no
This camera does not support USB Power Delivery. 10.1% of cameras support USB Power Delivery.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This camera does not support Wi-Fi. 47.9% of cameras include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This camera does not have Bluetooth. 22.7% of cameras support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
USB Type-C
no
USB Type-C
no
This camera does not include USB Type-C. 14.6% of cameras use USB-C.
Show more

Pentax K-r SMC Pentax DA L 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 AL vs the average camera

246810TotalDisplay & DesignSensor & ImagePhoto FeaturesVideo & AudioBattery & PowerConnectivity & Storage
  • In-body stabilization
    Sensor-shift stabilization
    yes
    This camera supports in-body stabilization, the average camera does not.
  • Phase-detect AF for photos
    Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
    yes
    This camera supports phase-detection autofocus for photos, the average camera does not.
  • 1.73 µm larger sensor pixels
    Main camera pixel size
    5.07 µm
    This camera has larger sensor pixels than the average camera (5.1 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.34 µm.
    5.07 µm vs 3.34 µm
  • Sensor cleaning system
    Sensor cleaning system
    yes
    This camera includes a sensor cleaning system, the average camera does not.
    Ultrasonic vibration cleaning.
  • More complete chroma subsampling
    Video chroma subsampling
    4:2:2
    This camera supports better video chroma subsampling than the average camera (4:2:2 vs 4:2:0). The average camera supports 4:2:0 video chroma subsampling.
    4:2:2 vs 4:2:0
  • 140 shots more shots per charge
    Battery life (CIPA)
    470 shots
    This camera has longer battery life than the average camera (470 shots vs 330 shots). The average camera delivers 330 shots per charge.
    470 shots vs 330 shots
  • Better viewfinder type
    Viewfinder type
    optical
    This camera uses a more advanced viewfinder than the average camera (optical vs none).
    Pentamirror optical viewfinder.
    optical vs none
  • Built-in AF motor
    Built-in focus motor
    yes
    This camera has a built-in focus motor, the average camera does not.
  • 3.05x cheaper
    Pentax K-r SMC Pentax DA L 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 AL is cheaper than the average camera (£95 vs £290).
    £95 vs £290
  • Better viewfinder type
    Viewfinder type
    optical
    This camera uses a more advanced viewfinder than the average camera (optical vs none).
    Pentamirror optical viewfinder.
    optical vs none
  • 0.07 x more viewfinder magnification
    Viewfinder magnification
    0.85 x
    This camera has a higher viewfinder magnification than the average camera (0.9 x vs 0.78 x). The average camera has a viewfinder magnification of 0.78 x.
    0.85 x vs 0.78 x
  • 1 more customizable buttons
    Customizable button count
    1
    This camera has more customizable buttons than the average camera (1 vs 0). The average camera offers 0 customizable buttons.
    1 vs 0
  • 1.73 µm larger sensor pixels
    Main camera pixel size
    5.07 µm
    This camera has larger sensor pixels than the average camera (5.1 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.34 µm.
    5.07 µm vs 3.34 µm
  • Sensor cleaning system
    Sensor cleaning system
    yes
    This camera includes a sensor cleaning system, the average camera does not.
    Ultrasonic vibration cleaning.
  • 6,400 ISO higher maximum sensitivity limit
    Max ISO
    12,800 ISO
    This camera has a higher maximum sensitivity than the average camera (12800 ISO vs 6400 ISO). The average camera reaches a maximum sensitivity of 6400 ISO.
    12,800 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
  • 100 higher base ISO
    Base ISO
    200
    This camera has a higher base ISO than the average camera (200 vs 100). The average camera has a base ISO of 100.
    200 vs 100
  • In-body stabilization
    Sensor-shift stabilization
    yes
    This camera supports in-body stabilization, the average camera does not.
  • Phase-detect AF for photos
    Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
    yes
    This camera supports phase-detection autofocus for photos, the average camera does not.
  • Built-in AF motor
    Built-in focus motor
    yes
    This camera has a built-in focus motor, the average camera does not.
  • More complete chroma subsampling
    Video chroma subsampling
    4:2:2
    This camera supports better video chroma subsampling than the average camera (4:2:2 vs 4:2:0). The average camera supports 4:2:0 video chroma subsampling.
    4:2:2 vs 4:2:0
  • Built-in timelapse
    Timelapse function
    yes
    This camera includes timelapse capture, the average camera does not.
  • 140 shots more shots per charge
    Battery life (CIPA)
    470 shots
    This camera has longer battery life than the average camera (470 shots vs 330 shots). The average camera delivers 330 shots per charge.
    470 shots vs 330 shots
  • Worse low-light autofocus
    AF low-light sensitivity
    -1
    This camera has a worse low-light AF sensitivity than the average camera (-1 EV vs -4 EV). The average camera reaches a low-light AF sensitivity of -4 EV.
    -1 vs -4
  • Lower sensor resolution
    Main camera megapixels
    12.4 MP
    This camera has a lower sensor resolution than the average camera (12.4 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a sensor resolution of 16.2 MP.
    12.4 MP vs 16.2 MP
  • Lower video resolution
    Max video resolution
    1,280 px
    This camera records lower-resolution video than the average camera (1280 px vs 1920 px). The average camera records at 1920 px.
    1280 px vs 1920 px
  • Lower RAW bit depth
    RAW bit depth
    12-bit
    This camera supports lower RAW bit depth than the average camera (12-bit vs 14-bit). The average camera supports 14-bit RAW capture.
    12-bit vs 14-bit
  • No continuous video AF
    Continuous autofocus (video)
    no
    This camera does not support continuous autofocus in video, the average camera does.
  • 4 % lower viewfinder coverage
    Viewfinder coverage
    96 %
    This camera has a lower viewfinder coverage than the average camera (96 % vs 100 %). The average camera has viewfinder coverage of 100 %.
    96 % vs 100 %
  • 1 fewer microphones
    N. of microphones
    1
    This camera has fewer microphones than the average camera (1 vs 2). The average camera has 2 microphones.
    1 vs 2
  • 203 g heavier
    Weight
    598 g
    This camera is heavier than the average camera (598 g vs 395 g). The average camera weighs 395 g.
    598 g vs 395 g
  • 93% less popular
    Pentax K-r SMC Pentax DA L 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 AL is less popular than the average camera (1 vs 1.9).
    1 vs 1.93
  • 4 % lower viewfinder coverage
    Viewfinder coverage
    96 %
    This camera has a lower viewfinder coverage than the average camera (96 % vs 100 %). The average camera has viewfinder coverage of 100 %.
    96 % vs 100 %
  • 203 g heavier
    Weight
    598 g
    This camera is heavier than the average camera (598 g vs 395 g). The average camera weighs 395 g.
    598 g vs 395 g
  • 23.1 mm taller body
    Height
    97 mm
    This camera is taller than the average camera (97 mm vs 73.9 mm). The average camera has a height of 73.9 mm.
    97 mm vs 73.9 mm
  • 22 mm thicker
    Thickness
    68 mm
    This camera is thicker than the average camera (68 mm vs 46 mm). The average camera has a thickness of 46 mm.
    68 mm vs 46 mm
  • 5.1 mm wider
    Width
    125 mm
    This camera is wider than the average camera (125 mm vs 119.9 mm). The average camera has a width of 119.9 mm.
    125 mm vs 119.9 mm
  • Lower sensor resolution
    Main camera megapixels
    12.4 MP
    This camera has a lower sensor resolution than the average camera (12.4 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a sensor resolution of 16.2 MP.
    12.4 MP vs 16.2 MP
  • Lower RAW bit depth
    RAW bit depth
    12-bit
    This camera supports lower RAW bit depth than the average camera (12-bit vs 14-bit). The average camera supports 14-bit RAW capture.
    12-bit vs 14-bit
  • 3 older
    Release date
    2010
    This camera is older than the average camera (2010 vs 2013). The average camera was released in 2013.
    September 2010
    2,010 vs 2,013
  • 88 points lower DxOMark Sports score
    DxOMark sports score
    755 points
    This camera has a lower DxOMark sports score than the average camera (755 points vs 843 points). The average camera has a DxOMark sports score of 843 points.
    755 points vs 843 points
  • Worse low-light autofocus
    AF low-light sensitivity
    -1
    This camera has a worse low-light AF sensitivity than the average camera (-1 EV vs -4 EV). The average camera reaches a low-light AF sensitivity of -4 EV.
    -1 vs -4
  • 12 fewer AF points
    N. of focus points
    11
    This camera has fewer focus points than the average camera (11 vs 23). The average camera offers 23 focus points.
    11 vs 23
  • Lower video resolution
    Max video resolution
    1,280 px
    This camera records lower-resolution video than the average camera (1280 px vs 1920 px). The average camera records at 1920 px.
    1280 px vs 1920 px
  • No continuous video AF
    Continuous autofocus (video)
    no
    This camera does not support continuous autofocus in video, the average camera does.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    N. of microphones
    1
    This camera has fewer microphones than the average camera (1 vs 2). The average camera has 2 microphones.
    1 vs 2
  • 5 min shorter recording time
    Max video recording time
    25 min
    This camera records continuously for less time than the average camera (25 min vs 30 min). The average camera records for 30 min.
    25 min vs 30 min
  • 70 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    1,050 mAh
    This camera has a lower battery capacity than the average camera (1050 mAh vs 1120 mAh). The average camera has a battery capacity of 1120 mAh.
    1,050 mAh vs 1,120 mAh
  • No HDMI output
    HDMI output
    no
    This camera does not support HDMI output, the average camera does. 78.7% of cameras support HDMI output.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

E
expertreviews.co.uk
27/11/2010
Summary of the review
W
whatdigitalcamera.com
01/03/2011
Summary of the review
D
dpreview.com
11/03/2011
Summary of the review
P
pentaxforums.com
20/07/2011
Summary of the review
E
ephotozine.com
03/11/2010
Summary of the review
C
cnet.com
19/11/2010
Summary of the review
T
techradar.com
18/11/2010
Summary of the review
W
whatdigitalcamera.com
01/03/2011
Summary of the review
P
photoreview.com.au
20/10/2010
Summary of the review
P
popphoto.com
16/03/2011
Summary of the review
R
reviewed.com
08/07/2011
Summary of the review
D
digitalkamera.de
01/10/2010
Summary of the review
C
computerbild.de
01/12/2010
Summary of the review
D
digitalkamera.de
31/12/2010
Summary of the review
C
chip.de
11/01/2011
Summary of the review
0
01net.com
01/01/2011
Summary of the review
D
digitalcamaralens.com
Sin fecha específica
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What we like about Pentax K-r SMC Pentax DA L 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 AL

  • Compact and lightweight camera, easy to carry
  • Very good build quality for a kit lens (metal mount on some versions)
  • Excellent low light performance and good ISO rise
  • In-body image stabilization (SR) system
  • 18-55mm AL lens offering decent quality, superior to many competing kit lenses
  • Fast and accurate autofocus for general use

What we don't like about Pentax K-r SMC Pentax DA L 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 AL

  • Autofocus sometimes noisy (screw mechanism)
  • Kit lens (DAL) a little less robust than the original AL version
  • Image quality a bit low at 18mm wide open
  • Fewer advanced video features compared to newer models

Verdict

The Pentax K-r is a versatile entry-to-mid-level DSLR featuring a 12.4-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a Prime II imaging engine, and a 3.0-inch 921k-dot LCD screen. Paired with the lightweight SMC Pentax DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL kit lens, it delivers standard 3x optical zoom coverage equivalent to 27.5-84mm in a 35mm format. Main pros include a fast continuous shooting speed of 6.0 frames per second, reliable in-body sensor-shift Shake Reduction, cross-compatible dual-power options utilizing either the standard Li-ion battery or 4 AA batteries via an adapter, and high ISO sensitivity expandable up to 25,600. However, notable cons consist of a noisy screw-driven autofocus operation, restricted 720p HD video capability instead of Full HD, lack of an HDMI output, and a tendency to clip highlights in high-contrast scenes.

Compare Pentax K-r SMC Pentax DA L 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 AL with other products in the Cameras category

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Graphic comparison of Pentax K-r SMC Pentax DA L 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6 AL and other products in the Cameras category

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