Pentax K-r vs Pentax K-m

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m
      63
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Pentax K-r and the Pentax K-m, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Pentax K-r was introduced in March 2011 and Pentax K-m was introduced in September 2008. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Pentax K-r Highlights

      • 12 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 6.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • 25 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash

      Pentax K-m Highlights

      • 10.0 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 5 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.7" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 3.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Pentax K-r
      4. Advantage of Pentax K-m
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Pentax K-r and Pentax K-m.

      PROS

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots

      CONS

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Low Bit Depth
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 470 shots
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.0 Megapixel
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 72
      •   Weight - 598 g (1.32 lb / 21.09 oz)
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 64
      •   Weight - 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)

      Advantage of Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-r
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax K-r over Pentax K-m.

      Pentax K-r vs Pentax K-m
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixel vs 10.0 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 4288 x 2848 vs 3872 x 2592
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 11 vs 5
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.7"
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 230k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/6000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 6.0 fps vs 3.5 fps
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 755 vs 513
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.9 vs 22.4
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.4 vs 11.4
      Higher DxO Overall Score 72 vs 64
      Built-in Microphone Mono vs
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax K-r.

      Nikon Z30
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Sony a6400
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Pentax K-01
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      16 MP

      Sony a9 III
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Canon M6
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon 70D
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Sony a7S III
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D60
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Pentax K-3 III
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      APS-C

      25.73 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Advantage of Pentax K-m

      Pentax K-m
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax K-m over Pentax K-r.

      Pentax K-r vs Pentax K-m
      Lower Native ISO 200 vs 100
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Lighter 598 g (1.32 lb / 21.09 oz) vs 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 470 shots vs 1800 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax K-m.

      Pentax K-x
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      APS-C

      12.6 MP

      Pentax K110D
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Pentax K-01
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      APS-C

      16 MP

      Sony FX30
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      APS-C

      26 MP

      Pentax K-3 III Monochrome
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      APS-C

      25.73 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Sony a6100
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony a6300
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon 70D
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Pentax K-r Pentax K-m
        Image StabilizationSensor ShiftSensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
      WEAKNESSES Pentax K-r Pentax K-m
        Low Resolution Sensor12 Megapixel10.0 Megapixel
        Few Focus Points115
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No HDMI Output
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi[]
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Pentax K-r has a 3.0" screen with 921k dot resolution and Pentax K-m has a 2.7" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinders. They both have 96% coverage and 0.85x (0.57x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Pentax K-r features a 12 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.8 mm and a total area of 372.9 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 12,800 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. Pentax K-m features a 10.0 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Pentax K-r is equipped with PRIME II processor and can take pictures up to 4288 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3936 x 2624, 3072 x 2048, 1728 x 1152 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Pentax K-m can take pictures up to 3872 x 2592 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3008 x 2000, 1824 x 1216 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Pentax KAF2 lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      In-Body Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when cameras are paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer.


      Battery

      Pentax K-r comes with D-LI109
      4 x AA battery pack with battery life of 470 shots and Pentax K-m comes with 4 x AA battery pack with battery life of 1800 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Pentax K-r has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot. Pentax K-m has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/6000 sec on Pentax K-r, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax K-m. Pentax K-r can shoot continuously up to 6.0 fps. Pentax K-m can shoot continuously up to 3.5 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 on Pentax K-r and 11.00 m at ISO 100 on Pentax K-m. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe or Wireless connection to Pentax K-r. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/180 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Pentax K-r body has dimensions of 125 x 97 x 68 mm (4.92 x 3.82 x 2.68") and Pentax K-m body has dimensions of 123 x 92 x 68 mm (4.84 x 3.62 x 2.68"). Pentax K-r weighs 598 g (1.32 lb / 21.09 oz) and Pentax K-m weighs 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz).

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      125 mm

      97 mm

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      123 mm

      92 mm

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      97 mm

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      92 mm

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      68 mm

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      68 mm

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      Size comparisons of Pentax K-r and Pentax K-m

      Pentax K-r and Pentax K-m for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      GOOD
      70
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 470 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots

      Wildlife Photography

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 470 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots

      Portrait Photography

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      GOOD
      81
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Street Photography

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      GOOD
      80
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 598 g (1.32 lb / 21.09 oz)
      GOOD
      80
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      GOOD
      78
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 598 g (1.32 lb / 21.09 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 470 shots
      GOOD
      81
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Pentax K-r and Pentax K-m and give them scores of 63 and 58 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      OVERALL
      63
      OVERALL
      58

      Sensor

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 72
      GOOD
      70
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.0 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 64

      Photo

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      GOOD
      75
      •   Low Bit Depth
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/6000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      POOR
      42
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      GOOD
      76
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      POOR
      46
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      40
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Pentax K-r

      Pentax K-m

      POOR
      41
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 598 g (1.32 lb / 21.09 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 470 shots
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 590 g (1.30 lb / 20.81 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1800 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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