The Pentax K-r (2010) — 12.4 MP entry-level APS-C DSLR with Shake Reduction IBIS, Full HD video, and the full K-mount lens ecosystem. Estimated shutter life ~100,000 actuations. The count can be extracted from PEF RAW files using ExifTool.
Check Shutter Count →The Pentax K-r was released in October 2010 as the successor to the K-x, targeting entry-level DSLR buyers who wanted K-mount lens compatibility, in-body stabilisation, and video capability in a compact body. It features a 12.4 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, 11-point AF system with 9 cross-type points, 6 fps continuous burst, and Full HD 1080i video. The SR (Shake Reduction) system works with all K-mount lenses. Estimated shutter life is approximately 100,000 actuations (Pentax does not publish official ratings for the K-r).
| Model | Release | Sensor | Est. Shutter Life | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pentax K-r | 2010 | 12.4 MP APS-C CMOS | ~100,000 | PEF / DNG |
| Pentax K-x (predecessor) | 2009 | 12.4 MP APS-C CMOS | ~100,000 | PEF / DNG |
| Pentax K-30 (successor) | 2012 | 16 MP APS-C CMOS | ~100,000 | PEF / DNG |
exiftool -ShutterCount yourfile.PEF or check via the camera Setup menu.
exiftool -ShutterCount yourfile.PEF on a PEF RAW file. ExifTool reliably reads the Pentax MakerNote ShutterCount field from PEF files.| Actuation Count | % of Est. Life | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 5,000 | 0 – 5 % | Near new — very low use |
| 5,000 – 30,000 | 5 – 30 % | Light use |
| 30,000 – 60,000 | 30 – 60 % | Moderate use |
| 60,000 – 85,000 | 60 – 85 % | High use — negotiate price |
| 85,000 + | 85 %+ | Near or past estimated life |
The K-r replaced the K-x’s AA battery slot with a dedicated D-LI109 lithium-ion battery, improving grip size and ergonomics. The autofocus system was updated (9 cross-type points vs 9 in K-x), and the body received a slightly refined grip shape. The K-x was notable for accepting AA batteries for travel convenience; the K-r sacrificed this for a better grip and dedicated battery. Image quality is essentially identical between the two models.
The Pentax K-r supports the full range of K-mount lenses: modern DA and DA★ series lenses with full AF and exposure control, FA series lenses (full-frame designed for film), older A-series lenses (with stop-down metering), and M-series and older K-mount manual lenses (with stop-down). The M645 medium format lenses require an adapter. The K-r’s SR IBIS works with all lenses regardless of age.
Verify shutter count via camera menu or ExifTool. Test SR IBIS (enable in menu, take a slow-shutter shot, confirm stabilisation works). Check AF accuracy on a known-good DA lens. Inspect the rubber grip material for cracks or delamination (common on 15-year-old bodies). Test the pop-up flash. Confirm the D-LI109 battery holds charge for at least 200+ shots. Check the SD card slot and USB micro port condition.