Pentax KR vs Sony A55

[leroyishere]

Hi seniors and photography enthusiasts. I am planning to upgrade from a PnS. I have done quite a bit of reading and have narrowed down my choices to these 2 cameras, the Pentax KR and the Sony A55.

I am torn between these 2 cameras and plan to wait for Sitex to come so that I can have a feel of both cameras. Probably will get it at MScolor or SLRrevo though, since many people here recommend these 2 shops instead of Sitex.

At the moment am leaning more towards the KR side as it's cheaper, but I have no qualms about topping up a bit more for the A55 if it really justifies the price.

Anybody here have any comments about these 2 cameras? Saw the KR in the reviews section of this forum, and it seems to be a pretty awesome camera. I wonder if the A55 will have as good a hands-on review.

Please help me attain some "enlightenment". :love1:

 

[Rashkae]

The K-R uses the Sony A33 sensor, but it seems like Pentax applied a very weak antialiasing filter, which gives better high ISO output, though possible at the cost of color separation. The K-R has a very solid build, and some pros. So, off the top of my head, let me try to list them:

Pentax pros:
1. Solid build
2. can use AA batteries
3. Better battery life than A33 (when using the lithium-ion rechargeable battery)

Sony A55 pros:
1. Uses a high-quality EVF that has tilt/horizon output and can show whitebalance and exposure changes (but some people may prefer OVF, so up to you if this is a pro)
2. Fully articulating LCD that is great for overhead, down-on-the-ground or even "take a pic of yourself" shots
3. 10 FPS
4. Fast AF in live view
5. Fast AF in video
6. No mirror slap.
7. Uses the newer-generation 16MP sensor which is also used in the K-5

 

[NoS77]

Hi seniors and photography enthusiasts. I am planning to upgrade from a PnS. I have done quite a bit of reading and have narrowed down my choices to these 2 cameras, the Pentax KR and the Sony A55.

I am torn between these 2 cameras and plan to wait for Sitex to come so that I can have a feel of both cameras. Probably will get it at MScolor or SLRrevo though, since many people here recommend these 2 shops instead of Sitex.

At the moment am leaning more towards the KR side as it's cheaper, but I have no qualms about topping up a bit more for the A55 if it really justifies the price.

Anybody here have any comments about these 2 cameras? Saw the KR in the reviews section of this forum, and it seems to be a pretty awesome camera. I wonder if the A55 will have as good a hands-on review.

Please help me attain some "enlightenment". :love1:

TS, are you from HWZ? Anyway, was at Sony to touch feel the a55 today. Totally dislike the feel of it. But it's your hand.

 

[machiavellian]

TS, are you from HWZ? Anyway, was at Sony to touch feel the a55 today. Totally dislike the feel of it. But it's your hand.

yeah same here. I really dislike the fact that the A55 is using an EVF which makes the A55 feel like a Prosumer Digicam.

 

[cpuer]

leroyishere, I am quite torn like you too. But mine is between a33 and Kr. Which has a diff of $60 between them. I used the older brother of K-r for a short while, Kx. Not a bad camera. Impressed by the 1000 shots battery life on rechargeable. The camera is heavy though. And with a very loud shutter/mirror slapping sound.

But a33 is an intriguing camera. The smaller and lighter body attracts me. The swiveling LCD is a big draw. The fast AF during movie recording seems to be a fantastic feature. I have no problem with EVF or using LCD, in fact i prefer these as I like to see the "live view". Only sticking point is the low CIPA at around 350shots. And the known issue of heating up and shutdowns of movie taking is more than say 8min(or 10?). Others complaint about the small body with its uncomfortable small hand grip.

Above are some findings I have made through reading the many threads here.

 

[intrance]

Ive been camping at Pentax discussion thread for more than 6 months.. and I was thinking getting a K-r.

But darn.. A33/A55 released before K-r did.. and suddenly my interest sway to A55..

After a sleepness nights and toss of a coin :bsmilie:..
i decided on A55.. because of the feature- articulate lcd and AF in video is crucial when taking photos of my younger nieces and nephews..
also my wife might want to use it too..
and yes.. if u have large hand, A55 might not suitable for u..

Personally, if it for my own use, I go for K-r, for its high ISO performance and capable of using AA batts.... nothing beats that
and I see, Pentaxian is the most active as they have monthly outing.. :thumbsup:

FYI, Sitex wont showcase Pentax.

 

[cpuer]

Ive been camping at Pentax discussion thread for more than 6 months.. and I was thinking getting a K-r.

But darn.. A33/A55 released before K-r did.. and suddenly my interest sway to A55..

After a sleepness nights and toss of a coin :bsmilie:..
i decided on A55.. because of the feature- articulate lcd and AF in video is crucial when taking photos of my younger nieces and nephews..
also my wife might want to use it too..
and yes.. if u have large hand, A55 might not suitable for u..

Personally, if it for my own use, I go for K-r, for its high ISO performance and capable of using AA batts.... nothing beats that
and I see, Pentaxian is the most active as they have monthly outing.. :thumbsup:

FYI, Sitex wont showcase Pentax.

I concur that A33/A55 is more family friendly. With many more gimmicky and youngsters enjoy using like their perpeture Big Head Shots(self take)

 

[Rashkae]

And the known issue of heating up and shutdowns of movie taking is more than say 8min(or 10?).

Most DSLR cameras that take movies can also only take 5-10 minutes of video before giving an "overheat" warning. This is not unique to the A33/A55. Also, if you turn off the SSS, it goes up to 29 minutes.

 

[Rashkae]

and I see, Pentaxian is the most active as they have monthly outing.. :thumbsup:

Sony users meet up a lot more frequently for outings than just monthly.

 

[cpuer]

Most DSLR cameras that take movies can also only take 5-10 minutes of video before giving an "overheat" warning. This is not unique to the A33/A55. Also, if you turn off the SSS, it goes up to 29 minutes.

thanks for pointing out. anyway,not a deal breaker to me, never intend to shoot anything longer than 5min actually.

 

[Ouverture]

If u ask me, i will take A55 anytime. The fast AF using liveview is second to none. Its really a easy to use camera for the whole family.

My 4 yr olf son cam even use it to take photos and videos with it and turns out pretty good! Talking about video, its clear, sharp, vivid, great stereo sound and fast AF that is useful. If u intend to take some videos of family or kids, etc, i bet u wouldnt want to meddle with MF videoing, its pain in the arse.

Not to mention built in GPS which many may say no need, but i find it a cool feature for vacation.

For iso, i find all photos useable till iso3200 with no problems. To be honest, how often we shoot at these levels? Unless you look at photos 100% Crop all the time, you wont be able to notice any difference between iso100 and iso3200 honestly.

My take, A55 for all the cool features and great image & video quality. For this segment and price, i would say nothing can really beat it.

Btw, i will be posting some comparion photos soon how the A55 with 18250 lens beats a 60D with 17-55 lens in terms of sharpness, details, tonal and DR while equals at iso levels. Stay tuned.

 

[intrance]

Sony users meet up a lot more frequently for outings than just monthly.

Bro.. maybe i overlook or look at diff threads.. but ive been camping at sony disc.thread for 3 months now.. to date not a single outing, u guys organise (except this coming dec)..
and if u guys did.. why never share ur outing photos.. :angry: :bsmilie:
nevertheless, if u guys do frequent outing.. then it will be great.. :thumbsup:

...

For iso, i find all photos useable till iso3200 with no problems. To be honest, how often we shoot at these levels? Unless you look at photos 100% Crop all the time, you wont be able to notice any difference between iso100 and iso3200 honestly.

...

i agree but i need high iso and fast lens for indoor photo.. cos never good in flash photography..
furthermore im a lazy guy...my style is, i just snap dat interest me and then crop it later to desire.. shoot shoot shoot crop crop crop :bsmilie:

and im glad from the posted pics and as u said, iso 3200 is still acceptable.. thus i have no qualm in choosing A55

 

[Rashkae]

Bro.. maybe i overlook or look at diff threads.. but ive been camping at sony disc.thread for 3 months now.. to date not a single outing, u guys organise (except this coming dec)..

We have a group email thread. I'll PM you more details

 

[pinholecam]

If u ask me, i will take A55 anytime. The fast AF using liveview is second to none. Its really a easy to use camera for the whole family.

My 4 yr olf son cam even use it to take photos and videos with it and turns out pretty good! Talking about video, its clear, sharp, vivid, great stereo sound and fast AF that is useful. If u intend to take some videos of family or kids, etc, i bet u wouldnt want to meddle with MF videoing, its pain in the arse.

Not to mention built in GPS which many may say no need, but i find it a cool feature for vacation.

For iso, i find all photos useable till iso3200 with no problems. To be honest, how often we shoot at these levels? Unless you look at photos 100% Crop all the time, you wont be able to notice any difference between iso100 and iso3200 honestly.

My take, A55 for all the cool features and great image & video quality. For this segment and price, i would say nothing can really beat it.

Btw, i will be posting some comparion photos soon how the A55 with 18250 lens beats a 60D with 17-55 lens in terms of sharpness, details, tonal and DR while equals at iso levels. Stay tuned.

Takes out packet of Doritos and sits on the sofa :bsmilie:


This is a big claim. Do show up what you have when you have it done.
For now, here are the images from imagine resource (ISO6400)
60D : http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/E60D/FULLRES/E60DINBI06400_P2.HTM
A55 : http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/AA55/FULLRES/AA55INBI06400.HTM

 

[pinholecam]

TS, both are very good cameras. You just need to decide what you consider important.

Kr
--
1. Optical viewfinder
2. Backward comparability to all legacy lenses (many of which are cheap and good)
3. Flexible battery options
4. Small and good prime lenses designed for digital
5. Good build quality (at its price)
6. Very good high ISO performance (esp. for straight JPEG o/p)
7. Easily reviewed w/b and picture options that can then be saved for the last taken photo
8. AF fine adjustment
9. Good community support (go to the sub forum to check it out yourself)

 

[multan]

FYI, Sitex wont showcase Pentax.

Surprisingly, Emjay will be at Sitex this time round.

CS Forum on K-x at Sitex:
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=795100

Original Sitex website:
http://www.sitex.com.sg/content_page/visitorList/Deals for Students_Seniors.html

 

[intrance]

Surprisingly, Emjay will be at Sitex this time round.

CS Forum on K-x at Sitex:
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=795100

Original Sitex website:
http://www.sitex.com.sg/content_page/visitorList/Deals for Students_Seniors.html

my bad...

thx bro :thumbsup:

 

[leroyishere]

The K-R uses the Sony A33 sensor, but it seems like Pentax applied a very weak antialiasing filter, which gives better high ISO output, though possible at the cost of color separation. The K-R has a very solid build, and some pros. So, off the top of my head, let me try to list them:

Pentax pros:
1. Solid build
2. can use AA batteries
3. Better battery life than A33 (when using the lithium-ion rechargeable battery)

Sony A55 pros:
1. Uses a high-quality EVF that has tilt/horizon output and can show whitebalance and exposure changes (but some people may prefer OVF, so up to you if this is a pro)
2. Fully articulating LCD that is great for overhead, down-on-the-ground or even "take a pic of yourself" shots
3. 10 FPS
4. Fast AF in live view
5. Fast AF in video
6. No mirror slap.
7. Uses the newer-generation 16MP sensor which is also used in the K-5

Hi Rashkae thanks a lot for helping me list out the pros n cons. I have tested the EVF on the a33 and I have no issues with it.

I guess the LCD is very useful for shots with a different angle(from the floor etc.)

Okay now my mind is swayed more towards the a55 again haha.

TS, are you from HWZ? Anyway, was at Sony to touch feel the a55 today. Totally dislike the feel of it. But it's your hand.

Yup from hwz. Decided to come here to garner some opinions from a more photography specific population. =)

Will probably take a walk down sony style to test it out. Anyway my hands not very big. :embrass:

leroyishere, I am quite torn like you too. But mine is between a33 and Kr. Which has a diff of $60 between them. I used the older brother of K-r for a short while, Kx. Not a bad camera. Impressed by the 1000 shots battery life on rechargeable. The camera is heavy though. And with a very loud shutter/mirror slapping sound.

But a33 is an intriguing camera. The smaller and lighter body attracts me. The swiveling LCD is a big draw. The fast AF during movie recording seems to be a fantastic feature. I have no problem with EVF or using LCD, in fact i prefer these as I like to see the "live view". Only sticking point is the low CIPA at around 350shots. And the known issue of heating up and shutdowns of movie taking is more than say 8min(or 10?). Others complaint about the small body with its uncomfortable small hand grip.

Above are some findings I have made through reading the many threads here.

Thanks for your advice! Btw yes the a33 is in my shopping list too. But I don't really wanna get the a33 cause I know I will just end up drooling at the a55. ;p

So which one did u get in the end?

Ive been camping at Pentax discussion thread for more than 6 months.. and I was thinking getting a K-r.

But darn.. A33/A55 released before K-r did.. and suddenly my interest sway to A55..

After a sleepness nights and toss of a coin
i decided on A55.. because of the feature- articulate lcd and AF in video is crucial when taking photos of my younger nieces and nephews..
also my wife might want to use it too..
and yes.. if u have large hand, A55 might not suitable for u..

Personally, if it for my own use, I go for K-r, for its high ISO performance and capable of using AA batts.... nothing beats that
and I see, Pentaxian is the most active as they have monthly outing.. :thumbsup:

FYI, Sitex wont showcase Pentax.

Haha decided over a coin toss? So any regrets? :think:
My hands are small so it should be fine. Haha. Yes the ability to use the AA batteries are a draw to me too, but i heard the adapter is not out yet? So the high ISO performance of the KR is much better than the A55?

 

[leroyishere]

If u ask me, i will take A55 anytime. The fast AF using liveview is second to none. Its really a easy to use camera for the whole family.

My 4 yr olf son cam even use it to take photos and videos with it and turns out pretty good! Talking about video, its clear, sharp, vivid, great stereo sound and fast AF that is useful. If u intend to take some videos of family or kids, etc, i bet u wouldnt want to meddle with MF videoing, its pain in the arse.

Not to mention built in GPS which many may say no need, but i find it a cool feature for vacation.

For iso, i find all photos useable till iso3200 with no problems. To be honest, how often we shoot at these levels? Unless you look at photos 100% Crop all the time, you wont be able to notice any difference between iso100 and iso3200 honestly.

My take, A55 for all the cool features and great image & video quality. For this segment and price, i would say nothing can really beat it.

Btw, i will be posting some comparion photos soon how the A55 with 18250 lens beats a 60D with 17-55 lens in terms of sharpness, details, tonal and DR while equals at iso levels. Stay tuned.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the a55! Hope to see your review soon. =)

TS, both are very good cameras. You just need to decide what you consider important.

Kr
--
1. Optical viewfinder
2. Backward comparability to all legacy lenses (many of which are cheap and good)
3. Flexible battery options
4. Small and good prime lenses designed for digital
5. Good build quality (at its price)
6. Very good high ISO performance (esp. for straight JPEG o/p)
7. Easily reviewed w/b and picture options that can then be saved for the last taken photo
8. AF fine adjustment
9. Good community support (go to the sub forum to check it out yourself)

Yes actually both camps have very good reasons for buying the camp. Haha. That's why I'm so torn between the 2. But from the poll it seems the A55 is more well received. =)

 

[Rashkae]

So the high ISO performance of the KR is much better than the A55?

I'd actually say they're close, or at least too close to tell apart when printed or viewed at web-friendly resolutions.