Pentax K-r vs Sony A35
67 Imaging
52 Features
52 Overall
52


69 Imaging
56 Features
70 Overall
61
Pentax K-r vs Sony A35 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 200 - 12800 (Increase to 25600)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Max Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 598g - 125 x 97 x 68mm
- Launched March 2011
(Full Review)

Pentax K-r vs Sony A35 Overview
Here is a in-depth analysis of the Pentax K-r vs Sony A35, both Entry-Level DSLR cameras by rivals Pentax and Sony. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the K-r (12MP) and A35 (16MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor sizing (APS-C).

The K-r was unveiled 6 months before the A35 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact SLR).
Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the K-r grades against the A35 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Pentax K-r vs Sony A35 Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-r and Sony SLT-A35. The full galleries are provided at Pentax K-r Gallery and Sony A35 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-r over the Sony A35
K-r | A35 |
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Reasons to pick Sony A35 over the Pentax K-r
A35 | K-r |
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Common features in the Pentax K-r and Sony A35
K-r | A35 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | March 2011 | ![]() | September 2011 | Same generation |
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial precise focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent display measurement |
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 921k | Same display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Neither offers Touch friendly display |
Pentax K-r vs Sony A35 Physical Comparison
For anybody who is intending to carry your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Pentax K-r offers physical measurements of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") and a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs) and the Sony A35 has specifications of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 415 grams (0.91 lbs).
Check the Pentax K-r vs Sony A35 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the K-r against the A35.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the K-r and A35 is 67 and 69 respectively.

Pentax K-r vs Sony A35 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing just by going through a spec sheet. The visual underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the K-r and A35.
Clearly, each of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Sony A35 to produce extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos a little more aggressively.

Pentax K-r vs Sony A35 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-r vs Sony A35 Specifications
Pentax K-r | Sony SLT-A35 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Pentax | Sony |
Model type | Pentax K-r | Sony SLT-A35 |
Class | Entry-Level DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Launched | 2011-03-11 | 2011-09-20 |
Physical type | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Prime II | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 372.9mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 4912 x 3264 |
Highest native ISO | 12800 | 25600 |
Highest enhanced ISO | 25600 | - |
Minimum native ISO | 200 | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Minimum enhanced ISO | 100 | - |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Total focus points | 11 | 15 |
Cross type focus points | 9 | 3 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Pentax KAF2 | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Amount of lenses | 151 | 143 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3" | 3" |
Resolution of screen | 921 thousand dots | 921 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Screen tech | TFT LCD monitor | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 1,150 thousand dots |
Viewfinder coverage | 96% | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.57x | 0.73x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Max shutter speed | 1/6000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shutter rate | 6.0fps | 6.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | 12.00 m |
Flash modes | Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Trailing Curtain Sync, High-Speed Sync and Wireless Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Max flash synchronize | 1/180s | 1/160s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (25 fps), 640 x 480 (25 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60, 29.97 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30fps), 640 x 424 (29.97 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 598 gr (1.32 lbs) | 415 gr (0.91 lbs) |
Dimensions | 125 x 97 x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") | 124 x 92 x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 72 | 74 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 22.9 | 23.3 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 12.4 | 12.7 |
DXO Low light rating | 755 | 763 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 470 photographs | 440 photographs |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | D-LI109,4 x AA | NP-FW50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec 3 or 5 images) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC | SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Price at release | $1,100 | $598 |