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For a DSLR unit it is quite small at 12x14x9.5 with the 18-55mm lens fitted and the total weight is 845grams.

I suppose I only get to see three or four DSLR units in a year, most are smaller units often the sort to fit in a pocket.

So my routine is much the same, charge the battery, find an SD card switch to Auto and with a DSLR activate the Auto Focus. Only once I have done these things and taken a few images do I investigate the differences.

See also: Digital SLR

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This is not a professional model but it is not an entry level offering either 6FPS continuous shooting as well as excellent full HD video are just two of the treats for those who take the time to get beyond Auto mode and Auto Focus.

Lets start with the face any lens you purchase fits there, I was sent the unit with an 18-55mm unit, line up the red dots and attach it, to the left of this the MF-AF switch. The base is where the lithium battery is inserted, but should you travel a lot you could also purchase an adapter that allows you to power it from standard ‘AA’ batteries, also the all important tripod screw. The right side has the insertion point for any SD, SDHC or SDXC you might use. The left side has a rubber bung behind which is a micro USB socket to connect with PC.

This leaves the top and the back. On either side of the top are the anchor points for the all important neck strap, then the manual pop up flash and shoe fitting should you move up to having an external flash unit. Next the fourteen point wheel to change shooting types, in front on this are two buttons and in front on this the shutter release with the on/off switch around it.

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The back has a 6.5x4.5cm TFT window which can review captured images or should you so wish sacrifice information on the shot about to be captured and show it as you would with a pocket offering. On the very left edge is the flash lift button then the viewfinder next the zoom/ wide angle view twist control and finally almost hidden under the right side strap anchor point the AF AE-L button. Just below this is where ideally you place your right thumb – I know you are not meant to be left handed – to the left of this and just to the right of the TFT is the review button and below this a column of three well marked buttons and in case you thought there could be a camera without the ubiquitous five position joystick – wrong – its to the right of this column.

It can capture images in JPG, PAW or RAW+, the JPG images can be 12MP (3936x2624), 10MP (3078x2048), 6MP (3072x2048) or 2MP (1728x1152) and the quality can be set between one and three stars.

For movies the choice is HD (1280x720) or VGA (640x480) with image quality between one and three stars sound however is a simple on or off option.

The ISO range is between 100 and 25600, the image stabilization (shake reduction) works well even with outside images taken on a windy day providing you can find something solid to anchor yourself against. While it claims HD video it is only 1280x720.

The Pentax K-r is available from the first link below for £398 including delivery.

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-pentax-k-r-black-digital-slr-with-18-55mm-lens/p1522426

http://www.pentax.co.uk/en/digital-slr/pentax-kr.html