• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 12.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800

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Differences

Canon 40D advantages over Pentax K-r

  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 800 vs 470 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.4 fps vs 5.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 30 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Pentax K-r advantages over Canon 40D

  • Less expensive
    $850 vs $1299 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 0.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    12.4 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A380

Canon 40D
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon 40D vs Sony DSLR-A380

Pentax K-r
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • HDMI out

Compare Pentax K-r vs Sony DSLR-A380

Compared to Nikon D3000

Canon 40D
Nikon D3000
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive

Compare Canon 40D vs Nikon D3000

Pentax K-r
Nikon D3000
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive

Compare Pentax K-r vs Nikon D3000

Compared to Pentax K-x

Canon 40D
Pentax K-x
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $702
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon 40D vs Pentax K-x

Pentax K-r
Pentax K-x
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • External Mic Jack
  • $702
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 24p video

Compare Pentax K-r vs Pentax K-x

Compared to Nikon D3100

Canon 40D
Nikon D3100
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon 40D vs Nikon D3100

Pentax K-r
Nikon D3100
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Pentax K-r vs Nikon D3100

Compared to Sony A33

Canon 40D
Sony A33
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon 40D vs Sony A33

Pentax K-r
Sony A33
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Pentax K-r vs Sony A33

Compare Other Cameras?