You can't compare the images from the two different camera unless it's the same scene.
When you compare the high ISO performance, it's true that both the Nikon D3100 and D7000 produces softer results than the K-r, but that's only because it's default noise-reduction is set a little higher as well. If you compare the RAW images, they're nearly identical. If you prefer shooting jpeg, turning the noise reduction to "low" or "off" should produce similar results as well.
Of course, if Pentax works for you it's perfectly fine to believe it's the better camera. It's just most people prefer Nikons instead.
George Y
2011-05-15 12:44:50 UTC
You're only looking at one aspect of a huge (30 page) review.
Look at the conclusions for all three cameras.
The Pentax KR gets a total score of 71%.
The Nikon D3100 gets 72%.
And the Nikon D7000 gets 80%.
The Pentax does a bit better in low light with high ISO's, but the Nikon D3100 scores better in image quality, egonomics & handling, and movie mode. The D7000 blows the Pentax out of the water in multiple ways, as it's a semi-pro camera body with professional picture quality.
keerok
2011-05-16 05:10:24 UTC
In the end, no matter how great your camera is, it will boil down to exposure quality. If you get it right in-camera, you get the highest quality your camera can take. That picture will be perfect no matter how huge you blow it up.
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This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.