Pentax K-5
Last Update (10 September’12):
- Review by SeriousCompacts
Pentax K-5 is a 16.3 megapixel CMOS sensor features integrated AD conversion circuitry, High sensitivity 80-51200, 7 FPS, 11 point SAFOX IX+ autofocus system, Widescreen 1080p HD video at 25 FPS video recording, 77 segment metering system, PENTAX body-based Shake Reduction (SR) stabilization system, and large 3.0” TFT color LCD. The camera measures (W x H x D): 5.2 x 3.8 x 2.9” and weighs Without battery or removable memory: 23.3 oz Loaded and ready: 26.1 oz.
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| Latest Price Info
Pentax K-5 Reviews
SeriousCompacts reviews the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“The Pentax K5 is truly an excellent camera. Sure, it may not be a compact camera by our definition, however, the K5 is smaller than most DSLRs and goes head-to-head with any professional DSLR camera out there today (including full-frame cameras) for image quality. “
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DCI reviews the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“Good color accuracy and excellent sharpness define the K-5’s still performance. Even in tough shooting conditions, photos were clean, flattering, and victim only to unnoticeable levels of aberration.”
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PhotoReview.au reviews the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“Flash performance was generally very good and the built-in flash provided even illumination of an average-sized room throughout most of the camera’s ISO range, with only shots taken at ISO 51200 showing slight over-exposure. Exposure balance for the remaining ISO settings was consistently accurate.”
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ImagingResource reviews the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“Overall, a good performance for the Pentax K5. It retains excellent detail for quite a run of large print sizes, which makes for easy cropping from lower ISO settings and the ability to squeeze a 4×6 out of its highest ISO setting of 51,200, great for indoor low-light snapshots. “
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PopPhoto reviews the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“the K-5 keeps noise to a Low or better rating up to ISO 400. It remains in acceptable territory up to ISO 1600 and just barely edges into an Unacceptable rating at ISO 3200. Even a judicious use of noise reduction will bring that into our acceptable range without a serious effect on resolution, which remains at an Excellent rating up to ISO 12,800 using Pentax’s default noise-reduction settings “
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ExpertReviews reviews the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“While the K-5 excels for stills photography, it can’t quite compete on value with the Canon 60D and Nikon D7000. Its weather proofing is useful but we’d rather take its competitors’ larger zoom ranges, more capable video modes and the Canon’s articulated screen or the Nikon’s superior autofocus.”
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PDNOnline reviews the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“The K-5 is solid, produces detailed images and boasts impressive low-light capabilities. Those looking to upgrade to an enthusiast-level DSLR won’t be disappointed because, in a competitive market, the K-5 fights its corner very well indeed. “
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Photoblographer reviews the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“To sum up the night shoot experience, the Pentax K-5 is a creatively inspiring and fun to use camera. It is very well built, easy to customize, compact, and captures clean, nicely-detailed files with minimal noise. “
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CNET.uk reviews the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“The Pentax K-5 may be an expensive digital SLR, but it certainly packs in plenty of features for the price, and its performance is worth coughing up for.”
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AmateurPhotographer reviews the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“The K-5 is solid, produces detailed images and boasts impressive low-light capabilities. Those looking to upgrade to an enthusiast-level DSLR won’t be disappointed because, in a competitive market, the K-5 fights its corner very well indeed. “
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WDC reviews the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“At the lower ISO settings the K-5 provides quality that can easily rival the Canon 60D and Nikon D7000. Where it gets extra special, however, is in the mid-high ISO settings where the processing does an exceptional job of keeping colour noise to a minimum. Granted this is going to be at the expense of sharpness as the ISO increases, but up to ISO 3200 images can still be taken of an acceptable quality. “
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Adorama reviews the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“I conclude that it is a robust, reliable, beautifully made, very well thought out, high-performance camera that provides an impressive array of features along with prosumer-level performance at a very attractive price point. “
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Pixiq reviews the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“This is definitely the most desirable Pentax DSLR to date in terms of speed, high ISO quality and versatility. Granted, the many advanced functions — some unique — do make certain aspects of operation complicated. “
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Pocket-Lint reviews the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“The Pentax K-5 is a comprehensively specified professional or semi-professional DSLR that is capable of superb results, it is also one of the best examples of such a camera we’ve had to tinker with; image quality, low noise and superbly useful features make the camera strong proposition for anyone not already locked into a system by another maker and it gives all its rivals a real run for their money. Buy it!”
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PhotographyBlog reviews the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“It may lack the Nikon D7000′s continuous AF during movies and the Canon EOS 60D’s articulating screen, but the K-5 is arguably more intuitive to use and more customisable than either. If you haven’t considered Pentax DSLRs before, then the new K-5 is the perfect excuse to take a much closer look.”
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ePhotozine reviews the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“The quality of colour is exceptional and I suggest that portrait and wedding photographers consider this camera very carefully. Pentax do have some limitations as regards their own telephoto lenses, but alternatives are available from other manufacturers if needed.”
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NeoCamera reviews the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“The bottom line is that the Pentax K-5 is an excellent camera which has almost every feature available to a DSLR. It brings flexibility and superior image quality to a variety of subjects in a compact and well thought-out design. For low-light and action photographers, the K-5 is a worthy upgrade from its predecessor, mainly due to its fantastic control over image-noise. “
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Digitalcamerareview has a preview of the Pentax K-5 and writes;
“The K-5 is essentially the K-7, but better. Better (and useful) video performance, increased resolution and expanded ISO range. The image quality, low-light and noise performance are also said to be much better,….”
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Pentax K-5 Reviews
Review Video By WhatDigitalCamera
Review Video By photographybanzai
Review Video By WhichWebsite
Pentax K-5 User Reviews
Wonderful Camera
“I really liked the K20d, but the color saturation seemed a bit dull at times and needed to be pushed either in camera or via software later. Not so with the K5 and using the same lens. Colors are crisper and more vibrant, which means less tweaking needed later.” – By Michael A. Shoemaker
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Photo quality is absolutely superb
“I have experienced excellent noise performance up to ISO1600 but even ISO3200 is pretty respectable. One trademark Pentax trait is very vibrant and saturated colors. In most instances, this works out quite well.” – By S. Vogt
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Fantastic camera
“if you use 1600 and have perfect pictures, that is already positive point very difficult to beat. The shutter is much quieter, allowing you to make pictures inside a museum or church, or during a classical performance, without making yourself unduly noticed, unlike my previous camera.” – By Ramesh M. Thadani
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Wow- Great camera
“I have tried the video a little and wish there was a dedicated button for it instead of the dial. The pictures are good though- mostly of insects on flowers.” – By D. Bishop
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The greatest camera body out there
“The image quality is surpassed by none! The dynamic range is unbelievable at iso 80. Plus the high iso is astonashing: I can shoot up to iso 3200 no problem and even use iso 12800 when needed!!” – By Sarweswara Rao Vemula
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rugged high performance DSLR = the Pentax k5
“The grip is awesome… it feels attached to my hand and it makes it easier to hold over long periods. Plus, it actually feels lighter than what it is – I think it’s how the weight is distributed, but it’s what ergonomics is about.” – By vagrant10
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The latest and greatest from Pentax
“I shoot predominately with Pentax prime lenses but find the new WR 18-55 zoom a very capable kit lens, sharp, quick focusing, and with the weather sealing a nice addition to my kit. Videos are very good although I don.t use the feature often.” – By LynnJr
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High Quality Traditional Enthusiast SLR
“This SLR camera design was originally built to give the photographer precise control over the camera and the K-5 holds to this tradition. There is very little automation: no scene modes or guide mode. The photographer can adjust aperture or shutter speed just by flicking a dial. A press of the green button re-sets exposure to the program settings.” – By Ale Man
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Pentax K5
“Image quality is excellent, I’ve had it for about a month, shot a wedding last week with it. Was very pleased with the quality and color of the images. Very good in low light situations with out flash. Did some test shots at ISO 3200, they look like shot I them at ISO 400 very little noise. Great camera, upgraded from K10, well worth the money. ” – By M. Malagon
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Love it
“I’m very happy with my K-5 and would highly recommend one to anybody wanting to get serious about photography, or even someone simply wanting a sophisticated looking camera that even takes great photos set on auto.” – By Billy Jackson
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5-star Average For A Good Reason
“The sensor is amazing. Excellent high ISO performance, excellent low ISO performance, excellent dynamic range. Very low noise…” – By Matthew Wachowski
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Nothing more to ask for in a dSLR! The best in its class and now best value too
“I have never regretted the decision to go with Pentax K-5. In addition to being the best in its class and being the best value I got compatibility with my M42 and M39 lenses I have not been fully aware of at the time of purchase.” – By Ivan Gordeli
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Expected Good. Got better
“Good, solid feel in the hands. All commonly used controls are exactly where they need to be. I’ve had it three weeks at this point. Have used it in conditions from sunny spring afternoons to snow and freezing fog. Great image quality and no mechanical issues.” – By Sandu
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Pentax K-5 Sample Photos
- Pentax K-5 Sample Photos @ DCI
- Pentax K-5 Sample Photos @ ImagingResource
- Pentax K-5 Sample Photos @ WDC
- Pentax K-5 Sample Photos @ PhotographyBlog
- Pentax K-5 Sample Photos @ ePhotozine
- Pentax K-5 Sample Photos @ NeoCamera
- Pentax K-5 Sample Photos @ Flickr.com
Pentax K-5 User Manual (PDF)
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- Download Pentax K-5 User Manual
Pentax K-5 Features
Encased in a compact but solid, functional body, Pentax K-5 digital SLR comes equipped with a host of advanced photographic tools for the easy creation of great pictures, while delivering high standards of image quality, data processing speed and operability.
Developed using the highly acclaimed Pentax K-7 as its base, the K-5 inherits the exceptional reliability, user-friendly operation, array of advanced features and compact, lightweight body of its predecessor.
However, it is more resourceful and flexible in photographic expression. Combining a new high-speed, low-noise CMOS image sensor with the high-performance PRIME II imaging engine, it produces super-high-resolution, rich-gradation digital images with approximately 16.28 effective megapixels, even when shooting in the continuous shooting mode at a maximum speed of approximately seven images per second.
It also offers an extra-wide sensitivity range between ISO 80 and ISO 51200 (when expanded via a custom function) and full HD-proportion movie recording at 1920 x 1080 pixels to expand the boundaries of high-quality visual presentation.
Adding other improvements and refinements–such as a faster autofocusing speed, an upgraded HDR (High Dynamic Range) function now usable in handheld shooting, and better operability through an overall review of the design and shape of all components — the K-5 is designed to be more functional and maneuverable in every detail, and in its response to the demands of the photographer.
Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Highlights
High-resolution, low-noise, true-to-life image reproduction
The K-5 incorporates a newly designed CMOS image sensor with a wide image-sensitive area measuring 23.7mm by 15.7mm. It assures high-speed image data readout much faster than that of previous sensors. By coupling this image sensor–equivalent in performance and data processing speed to the image sensor incorporated in the Pentax 645D medium-format digital camera–with the reliable PRIME (Pentax Real Image Engine) II imaging engine, the K-5 produces super-high-resolution, rich-gradation digital images with 16.28 effective megapixels, while suppressing annoying digital noise to a minimum.
High-speed continuous shooting at approximately seven images per second
The K-5’s high-speed continuous shooting mode records as many as 22 images in a single sequence at a maximum speed of seven images per second.
Responsive, high-precision AF system
The K-5 features a new-generation, wide-frame SAFOX IX+ autofocus system with 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle). This sophisticated AF system has completely redesigned optics, and factors the light source at the time of shooting into its calculations to improve the accuracy of autofocus operation. It also offers a choice of shutter-release options–between focus priority and release priority in the AF.S (single) advance mode, or between focus priority and speed priority in the AF.C (continuous) advance mode. The K-5 is also equipped with a spotbeam projector to assist the AF system in poorly lit locations.
Compact, solid, functional camera body
Despite its compact dimensions, the K-5 is built to be exceptionally solid and durable, with a body of sturdy yet lightweight magnesium alloy, and a chassis of high-rigid stainless steel. Thanks to the inclusion of 77 special seals in the body, it also boasts a dustproof, weather-resistant and cold-resistant construction, assuring reliable operation even under harsh environment and at temperatures as low as -10°C. It also features a reliable shutter unit that provides a top shutter speed of 1/8000 second and tested to 100,000 shutter releases.
Bright, clear optical viewfinder with 100% field of view
The K-5 features a pentaprism finder with a nearly 100% field of view and at 0.92-times magnification (with a 50mm F1.4 lens at infinity) to provide a better view of the image field and improve the accuracy and speed of focusing and image composition. It also comes with the renowned Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen to assist the photographer with manual-focus operation.
Effortless Live View shooting Thanks to a new image sensor and a more sophisticated algorithm, the K-5’s Contrast AF mode assures better performance and greater focusing speed than before during Live View shooting. With the addition of a Golden Section display, the K-5 offers a choice of three different grid patterns to facilitate image composition.
Pentax-original SR mechanism with user-assisting options
The K-5 features the Pentax-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which effectively compensates the adverse effect of camera shake by 2.5 to 4 shutter steps, to produce sharp, blur-free images.
Recording of Full HD-proportion movies (1920 x 1080 pixels, 25 frames per second)
The K-5 captures beautiful, true-to-life movie clips in 16:9 full HD proportions (1920 x 1080 pixels) at a frame rate of 25 frames per second. The K-5 also provides greater possibilities in visual presentation in movies, especially through the application of custom images and digital filters.
Innovative image-processing functions to produce distinctive photographic expressions
* Custom image function for distinctive finishing touches: letting users easily select the desired finishing touch for a particular image.
* Versatile digital filter function: The K-5’s digital filter function allows the user to process recorded images in a variety of creative ways and produce highly individualized visual expressions without requiring a computer.
* Cross process mode with three options: The K-5 features the unique cross process mode, in which the camera automatically shifts photographic parameters for each exposure to create eye-catching images with unique, dramatic colours.
* HDR (High Dynamic Range) function: The K-5 features the HDR (high dynamic range) function to create one composite image with an extra-wide gradation range from three images with different exposures, without requiring a computer.
Additional Features
* Electronic level function, with a newly added tilt confirmation tool
* Extended-exposure NR (Noise Reduction) function, with a choice of Auto, On and Off modes
* High-sensitivity NR (Noise Reduction) function, with a camera-dependent Auto mode and a user-adjustable reduction level control for different sensitivity settings
* RAW/Fx button, for single-action switching of image file format
* Large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch wide-view colour LCD monitor with 921,000 dots
* 77-segment multi-pattern metering system for extra-accurate light measurement
* DR II (Dust Removal II) mechanism
* Long battery life, for recording of 1,100 images with full recharge
* User-friendly Hyper control system, to flexibly and accurately respond to the photographer’s creative intentions
* Dynamic-range expansion function, to compensate for both whitewashed (overexposed) and black-out (underexposed) areas
* Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic aberration (available only with DA-,DFA- and FA Limited-series lenses)
* CTE mode, to automatically adjust the white-balance level to emphasize primary colours of sunset scenes
* Attachment of copyright credits on recorded images
* D-BG4 Battery Grip (optional) for extra power supply with an exclusive rechargeable lithium-ion battery or six AA-size batteries
* Color-specific control buttons/dials for easy recognition and quick access, based on the universal colour design
* Pentax Digital Camera Utility 4 software package
What’s in the Box
* K-5 digital SLR body
* 18-55mm lens
* USB cable I-USB7
* AV cable I-AVC7
* Strap O-ST53
* ME Viewfinder Cap
* Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI90
* Battery Charger D-BC90
* AC plug cord
* Software (CD-ROM)
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See also: Digital Camera | Digital SLR Cameras | Pentax
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