| Author: | | New Member Registered: April, 2023 Location: Quebec Posts: 3 | | Review Date: August 24, 2023 | Recommended | Price: $425.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Very clear viewfinder, Robust. | | Cons: | Her Ages Only | | Years Owned: 1 week
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: Used
| |
Good morning,
Got myself a present for my 65th birthday, something I didn't need, but would be happy to own, a Pentax k5iis, what a great camera, bought on ebay in Japan, like new 2830 shutter, no faults !!! WOW.
I already have K1ii, K70 black, K70 silver, k200d, k100d and k100d super.
I don't want to go into technical details here.
I'm just happy about my birthday presents.
If you find one buy it, it's worth the price.
Photo Tourterelle se matin.
Pentax k5iis, ISO 80, F8, 1/250 sec, EXP 0.
Lens Old Tokina AF400mm AT-x f5.6 Close Focus.
Good day to you all.
[IMG]https://www.pentaxforums.com/gallery/photo-oiseaux-tourterelle-62617/[/IMG]
| | | | | | | Pentaxian Registered: December, 2007 Location: In the most populated state... state of denial Posts: 1,739
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 6, 2021 | Recommended | Price: $650.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharpness, color rendition, in camera level | | Cons: | Low light focusing. Display in the viewfinder is hard to see in bright light (outside) | | Years Owned: 7
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: Used
| |
Got this one used and have thoroughly enjoyed it.
The images are well exposed and color rendition is good
Battery life is very good and writing speed has improved since I used SDXC cards
AF sometimes hunts for a while, and I find myself in many cases manually focusing.
The display in the VF is hard to see in bright light (outside)
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: June, 2010 Posts: 753
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: November 2, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | quiet shutter, image quality, small but durable body, battery life, viewfinder | | Cons: | AF, metering underexposes | | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 7
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
It is a pleasure to use this small rugged camera, there is something tactile and reassuring about it. I find it very fitting body for limiteds. Equiped with those you get dslr 'pocket battleship'. Sure it may be outclassed by newer technology in various fields but its image output can still be competitive at least. Just pair it with nice quality glass.
Even after obtaining K3II Pentax K5IIs remains my favourite dSLR camera. It is better than K3II in dynamic range, image quality, battery life. It is quite a smaller body than K3 II and nicer design. Feels little more rugged too, but that may be only my feeling. Anyway hats of to construction of the body - my K5IIs survived drop and rolling down 30m on the hillside and is still functional, although needs to have display replaced.
I only wonder how capable that camera may be if they would implement pixel shift in it.
That and built-in atrotracer ability are main advantages of K3II. Add a 20 MPix sensor and you have prefect K5III, ultimate landscape dSLR.
There are other areas that may be improved. Yes, AF tracking is not up there with other systems, however in my use that doesnt really matter. The other Exposure metering system is somehow biased to underexpose - i find K3ii system better in this.
Even with those negatives, i still find K5IIs to be best Pentax I had, among K10d, K20d, K7, K5 and K3II.
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2012 Posts: 1 | | Review Date: November 15, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $320.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | great build, handling, battery life, IQ | | Cons: | none at used price | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: Used
| |
I upgraded to K5iis from K200D and Kr. I have to say the quality of image and build of this camera is just outstanding.
I bought mine used from Japan with only 320 USD.
Everything is awesome, from ergonomics, build, handling, IQ... Professional work of portrait, landscape, events could be easily done with this little gem.
For sports and wildlife of fast moving animals, it some how can catch good photos. I just wish the focus ability and FPS was better, but at this price, it's already satisfying to use.
| | | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: March, 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Posts: 412
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 20, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $1,200.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Anti alias, image quality, Super K5 | | Cons: | none for what I use it for | | Years Owned: 6
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 8
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| |
I use this camera mostly for 360° panoramas paired with the DA 10-17mm fisheye and it gives me consistent results. I also find it very effective for birding and its high speed 7fps burst even with an old Takumar bayonet 80-200mm f4.0 in "Catch and Focus" mode. The perfect back-up camera for a K1 mark II? I'll keep it as long as I can.
See how this camera can make panos here: https://www.360cities.net/profile/nadonou | | | | | New Member Registered: September, 2018 Posts: 5
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 18, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $350.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Intuitive ergonomics ,nicely build | | Cons: | Jpeg needs POST processing ,no swirling tilting screen | | Years Owned: 6 monthes
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: Used
| |
Bought it as I did not used my K10D much anymore just on hollyday using more my so called "expert" compact camera because of K10D poor low light performances,autofocus slow and hunting a bit much in some occasion ,noise creeping up to fast for comfort
I am very pleased with the switch
Image quality is better than on K10D,more details sharper when zooming in pictures,(even though I did like better the film like colors on the K10D).The camera is a joy to hold(well balanced) and to use ,autofocus faster and usable in low light(I am missing less pictures),noise performances good enough for me and found the flash quite powerfull for my needs I am now back on DSLR
ConsJPEG needs some processing most of the time out of the camera.
No twirling or tilting screen which I missed on occasion.
Live view quite slow to use but it is there so it is a +
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: October, 2015 Posts: 61
8 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 20, 2018 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | image quality, build quality, long battery life, weather sealed, accurate metering | | Cons: | auto focus, video, weight | | Years Owned: 4
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 7
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
First of all, I am a photography enthusiast and I am not doing it professionally.
I have had my K5iis for some time and I have shot landscapes and portraits with it. I would start with the pros first:
- build quality: When it come to the build quality, the K5iis does not disappoint. It is built like a tank with the magnesium alloy body. Everything is weather sealed, including the memory card and battery doors.
- ergonomics: K5iis is a small camera, in my opinion. It is in the ball park of a mirrorless camera. However, the handling of such small body is good. All of the dials and buttons are right where they should be.
- image quality: The removal of the AA filter absolutely improves IQ. Compared to higher MP cameras, you would think the resolution is not high enough. That might be true if you regularly and heavily crop. Having said that, I have made 16 x 20 landscape prints (you have to crop to 4x5 ratio) and they look absolutely flawless. I don't shoot at high ISO but pushing it seem to be fine if you don't pixel peep. The colors are very accurate and beautiful.
- battery life: Lasts forever, doesn't disappoint at all.
Now cons:
- Because it is all metal body, it feels heavy. If you are planning for long hikes, you need to make sure that you have a comfortable bag which distributes the weight of your equipment.
- Autofocus is not mind blowing. It is very lens dependent though.
- Not for video. No manual controls, no headphone jack. You can do video with it but you have better options which give you better quality in the video department.
Samples:
      | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: August, 2013 Posts: 731
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 13, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $450.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Build, IQ, Button Layout | | Cons: | TTL | | New or Used: New
| |
You cannot beat the used price for this camera!
I already own and love my K-5ii. I some how broke the back LCD and there is a narrow line in the display that is starting to go out. This doesn't ruin the camera, but I didn't want it to suddenly go out while I was on a shoot. I decided to buy a back up camera and found my K-5iis for $450 on ebay hardly used.
I have to say, the slight improvement in IQ is noticeable in some situations and as always, the camera is awesome and a joy to use. I notice the grain in the image is more pleasing to me than the K-5ii and I do see sharper images. I used the camera for some studio work with my 50-135mm and the images were SHARP!!! I couldn't believe the level of detail I was getting out of this camera.
Cons: Well P-TTL with a flash can be odd. Sometimes the subject is blown out, sometimes they look fine. I understand this is a vary common issue with all K-5 cameras. I also understand the K-3 and going further is fixed .This is my only gripe with the camera. I end up using flash exposure compensation and it fixes the issue most of the time. If it still doesn't work I just switch to manual and that usually fixes it right up.
This is now my primary camera for photo work. I use my K-5ii as a back up and travel camera. If you are looking to step up to this camera or simply want a high value used camera, look no further. This camera rocks.
BTW, My sharpest images have been captured with the Sigma 17-50mm 2.8 and the Pentax 50-135mm 2.8. With all the money you will save buying a used K-5iis, go and get one of these awesome lenses and you will be so blown away at your images.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: January, 2012 Location: Tokyo Posts: 2,677
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 6, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $550.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Great image quality and noise performance, solid build and ergonomics | | Cons: | Autofocus can be frustrating, unusable live view, inconsistent metering | |
I’ve had the K-5 IIs for about a year now, and on the whole I’m happy with it, but not unreservedly. I started off with a K20D, which I no longer use, and then moved on to a K-01. The idea of the K-5 IIs was to use it as my “serious” camera, while I continue to use the K-01 as a compact walk-around camera.
The K-5 IIs is so solidly built, it feels like it’s hewn out of stone. It feels great in the hand, and seems at home with a mid-sized zoom. The positioning of the controls is just right for me, but I do miss the direct switch for SR on/off that the K20D had. Images are really clean and have great dynamic range. The shadow detail gives a lot of latitude to brighten underexposed areas of images. I think this is a step up from the K-01 sensor. I haven’t had any problem with moire in my images so far.
The parts that disappointed me are the focusing system and metering system, which both seem to behave in a rather unpredictable way. When I consider my lenses, about half of them focus better on the K-5 IIs and others work better on the K-01 (notably the FA77). When the metering is off, it errs on the side of underexposure. Fortunately, the files are so clean that it is usually possible to brighten the image afterwards without ill effects. Live view is just a wasted button on this camera. It takes so long to lock focus and fire the shutter that you can only use it for static subjects. Having got used to live view on the K-01, it feels restrictive to be effectively forced to do the opposite and shoot through the viewfinder the whole time.
I think my reservations are quite particular to me, and most would have been solved by going for the K-3. But overall I’m satisfied, because I got a very capable and user friendly DSLR for the equivalent of $550.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: December, 2012 Posts: 135
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: July 19, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $495.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Built quality, ergonomics, IQ, WR, battery life, multiple lens AF Fine Adjustment, DNG, custom USER modes, TAv mode, quiet for a reflex | | Cons: | Grip should be taller, extremelly slow playback image review, average metering and WB performance, not recommended for video, check flash system for usability, body mount cover, AF not tracking | | Years Owned: 1/4
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: Used
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I have previously owned a Pentax K-5 II body, that I used semi-professionally for portrait and fashion photography.
After a move abroad I went back to street photography only to realise why I had abandoned the Pentax DSLR APS system: the lack of a 35mm FOV FF equivalent...
I decided to try the Olympus Micro Four Thirds System and bought an OM-D E-M5 with a grip and a Panasonic 1,7/20mm.
The white balance and more noticeably the metering and the image stabilization were an improvement over the K-5 II and I really like the lightweight and smaller size of the combo but despite that I was never able to adapt to the OVF or the poor ergonomics and cryptic menus; on top of that the E-M5 would eat through 3 or 4 batteries in a single day.
What I said for the K-5 II stands true for this camera, which exhibits an improvement over the "AA-filtered" version in sharpeness at the expense of a bit more noise (apparently).
You can read my review of the K-5 II here:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/camerareviews/pentax-k-5-ii.html#review1388
I should add that the in-camera mic is ridiculously bad...
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: July, 2007 Location: North West UK Posts: 389
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 20, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $640.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Improvement over the K-5, Better AF, Less noise. Sharpness, DR | | Cons: | Some DA lenses hate it, yet older lenses love it. | | Years Owned: less than 1 month
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
I just had to put this camera as a solid 10. Why? Well as an existing K-5 user for over 4 years, which cost me UK£900, I was in the market for an additional body to replace my K20D as the backup. As the K-5IIs had recently been discontinued, it was available brand new from a chain in the UK for a mere £430.
Considering that This camera was £1200 when it first came out, that makes a rather big discount.
I did consider the K-3, but already having the grip for the K-5 and the fact that the body was £300-£400 LESS, it was really a no brainer.
So what is it like, and is it really an improvement over the K-5 mk1?
Firstly, it is just like the mk1, same body, same menus, but with the gapless LCD which is a bonus.
AF? Yes it is better, a lot better, low light for focusing? no problem. normal light? Faster. Still not in the same league as the upmarket CaNikon's of this world, but far faster than their entry level stuff.
Write speed. Well this could be due to the fact I bought a pair of 85MB SDHC cards, but there is a fantastic improvement in writing to cards.
Image quality.
This is where the the K-5IIs trumps the K-5 and then some. Don't forget the K-5 is no mean camera with fantastic IQ. The IIs just puts it on another level.
Sharpening of images? Nope. not needed at all. RAW files from the camera have fantastic sharpness that you do not need to do any sharpness at all (lens dependent of course)
Dynamic range? Great as usual, same is the K-5. But I think the 16MP sensor is an enhanced version by Sony over the original.
Lenses.
Now this is a crux. The body demands good lenses. I have already found that the mighty 21mm Limited shows more CA over the K-5 mk1, as does the 10-17mm Fisheye. On the other hand, the much maligned SMC-K 75-150mm F4 zoom is a delight, as is the SMC-F35-105mm lens.
Having said that, the limitations on CA control with certain lenses, can be wiped out with newer versions of lightroom.
Still some lenses lack fine detail and others show how good they really are. It does not matter how old the lens. This of course is another topic to discuss, but I have found that DA* lenses are superb, some DA are great, some not, as is the case with FA, F, M and K lenses. Strangely a couple of Sigma's have has new lease of life with the IIs as well.
Best to try all lenses you have and play.
Finally. I have noticed a considerable lack of jpg artifacts that you get with say skies.So smooth and detailed.
Seriously recommend if you don't have one, but hurry before they all disappear.  | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: January, 2008 Location: Brampton, ON, Canada Posts: 2,427
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: February 1, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $700.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Just works. Dynamic range at ISO 80-400, solid feature set | | Cons: | Some features removed compared to earlier cameras, "pinky" native reds | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 9
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: Used
| |
The focusing accuracy/ required lens adjustments, while not perfect, has been much improved. Under tungsten lighting, I am still seeing some focus "float".
The bad:
- The "compare two images" feature has been removed (compared with the K-7)
- The auto-rotation of a "portrait" orientation photo to fit the whole LCD screen when rotating the camera in playback has been removed (K-7)
- Processing jpgs with the image correction settings on results in long write times.
- Flash overexposure on P-TTL
- I'm not a fan of the pink reds that this makes, compared to the K-7, or the K-200d
Wish-list:
- 100g lighter (like the K-200d or *ist DS range).
- Uncripple the mount like the competitor D7100 for use of M and K lenses.
- 1/250 flash sync
Summary:
I've enjoyed this camera. In many ways the K-5iis is unchanged from the ergonomics and operation sounds of the K-7, and that is a good thing. Not much of a learning curve. It all works.
In terms of the sensor, I'd previously purchased an Sony NEX-5n, and all LR presets I had built were supported, pretty much without a hitch. Image quality is generally very good, Dynamic range at ISO 80-400 is extremely good. For what I shoot (landscape, some people, travel), the removal of the AA filter has not resulted in image artifacts, but does seem to cause a small loss of gradation/roll-off "smoothness". Occasionally, I do see some "ropey" fine detail in shots containing feathers, hair or fur.
16mp is more than enough for my print sizes: RAW files are in the order of ~25 MB each.
For outdoor work, this camera really does make a lot of sense, especially mated to the 18-135mm WR (~1.1kg all up). Personally, I am often thinking whether to take this, or another mirrorless camera, so it has sat unused more than not. Travelling for work, it is a bit heavy (~1.1kg) in carry-on luggage.
It's a good choice, and as of February 2015, can be had for well below $500.
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: November, 2014 Location: New York City Posts: 49 | | Review Date: January 30, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $529.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Light,ergonomically awesome! | | Cons: | N/A | | Years Owned: 3 months
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| |
I owned a Ricoh (still have it) back in High School so the only hard choice I had to make was leaving Canon after 15 years of using Canon Rebel G(film),Canon xs,Canon 40D and 50D.I felt the new Canon's seemed to be getting heavier and I wanted to start carrying a lighter camera. I was also looking at mirror less but wanted to stick with the DSLR. What won me over is that my old lens from Ricoh could still be used on the new Pentax. Pentax doesn't have a large selection of lens to choose from,but as long as I have one prime, one wide angle and a zoom I'm good.Holding off for Black Friday paid off big time, picked up the K-5IIs with a battery grip and SD card for $529.00 at B&H. So, far I've been totally impressed with this camera, the photographs are sharp and once you get the hang of the different apertures the camera performs above and beyond. Big plus is the weather sealing and ruggedness of this little beast.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: September, 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Posts: 12,285
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 2, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $995.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | S-H-A-R-P, faster AF, great low light performance | | Cons: | wasn't free | | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 9
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| |
This is my 4th dSLR - wow. K-x was a terrific intro to Pentax and hooked me. K-r was a disappointment, sold it and got the K-5. The K-5 was a big adjustment with more features, more controls, and faster everything.
One of the big selling points for me on the iis over the original 5 was the lack of AA filters. Sharpness is a prime requisite for a camera IMHO, if great lenses are smudged by a filter then why keep paying more for great lenses when the camera just ruins their output? YMMV on that thinking but that is my perspective. So, the iis takes all the accessories that the 5 took, has no AA filter, is slightly faster and better in low light, and has the same great ergonomics and features that the 5 had - what's not to like?
I found that the iis needed fewer individual lens adjustments over the 5.
Handling, like the 7 and 5 before it, is class leading.
Power consumption is low and the grip makes it last all day with intensive shooting.
I can't comment on the video because I just don't shoot any.
Macro shots are significantly crisper with the iis over the 5. AF is a bit better, particularly in low light, but still not as snappy as my sisters Nikon 
Overall build quality is outstanding. Solid, period.
Best Pentax yet IMHO and led to my finally selling my K-x when I sold my K-5.
UPDATE 2016: I bought a K3 in 2014 but I still have my K-5iis. There are times when I think it takes better photos than the K3 and I enjoy using it more for some reason. I can't justify a FF camera until I exceed as a photographer the capability of this camera.
UPDATE 2019: Selling the K3 and keeping the K-5IIs even though I now have a K-1. | | | | | | | | Review Date: November 9, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $699.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | user friendly design and layout, great IQ | | Cons: | seeks on autofocus sometimes | | Years Owned: less than 1
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| |
I gave this camera a pretty high rating because it deserves it IMO. I previously had the K30 and had some issues with it. I had seriously considered a Canon but I was swayed by this forum to try Pentax again, and I'm glad I did. The layout of the controls and menu are a dream for me. Shooting wildlife and insects I often have to choose different AF and exposure settings, and this camera makes it simple and quick allowing me to get the shot I was after. Using the DA-55-300 lens I can usually get a nice sharp image unless user error is involved.
I tend to trust the auto focus in birding since as you know many of the subjects don't stick around long enough for a manual focus. The lens and camera I have are a great match and pretty spot on considering the investment. I love this camera but am planning on upgrading to the K3 next year before going on a nation wide tour of national parks, and I will want an affordable and dependable 400-500 zoom as well as wide angle lens.
The pics included here are 100% crops and have minor PP for colour and contrast as I shoot with a neutral setting and bring it back in later in PP
No sharpening was done on these examples and shot in partial cloudy conditions except for the dragonfly which was in morning light at slow speeds and some wind, even so the leg spines are pretty good
and after re-size and PP is quite impressive.
http://home.comcast.net/~duskywolf/cormorant.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~duskywolf/anhinga.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~duskywolf/dragonfly.jpg | | |
;)
;)
