| Author: | | 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
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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
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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.
| | | | | Closed Account Registered: March, 2008 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Posts: 415
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
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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
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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
9 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
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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
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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.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2007 Location: North West UK Posts: 390
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
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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.  | | | | | 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
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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: March, 2012 Location: Arizona Posts: 437
4 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: August 24, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $575.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp, low light performance, well built, excellent feel | | Cons: | None yet | |
I use this cameras for weddings without a battery grip and after 5 hours of non stop shooing the battery meter haven't even cracked off full.
The images it produce are incredibly sharp even at 100% crop and I can tell the difference from the k50/K30 which I have also owned or currently own.
I would recommend this over a rebel or 60D any day of the week and the images it produces seem to be much more top quality and professional looking.
Hopefully one day I'll own two of these.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: December, 2008 Location: RSM, CA Posts: 505
5 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 17, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $675.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Bang for buck, pro level camera in a compact body, best APS-C sensor performance in noise/DR, excellent AF, glass LCD screen, weather sealed, refined, excellent button and dial placement, leaves no stone unturned for most photographers- and the price (aga | | Cons: | Raw +Jpeg processing time, and other various processing functions can be slow at times. LV battery life is about half of viewfinder use only/battery life, so be careful! | | Years Owned: .2
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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**My review is based on a new K5IIs with firmware version 1.07**
I've used or reviewed (on my current blog - http://www.photographic-central.blogspot.com/ and previous website alphamountworld) every digital Pentax DSLR made. Particularly, the K5 chassis (that started with the K7) has a special quality all it's own. Pentax has continued using this chassis in several camera models over several years (including special edition versions with different grips, silver color and glass LCD screens) simply because when it ain't broke, don't fix it. In other words, this chassis is well received by photographers and buyers globally. The K7,5, 5II, and 5IIs have all got very high praise and marks by photographers and reviewers alike.
With that said, the K5II/s are the most recent versions of this chassis and, without hesitation, are the best models yet. The improvements over the K5 are a short list, but that list translates into almost completely removing the very short con list of the K5 to begin with. With the K5IIs, what we have now is camera that in use, does the following better than the K5:
It focuses markedly faster and more accurately in all levels of light - and especially so in lower light levels.
It's contrast detect AF mode in live view is also improved with a more accurate hit rate.
Detail, especially (fine detail) from the sensor is absolutely stunning (use a good lens, it doesn't have to be expensive, just good).
The LCD screen is tunable for color (and now contrast with current firmware) in the menu system. Physically, it's a gapless design which mates the glass protective cover directly to the LCD screen- this gives better viewing at all angles, removes the chance dust will intrude between the cover/screen, and gives you a scratch free cover that is better at hiding dirt/oil than a plastic cover.
Some minor changes to the menus have also been made, but they are few.
**I do believe the finish on the K5/K5IIs is ever so slightly grittier/duller/more heavy duty than the K5's, but that observation is not yet fact, I will update this after a direct comparison**
The list above makes the already stellar K5 impression, even that much better. Not all is perfect on the K5IIs, particularly the processing times for raw/jpeg and filter modes for example, but those too can be overcome in a new model, or, if we owners of the K5/II/IIs get a firmware update that improves processing time (that is unlikely, it is likely to be the Prime Processor that is the bottleneck). The other area that can be improved that stands out to me is the battery life when using live view, which is about 1/3 to 1/2 the battery life when using the camera normally with the optical finder.
I've seen reports on about AF tracking that could be improved on these models and while that is always desired, its not always the camera's fault per se. Pentax is not what I call a sport/action shooters brand although many photographers use their cameras and lenses for this task, and do quite well with them. They just aren't as action centric as a brand like Canon and Nikon seem to be. However, with a fast focusing HSM (or comparable type) lens, the K5IIs is quite adept at tracking and shooting fast moving subjects. The K5IIs's biggest fault here is the lack of faster focusing HSM lenses which is obviously not the cameras' fault entirely.
With advantages and cons out of the way, what remains is a camera that appeals to just about every kind of photographer on the planet. It's especially good for discreet shooting circumstances with its super quiet shutter (and HSM equipped lens), landscape photography, and bad weather and environmental circumstances. It's also a great street shooter too, it's relatively small and the use of the vast array of prime lenses keeps it unintimidating to subjects.
Literally its equipped with a very long enthusiasts' wish list of features and modes that make it extremely versatile as a photographic tool. Try reading this next sentence without stopping: With its catch in focus, multi-exposure 2-9 shot stacked single raw file, Astrotracer, interval shooting, sensor based auto-composition, HDR capture, cross processing and long list of digital filters, ultra-adjustable Jpeg output, DNG format, menu/button LCD customizations, auto-copyright encryption, dustalert/high speed sonic dust removal, AF fine tuning (20 lenses), and one touch auto bracketing options, it is a literal powerhouse of a camera ready for almost any kind of assignment. You still with me?
With all this said, there are many other areas and features I'm leaving out to the reader here. I haven't even touched on its 100% accurate pentaprism viewfinder, vast external controls, top mounted illuminated LCD screen, weather sealing, coldproofness, or many other features of this camera that make it pretty darn compelling to even the harshest critic.
With all that is inside though, what makes the K5IIs so wonderful, is that its logically designed and well organized to use.This fact is probably the most important one of all. You can have every bell and whistle in a camera but if its frustrating to use it sits and gathers dust. I doubt many users would let a K5/II/IIs sit and gather dust. It's one heck of a well designed camera and a lot of fun and easy to use. The user can grow into the camera and its likely they won't grow out of its capabilities anytime soon. It's built to survive decades of enjoyment if needed too.
Wrapping up this short review, the K5IIs is indeed the best DSLR for the price on the market (if you are just comparing the body alone and not an entire DSLR system) for what you are getting along with its capabilities. The K3 is all the better still (in some key areas, and not as good in others) but it's price is higher.
Carl Garrard
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2014 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 5
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: February 24, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $1,200.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Pro Built | | Cons: | don't come with good Glass | | Years Owned: 5 months
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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This camera is dam good i have own many and still have other Brands....i will say this of you Own a K5IIs put good Glass on it .......... Auto focus: work well with good Glass
| | | | | Moderator
Man With A Camera Registered: June, 2010 Location: The Great Pacific Northwet, in the Land Between Canada and Mexico Posts: 28,078
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: February 20, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $699.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | No Anti Alias filter, weather sealing, good ISO performance, build quality, ubiquitous K mount, live view, I could go on forever! | | Cons: | Really? | | New or Used: New
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Was waiting for the release of what was ultimately the K3. I had been holding out for a full fame DSLR from Pentax, and when the K3 came out without it, the choice was clear.
So as soon as the price dropped a bit, I snatched one up, complete with a grip and extra battery.
I am confident that this camera will get the job done, and do it well. And of course the legendary K mount will ensure that all my lenses will continue to be useful for many years to come.
One of the first features I noticed that I know I will really like is the button on the mode dial that prevents it from being accidentally moved. I am always making accidental changes to the settings on my K10.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: April, 2010 Location: Erie, PA Posts: 67
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 30, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $1,000.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Fast, Crazy sharp, ergonomics,low light autofocus | | Cons: | super sentitive to reds but once dialed down not a problem | |
This is my second DSLR and was upgraded from the K-x. First off...i shoot everything. Did 2 weddings, countless concerts and already have over 100,000 clicks on this camera. Its been in the rain, the cold, left in the car a 100 degrees. Not even a hiccup so far.
Its small enough that i can take it anywhere with a small lens and have enough addons to it with the battery grip and gps-o1 that i can take it out for a week and not worry. I can use any lens on it too...the kit lens from the k-x works awesome on the camera and is razor sharp.
My favorites for far:
1. ISO 6400 and above is usable when you can use a flash. it is possible to shoot at night handheld with this camera with some practice and get competition worthy results.
2. Fits my hand perfectly and the screen and menus are very easy to learn..especially for someone just picking it up.
3. Much faster autofocus than the k-x and spot in low light. I've locked on in almost dark conditions and still got the shot.
4. Accessories like the gps-01 make it awesome for astrophotography,
5. Extremely reliable. I expect another 100,000 more clicks at least.
6. Did i say sharp? Yes. i very rarely have to use the sharpening tool when i shoot landscapes.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: September, 2011 Location: Richland, Washington, USA Posts: 935
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 15, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $1,000.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | IQ, Build, Size | | Cons: | Wish it had focus peaking | | Years Owned: Less than a year
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
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A terrific camera. For the size and money the best out there. I've been using it for 6 months and I've never seen a moire problem, which was my biggest worry. I would buy this again.
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2013 Location: Italy - Padova Posts: 1 | | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $1,600.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Every single spec. The camera is well built, and does very well its job. | | Cons: | It lacks of megapixels if you wish to have a good amount of possible high quality crops to manage and edit. I wish it had more focus points, a secondary SD slot, more processing power, and a tilt/swiftable lcd. Even though nothing of all this is essential | | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
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THIS CAMERA FITS MY WILLS
The Pentax K-5 IIs has been an awesome teammate in photography this far.
I like pentax younger and older lenses and this is a superb camera body to mount them on.
It is almostly perfect as regards quality, but I won't talk about specs (which you can read above or elsewhere): I'll try to explain you why I love it.
I don't know how to express it in single words, I just enjoy myself handling it. This camera feels confortable in my hands as it also suits my prerogatives: while I use this product I often realize that it's completely in line with my thoughts, the commands are just "there" and the final results satisfy my initial wishes.
It is not about the photos, but about the process of photography itself.
This camera amplifies my pleasures, not only my perceptive capacities.
I admit that I have wished all the time each feature Ricoh integrated in the newer K-3.
I admit that I am never satisfied, yet ... this camera is a jewel I wouldn't sell for a k-3.
I admit that I don't have enough money to buy a K-3, so I'll probably have to sell it.
I'll upload some photos in my gallery soon, to share the "proofs" of K-5 IIs awesomness.
Have a nice day folks!
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