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Pentax K-5

Ergonomics 
 9.2
Build Quality 
 9.6
User Interface 
 9.1
Autofocus 
 8.0
Features 
 9.2
Value 
 9.3
Image Quality 
 9.5
Noise 
 9.2
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134 612,887 Mon December 11, 2023
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
99% of reviewers $1,006.35 9.19
Pentax K-5

Pentax K-5
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Pentax K-5
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Pentax K-5
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Pentax K-5
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Pentax K-5
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Description:

The Pentax K-5 DSLR was developed using the Pentax K-7 as its base; the K-5 inherits the user-friendly operation, array of advanced features and compact, lightweight body of its predecessor, yet it is more resourceful with its high-speed, low-noise CMOS image sensor and high-performance PRIME II imaging engine.

The continuous shooting mode has a maximum speed of approximately seven images per second. It also offers a 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.

Other improvements over the K-7 are a faster autofocusing speed and an upgraded HDR (High Dynamic Range) function now usable in hand-held shooting.

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). The AF system has completely redesigned optics, and factors the light source at the time of shooting into its calculations so as 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 sensor is estimated to be 2-3 stops more sensitive than that of its predecessor, the K-7, meaning that a K-5 photo taken at ISO 6400 will look about as grainy than one taken at ISO 800 with the K-7.

The launch price was US $1749.95.

Read our Full-Length Pentax K-5 Review

Discuss the Pentax K-5 here

Compare the K-5 with other DSLRs here

Major features subsequently added through firmware updates:

  • Version 1.16: Support for the HD PENTAX-DA AF 1.4x Rear Converter
  • Version 1.15: AF assist light function made compatible with the new flashes, AF360FGZ II and AF540FGZ II
  • Version 1.10: Added support for O-GPS1 Astrotracer
  • Version 1.02: Added support for SDXC memory cards

Camera Manual:


Pentax K-5
© www.pentaxforums.com, sharable with attribution
Year Introduced
2010
In Production
No (Discontinued 2012)
Current US Price
N/A
In-Depth Review
Click to Read
Sensor
Sensor Format
APS-C
Sensor Type
CMOS
Megapixels
16.28
Resolution
3264 x 4928 pixels
AA Filter
Yes
Super Resolution
No
Bit Depth
14
Minimum ISO
80
Maximum ISO
51200
ISO Range
100 - 12800 (80 - 51200)
Imaging
Exposure Modes
Green, HyP, Sv, Av, Tv, TAv, HyM, X, B, User(5)
Program Modes
Auto, Normal, Action, Depth of field (deep/shallow), MTF
Maximum FPS
7
Continuous Shooting
Hi: 7 fps up to approx. 34 frames (JPG), up to approx. 26 frames (PEF/DNG) with firmware upgrade, Lo: 2 fps until card is full (JPG), up to appox. 40 frames (PEF/DNG)
Shutter Speeds (Auto)
30s - 1/8000s (stepless)
Shutter Speeds (Manual)
B, 30s - 1/8000s. Up to 300s in Astrotracer mode
Shutter Life
100000
Exposure compensation
+/-5 EV (+/- 2 EV in movie mode)
Auto bracketing
Exposure (2, 3 or 5 frames), one-push EV bracketing
Expanded dynamic range
Highlight (on, off), Shadow (high, medium, low, off)
Exposure lock
Yes
Self timer
2 s with mirror lock-up, 12 s
Metering Sensor
77-Segment
Meter range
0 to 22 EV
Meter pattern
Multi-Segment,Center Weighted,Spot
Mirror lock-up
Yes
Interval shooting
Up to 999 frames, up to 24 hours between frames
HDR mode
Yes
Multiple exposures
Yes, average and additive, 2 to 9 shots
Pixel mapping
Yes
Scene Modes
None
Restrictions
Exposure modes with M and K lenses are restricted to Av (with aperture always wide open) and M (with stop-down metering)
Lens Mount
Mount
KAF2 (no aperture coupler)
Composition Adjustment
Yes
Stabilization
Yes (sensor-shift SR)
Power zoom
Supported (zoom only)
Supported Lenses
All Pentax K-mount lenses except for lenses with the KAF4 mount variant. Manual focus only with K-, M-, and A-series lenses. Stop down metering only with K- and M-series lenses. M42, Pentax 645 and Pentax 6x7 lenses with the appropriate adapters (stop down metering and manual focus only).
Lens correction
Distortion,Lateral Chromatic Aberration
Focusing
Autofocus (viewfinder)
Yes (SAFOX IX+, 11 focus points (9 cross type), light wavelength sensor)
AF Points
11
Autofocus sensitivity
-1 EV
Front/back focus correction
Yes (adjustment for up to 20 lenses)
Autofocus with SDM
Yes
Autofocus assist
Dedicated LED
Viewfinder/LCD
Viewfinder
0.92x, 100%
Viewfinder type
Pentaprism
Diopter adjustment
-2.5 to +1.5
AF Points in viewfinder
Yes
Exchangeable screen
Yes
Depth of field preview
Yes
Digital preview
Yes (with image magnificaion)
Live View
Yes
Top LCD
Yes
Focus Peaking
No
Back LCD
3 in., 921,000 dots (VGA)
Body
Weather resistant
Yes
Control wheels
2
Battery grip
D-BG4 (takes D-LI90 or 6x AA)
Card slots
1
Dust removal
Yes, Ultrasonic DR II
Dust alert
Yes
Memory card type
SD, SDHC (max. 32GB), SDXC via firmware update
Size (W x H x D)
130.5 x 96.5 x 72.5 mm
Weight
660 g (740 g with battery and SD card)
File format
PEF (RAW),DNG (RAW),JPG,AVI
Battery life
740 images (50% flash usage) Playback time: 440 minutes
Battery
D-LI90 lithium-ion rechargeable
Flash
Built-in flash
Yes, GN 13 (ISO 100/m)
Sync speed
1/180s
P-TTL flash
Yes
Flash functions
Auto discharge, On (leading curtain sync), Redeye reduction, Slow-speed sync, Trailing curtain sync, High-speed sync*, Manual*, Wireless*, Contrast control*
* Available when combined with external flash
TTL flash
No
Flash exposure comp
-2 to 1 EV
Video
Resolution / Framerates
1920x1080 (16:9 Full HD) at 25 fps,
1280x720 (16:9) at 30 or 25 fps,
640x480 (4:3) at 30 or 25 fps,
Motion JPEG (AVI)
Exposure Modes
P (auto-aperture), Av
Movie mode restrictions
Av:The aperture can be set manually before recording and is fixed during recording
AF During Recording
No
Sound in Movie mode
Stereo (external mic), Mono (built-in mic)
Interfacing
GPS
Via Accessory
Tethering
Wired (unofficial)
Connectivity
USB 2.0, AV out, HDMI out, 3.5mm stereo mic, DC in, X-sync, cable release
Latest Firmware
Version 1.16
Notes
User reviews
In-depth review
Astrotracer compatible (requires firmware update), Electronic level, Embed copyright information in EXIF. High ISO NR can be customized for each major ISO value. Image plane indicator. In-camera RAW development. Save last JPG as RAW. The RAW button is customizable and can perform a variety of functions, hereunder exposure bracketing. The 11 autofocus points cover a wider area of the image than on previous models.
Special Editions

Limited Silver (2012, with silver DA 40mm XS), Limited Silver (2011, special grip, limited SMC DA silver lenses available)

Megapixels: 16.3
ISO Range: 80-51200
Weight: 660g
FPS: 7
LCD: 3.0"
Type: Prosumer/Advanced Amateur
Weather Sealed: Yes
In-Depth Review: Read our Pentax K-5 in-depth review!
Manual: http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/man-pdf/k-5.pdf
Price History:



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Veteran Member

Registered: July, 2007
Location: Florida Gulfer
Posts: 3,054
Review Date: May 27, 2013 Recommended | Price: $1,599.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Size,Very Quiet,WR,Interface,
Cons: Mirror Flop, Sensor Boogers, when New
Years Owned: 2 1/2    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 10    Autofocus: 8    Features: 10    Value: 8    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 8    New or Used: New   

My first K-5 was bought when they were released in the US and I sent that one in Dec.2010 for a replacement. Since then I have been very pleased with it.
I have use other DSLR's belonging to friends and just never like the handling compared to the K-5, although I have very large hands so I ended up getting the Grip and that solved that problem. Now if Pentax would release some reliable lenses so we don't have to fall back on Sigma for our shooting we would have the number one system on the market..IMHO
Anyone who owns a K-5 can tell you it's a hard camera to beat for IQ, Ergonomics, Build Quality and just fun to own.
I also own a K-01, K100D, K-30, and have owned a K-20,K-7,K-R. And the K-5 is still my Favorite.
   
Inactive Account

Registered: February, 2013
Posts: 9
Review Date: March 6, 2013 Recommended | Price: $1,200.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: great image quality and prints
Cons: AF in slower than expected in low light
Years Owned: 1.5yrs    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 8    Features: 9    Value: 9    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 9    New or Used: New   

This is an excellent camera for the serious photographer-->semi-pro. It has excellent image quality and prints up to and including 16x20 look very good fromthis camera. It makes for a great photo-journalism camera in all regards except sports where it falls short because of its slightly slower buffer and inability to take use of the USH-1 memory cards. I liked the K-5 enough that when I wanted a second D-SLR body to have one as a back-up (and two for wedding work) I got the K-5ii camera which I love even more than the K-5, making the K-5 my second/back-up camera
   
Veteran Member

Registered: November, 2011
Location: ON, RH
Posts: 2,181
Review Date: January 31, 2013 Recommended | Price: $1,300.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: WR, SR, Great IQ, great ergonomics and so many more ...
Cons: Overpriced battery grip ... crippled K-mount ... :(
Years Owned: 2    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 10    Autofocus: 8    Features: 7    Value: 9    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 10    New or Used: New   

For a MF guy this camera has already more than I ever need ... including no problems with AF .

This camera makes me proud to be a Pentax owner and I don't think I will be upgrading to a new camera any time soon (unless FF comes along).

Would I recommended this camera!?

If you like photography and you just want to take good pictures and you are interested in the end result; and you are the kind of guy that can do with a little less when compared with the other brads; then yes, I strongly recommended!
At today's prices and compared with what it can do against competition, this is one of the best cameras on the market.

If you are the kind of guy that must have all the gadgets inside one body, and not willing to work around the missing options, than maybe this is not for you ...
   
New Member

Registered: April, 2012
Location: Prague
Posts: 18
Review Date: December 29, 2012 Recommended | Price: $1,000.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Everything
Cons: AF
Years Owned: 1    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 8    Features: 9    Value: 10    Image Quality: 9    Noise: 9    New or Used: New   

I use K-5 for 1 year and I think I kind of understand nearly everything about it.

I love my K-5 much, it is smartly small unlike Canon but still very solid in hand. (Ahh, I am an Asian, so it really fit my hand)
Image quality is very good and I love ISO 80, if the Full-Frame Pentax (In dream) come with ISO 50 it will be the best, but at this time ISO 80 is quite enjoyable. I never use high ISO so with me Noise Redution does not make any sense.

Tradition of Pentax but still worth is the compatibility with Legacy Lens, even M42 with fully support of metering. I have many M42 lens and I really love them when they go out in action with my K-5.

AF of K-5 in my opinion is the strongest minus of overall grade. It is fine, but not best and be careful with it and believe your eyes ! :-D I hope it will be improved. I read much about new AF of K-5 II but I did not hand-on it so, just hope the Full-Frame will have good AF then.

It is hard to find a bad thing of K-5 so AF is the only thing I can complain
   
Senior Member

Registered: September, 2012
Posts: 100
Review Date: December 10, 2012 Recommended | Price: $750.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: IM, menu, function, noise, small, battery
Cons: AF in low light
Years Owned: 4 months    Ergonomics: 9    Build Quality: 9    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 7    Features: 9    Value: 10    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 8    New or Used: Used   

I switched from Canon to Pentax K5 with some M42 lens. Very good IM, noise reduct, small and light weight. But the AF system is bad, very bad in low light although i had upgrade firmware upto 1.13.
If K5 have Nikon's AF system, it'll be a perfect camera.
I'm waitting for K5IIs down price to ~800$
   
New Member

Registered: October, 2010
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Posts: 16
Review Date: November 27, 2012 Recommended | Price: $799.99 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Everything
Cons: Feels small, see below
Years Owned: 1 month    Ergonomics: 9    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 10    Autofocus: 10    Features: 10    Value: 10    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 10    New or Used: New   

Just upgraded from a K10 with grip to the K5 with no grip (yet). The K5 seems small (big hands and all) although I'm sure that I'll get use to the size difference once I get the grip in the new year. So far I'm very impressed all the way around. Will likely update soon once I get a few more frames through it!
   
New Member

Registered: January, 2008
Location: South of Sweden
Posts: 10

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: October 15, 2012 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: size, speed, IQ, noise
Cons: AF but better than K10D
Years Owned: 1    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 7    Features: 9    Value: 9    Image Quality: 9    Noise: 8    New or Used: New   

Upgraded from K10D and very pleased whith this camera
   
Veteran Member

Registered: February, 2012
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posts: 464
Review Date: October 13, 2012 Recommended | Price: $799.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: EVERYTHING
Cons: SO FAR NOTHING
Years Owned: 3 month    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 10    Autofocus: 9    Features: 10    Value: 10    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 10    New or Used: New   

What I can say with this camera?
Someone said K5 is a both a good and bad move for Pentax. The good side is that after the average K7, Pentax did announce that they are capable of building this APS-C monster. And the bad thing is that, any Pentax APS-C camera after K5 might find it is difficult to climb on a higher peak. So for the K5 II and K5 IIs, good luck
I became a Pentaxian around 2 years ago. The first DSLR I bought was the K7---that's okey. Though I had to send it back twice due to the e-dial problem, but I really didn't have any further experience with DSLR, so I let it be.
And this June, I updated it it K5. Everything changed.
The EXCELLENT (sorry I could not use a better word on it) ISO---even usable under 6400. This means under some circumstances, "one step faster", "two step faster" does not matter that much.
And on DXO site, the K5 is the only APS-C in the top-10. And it even beated the 5DMKII and MKIII.
So, let's say Pentax won't release the FF this year...but anyway, with K5, there is still hope there that Pentax can make first class DSLR.
Good job, and please carry on.
   
Review Date: September 29, 2012 Recommended | Price: $750.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: see below
Cons: see below
Ergonomics: 7    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 5    Autofocus: 8    Features: 10    Value: 10    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 10    New or Used: Used   

Before: Canon EOS 40D and EF 17-40mm f4 L USM (2008-2012)
Setup: Pentax K-5 and DA 17-70mm f4 (2012+)

Canon 40D / Pentax K-5
Ergonomics: 9 / 7
Build Quality: 9 / 10
User Interface: 8 / 5
Autofocus: 10 / 8
Features: 4 / 10
Image Quality: 8 / 10
Noise: 4 / 10
Battery Life: 8 / 6
Viewfinder: 8 / 7
Screen: 5 / 8
TOTAL: 73 vs 81

PROS (against Canon EOS 40D):
+ Usable ISO up to 12800 (vs Canon ISO1600 or 3200 with Highlight Priority turned off)
+ Image quality (but have yet to find out how to fine tune JPEG and RAW settings to match image quality of my old Canon)
+ Smaller
+ Lighter
+ Faster
+ Quieter
+ Weather sealing (dust and moisture proof)
+ Supports SDXC cards which are quite cheap
+ Better neckstrap
+ AF assist lamp
+ 100% viewfinder coverage
+ Built-in image stabilisation
+ Higher resolution screen
+ Good video quality
+ Fast AF in live view
+ Custom min. and max. ISO settings e.g. ISO160-51200
+ Noise reduction can be fine tuned for every ISO level (for JPEGs only though)
+ Occasionally useful option to be able to customise buttons (but too limited)

CONS (against Canon EOS 40D):
- Hand grip not as comfortable
- Outdated, slow, ugly and complex user interface
- Info button does not show information of selected settings in the menu
- AF slightly slower and louder (on DA 17-70mm f4) I really dislike the turning AF ring
- Optional image correction (chromatic abberating, vignetting) only affects JPEGs and slows down camera too much
- No USB 3.0
- No speed difference between SDXC 30MB/s and 100MB/s
- Not enough weather sealed lenses
- Average battery life
- Screen does not flit and tilt 8alternatively could have been a fixed 3.2" screen with 3:2 ratio)
- Camera created acoustic noise when live view is on
- Outdated and inefficient video compression (motion JPEG) causes unnecessarily massive video files (600MB/minute)
- Pointless User dial mode (much better on Canon EOS 40D featuring 3 separate and locked user settings)
- ISO25600 and 51200 turn black into dark blue
- HDR images only available in pure JPEG mode
- Very big RAW files (Pentax 16MP-20MB vs Canon 10MP-10MB) -> needed new laptop afterwards because my Core 2 Duo (2x 2.2GHz) could not handle Lightroom 4 anymore; it used to be okay-ish speedwise with the Canon RAW files. Might go and buy a laptop with Core i5-3210M or better i7-3610M/3612M if I have the money.
- No dedicated movie button so that cou can shoot videos in any mode
- No autofocus in movie mode
- Scrolling through images not as fast as on 40D
- Visual sharpness in live view questionable
- Not enough video settings (such as resolution, frames, colours etc)
- Mode dial has to be unlocked before turning
- Switching from one shot to 3 shot exposure bracketing takes 4 button presses (vs 1 on Canon)
- No visible AF points
- No proximity sensor underneath viefinder to automatically turn off display
- Annoying top LCD backlight (luckily can be turned off)
- Optical viewfinder smaller and not neutral (slightly too warm) and darker than on Canon EOS 40D with EF 17-40mm f4
- Images need more sharpening
- Picture settings do not affect RAW images
- DNG RAW files do not show settings nor in Lightroom 4 nor Adobe Camera RAW
   
New Member

Registered: May, 2012
Location: Brasov, Romania
Posts: 5
Review Date: September 14, 2012 Recommended | Price: $1,000.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: build quality, great image quality, fast AF, high ISO
Cons: bad AF in low light
Years Owned: 2    Ergonomics: 9    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 10    Autofocus: 8    Features: 9    Value: 8    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 8    New or Used: New   

Upgraded to a K-5 after *istDL.
It's a great photo camera and I'm happy with it. I don't use it for video, it's a photo camera by the way...
AF could be better.
   
New Member

Registered: December, 2011
Location: Padova
Posts: 8
Review Date: August 18, 2012 Recommended | Price: $1,000.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: build quality, fast and precise AF, great IQ, high ISO performance, 7fps
Cons: lacks of manual video controls
Years Owned: 2    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 10    Autofocus: 8    Features: 9    Value: 9    Image Quality: 9    Noise: 9    New or Used: New   

Pentax K5 doesn't need descriptions: great ergonomics, lighter and less bulky than other cameras in these class.
External dedicated microphone socket, great sealed build quality.
Exceptional image quality, great noise control at high ISO, fast and accurate AF.
The only problem is the video mode: lacks of manual control, you are limited to aperture priority only, without ISO control.

Is the BEST aps-c digital camera that I ever used!
   
Forum Member

Registered: February, 2012
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 63
Review Date: July 31, 2012 Recommended | Price: $950.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: size, weight, ergonomics, weather sealing, low light performance, shutter speed
Cons: in camera photo review is slow, autofocus is not stealthy quiet
Years Owned: 1    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 8    Autofocus: 9    Features: 9    Value: 10    Image Quality: 9    Noise: 10    New or Used: Used   

First, one of the negatives, not mentioned in other reviews: in-camera pic review is slow! I'm talking about viewing photos previously taken on the LCD screen and scrolling through them. There's a split second delay when advancing through photos, clicking delete, and another delay when clicking OK. It's not a long delay but it should be instant and it's not. But that's a minor quibble. Everything else I have to say is very positive...

This is a relatively compact, easy to hold, easy to shoot, weather sealed, high performance SLR! In combination with the outstanding, small, lightweight prime lenses, it is uniquely small and portable. There are comparable camera and lens combinations from Canon and Nikon of the same quality, but none quite as small and lightweight as the K-5 when used with the Limiteds lenses.

I bought this camera four outdoor adventure, outdoor sports and recreation photos, and for use in photographing custom bikes which I build for a variety of clients. The weather resistant zooms are great and I use them a lot in backpacking to keep weight down and deal with rain, snow, ice, sand, etc... But when shooting products for work, or around friends and family, the primes are just so addictive. Since I'm not a professional photographer I could probably get by with a K-7 in hindsight, but it's nice to know I have a camera that I won't outgrow anytime soon.

Highly recommended especially at prices now under $900, this is a steel. If you plan on using it outdoors get it with the kit lens, any one of the WR zooms. Both are surprisingly good and it's nice to have the weather sealing when out in the elements! If you're not shooting much outdoors in the rain or snow, get the body only and a few primes. Or consider the awesome K-01 which takes the same lenses and has similar image quality in an even smaller package, with faster in-camera photo viewing.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: February, 2008
Location: Waterloo, Ontario
Posts: 4,461

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: July 17, 2012 Recommended | Price: $1,100.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Build quality, placement of buttons
Cons: a bit small for my hand - needs the battery grip which is over priced
Years Owned: 2    Ergonomics: 9    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 9    Features: 10    Value: 9    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 9    New or Used: New   

I upgraded from a K10 to this unit so it is not surprising it is technically far more advanced. The increased dynamic range is amazing. Images which were impossible with the K10 are now easily available. The Green button works far better with my old M-series glass. It was virtually useless with the K10. I still prefer the portraits I get from the K10 which renders portraits in a more pleasing manner to my eye. In every other way the K5 is a far superior camera to the K10. It has more mega pixels, more frames per second and pretty much more of everything. I do find the K5 a bit small for my hand. The optional battery grip would make a world of difference but is quite expensive for what it is. Other than that it is a fine camera and I am more than pleased with it after 2 years in the field.
   
Veteran Member

Registered: October, 2009
Location: Winchester
Posts: 2,523
Review Date: July 6, 2012 Recommended | Price: $950.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Build quality, high Iso IQ, fps, quiet
Cons: Button placement, no SR switch, low light AF in certain cirumstances
Years Owned: 0.75    Ergonomics: 8    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 9    Features: 9    Value: 10    Image Quality: 9    Noise: 10    New or Used: New   

Upgraded to a K5 after my K20D met with a slight accident....
After 9 months of use, I am mostly very happy but all is not perfect....

Generally the camera is very well built with a decent amount of heft. IQ is pretty good, I have used with a range of lenses, zoom and prime, Pentax, Sigma and Tamron, manual and autofocus, old and new and the K5 works pretty well in most circumstances (see later) I find the camera easy to use even without a grip-I used a grip 80% on the K20 about 5% on the K5. Battery life is excellent, seems better than the K20. The camera is quiet and autofocus much improved. I do have problems in certain low light situations, funnily enough, indoors seems fine, but external shots are a bit hit and miss, especially with wide lenses such as the Sigma 30mm f1.4. It does seem to be a body/lens thing as other lenses are better, but not perfect. I am talking of twilight/late evening shots with little external illumination, so not a common occurence at all.
Continuous shooting is fine, auto bracketing is available via the RAW button (which otherwise I don't use as I shoot RAW pretty much all the time.
Main gripe is the placement of the LV button and the need to "toggle" AF point selection- I am often finding that I think I am in AF selection mode and try to move the point using the buttons only to end up changing WB or shooting mode. There is a tiny icon in the viewfinder to show you what mode the four way arrow buttons are in, but it is hard to see. Further, the LV bitoon is close to one of the four arrow buttons, so when changing af points whilst holding the camera to the eye, it easy to mistakenly engage LV mode. Definite backward step from the K20 here

Also I prefer a hard switch for SR on/off, rather than via the info screen, menu or user mode options.

The RAW buffer is decent - 24 shots or so, although the buffer emptying time is not fantastic- a fast card helps here

High ISO noise is well controlled, shadows can be pushed in PP without nasty banding effects, which makes this camera so much of an upgrade over the K20 (and K7) -two years after launch and it is still up there with the best for high ISO shots. Stick the camera in TAv and shoot away without worry

Excellent camera, just let down by some poor button choices for me 9/10
   
Veteran Member

Registered: June, 2009
Location: Mid North Coast,Australia
Posts: 1,016
Review Date: July 6, 2012 Recommended | Price: $999.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Build,Quality,WR and my favourite, Electronic Level Display
Cons: Not one thing to date
Years Owned: 1 month or so    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 10    Autofocus: 9    Features: 10    Value: 10    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 10    New or Used: New   

What can I say about this camera.One word:'Brilliant'!Compared to my K100D,(which isn't a bad camera in itself)it's a Ferrari.Only owning it for a short period of time,it gets easier to use functionality wise,with all the buttons being pretty much 'Pentax friendly' and straight forward with what the functions are. As for images,it doesn't matter what age lens you put on it, from a K series to the DA kit lens,you can almost everytime take some wonderful images with it.Basically'The sky is your limit' with the K5.I would highly recommend this camera if your still debating on whether you should or shouldn't or might just wait for the next big thing from Pentax.
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