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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
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