Is the Pentax K-5 a classic ?

**hjoseph7** · 07-08-2017, 12:54 PM

The Pentax K-5, K-5 II, K-5 IIs will go down as one of the most beloved Pentax DSLR's cameras ever, but not the K3. Anybody knows why ? (sorry for the troll)

Steve.Ledger · 07-08-2017, 01:00 PM - **3 Likes**

It was the last Pentax DSLR series to retain sensor-shift SR in video mode, it all went downhill after that

MadMathMind · 07-08-2017, 01:05 PM - **2 Likes**

There's no such thing as "a classic." When the next camera comes out, the previous is pretty much obsolete and it's time to move on. This is a bit like harking back to the days of the 1990s and saying "Man, those massive CRT TVs were such much better than what we have now!" :/

**c.a.m** · 07-08-2017, 01:20 PM

Whether the K-5 series becomes one of the most beloved Pentax DSLRs is a question for the future. Certainly, the K-5's have their fans; I still like and use my K-5 II even though I have a K-3 II. But, I use my K-3 much more often - it's a 'better' camera for me.

As to why the sentiment? Nostalgia, perhaps. As well, the K-5 II and IIs feature(d) qualities at an affordable price point - very high value for money. And, they take good images.

**boriscleto** · 07-08-2017, 01:26 PM

There are those who still love the K10D...Me? I love my K-3. I had a K-5 but the K-3 is better for me...

photoptimist · 07-08-2017, 01:33 PM - **1 Like**

Hell ya, it's a classic!

The K-5 was a huge step up in performance, especially IQ. It was rugged, compact, and powerful. The K-3 offered another step up in resolution but it's IQ was similar (some say worse) than the K-5. It's likely the the leap of the K-5 created expectations for the K-3 that were impossible to satisfy with the sensors at that time.

Adam · 07-08-2017, 01:34 PM - **4 Likes**

I think the K-5 was a breakthrough in the sense that it helped define Pentax as a brand that delivers exceptional image quality. The K-5 stayed at or near the top of DxO's sensor rankings for quite a while, and it was a significant improvement over its predecessor, even though the K-7 in fact deserves most of the credit for the new UI and top-notch ergonomics/build quality.

That said, the K-5 was not originally cheap- I believe it was launched at the same initial price as the K-1. In addition, when it came to AF speed or burst shooting, at the time competitors such as the Canon 7D felt like they were light years ahead.

Thanks to its durablitlity and low second hand price, it's not surprising that the K-5 remains a favorite. Its image quality is not far removed from the current bodies and its low-light performance remains competitive.

Adam
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**boriscleto** · 07-08-2017, 02:39 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Adam

That said, the K-5 was not originally cheap- I believe it was launched at the same initial price as the K-1.

Launch price was $1600 body only. The D7000 was $1200 at launch and had two SD slots...You could get it with the 18-105 for $100 less than a K-5 body only...

When I bought mine, a few months before the K-5 II was announced, it was still $980 gray market.

Winder · 07-08-2017, 02:48 PM

The K-5 is a great camera. It definitely pushed Pentax in the right direction and offered a lot of improvements over the K-7, but the K-3 is a better camera. I love using my K-3 with my 31mm LTD.

**tduell** · 07-08-2017, 03:39 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by boriscleto

Launch price was $1600 body only. The D7000 was $1200 at launch and had two SD slots...You could get it with the 18-105 for $100 less than a K-5 body only...

When I bought mine, a few months before the K-5 II was announced, it was still $980 gray market.

Interesting to see that the Australian distributor (C R Kennedy) have a K-5 + DA 18-135 lens for AUD1369 available on their site...not sure if it's a mistake or new-old-stock.

Cheers,
Terry

tvdtvdtvd · 07-08-2017, 04:01 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by MadMathMind

Man, those massive CRT TVs were such much better than what we have now!

My massive 20" Trinitron was pretty awesome. Well, everything about it except the massive part. I'd still be happily
using that monitor if it hadn't expired.

**pres589** · 07-08-2017, 04:59 PM - **2 Likes**

Maybe it's just time in the saddle, but I feel like the K-5's ergonomics have yet to be improved on by Pentax. Nice big LCD on top, good button layout, it's just great to use. I've never felt any envy towards the K-3 or K-3 II.

What interests me the most is whatever comes after the K-3 II, above the KP and below the K-1, in the Pentax lineup. Right now, if my K-5 II blew up tomorrow, I'd be searching high and low for another one in good condition.

Na Horuk · 07-08-2017, 05:28 PM - **1 Like**

I think its because the K-5 had a great quality to price ratio and was released at a time where it was a quite special camera. The K-3 is great, but its not a massive jump from the K-5.

The OP question is actually kind of interesting. I can't think of an exact reason. SR existed before, green button existed before, K-7 was a good camera, many previous cameras were well received.. dunno. Guess its just a mix of everything. SR, WR, green button, ISO 50, good burst rate, great noise performance, ergonomic.. Maybe its because it was the first Pentax DSLR that caused a stir outside of Pentaxland? And not because of fancy colours or FF sensor, but simply because it was.. objectively quite good

FreeSpirit9 · 07-08-2017, 05:51 PM - **2 Likes**

An absolute classic. Bullet proof. I love mine.

BrianR · 07-08-2017, 06:06 PM - **1 Like**

It's a nice tidy package? I dunno, my k5iis feels like a 'complete' camera, that stays out of the way and just does what I want it to with no fuss. I think I'd be in for another if mine went "poof" today.

Originally posted by MadMathMind

This is a bit like harking back to the days of the 1990s and saying "Man, those massive CRT TVs were such much better than what we have now!" :/

Those 90's models stunk, go back to the 70's where our family CRT TV was so awesomely massive, it was a piece of furniture with a fish tank on top of it.

07-08-2017, 12:54 PM	#1
hjoseph7 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,047	Is the Pentax K-5 a classic ? The Pentax K-5, K-5 II, K-5 IIs will go down as one of the most beloved Pentax DSLR's cameras ever, but not the K3. Anybody knows why ? (sorry for the troll)

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07-08-2017, 01:00 PM - 3 Likes	#2
Steve.Ledger Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Far North Qld Posts: 3,301	It was the last Pentax DSLR series to retain sensor-shift SR in video mode, it all went downhill after that

07-08-2017, 01:05 PM - 2 Likes	#3
MadMathMind Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Houston, TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,717	There's no such thing as "a classic." When the next camera comes out, the previous is pretty much obsolete and it's time to move on. This is a bit like harking back to the days of the 1990s and saying "Man, those massive CRT TVs were such much better than what we have now!" :/

07-08-2017, 01:20 PM	#4
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,189	Whether the K-5 series becomes one of the most beloved Pentax DSLRs is a question for the future. Certainly, the K-5's have their fans; I still like and use my K-5 II even though I have a K-3 II. But, I use my K-3 much more often - it's a 'better' camera for me. As to why the sentiment? Nostalgia, perhaps. As well, the K-5 II and IIs feature(d) qualities at an affordable price point - very high value for money. And, they take good images.

07-08-2017, 01:26 PM	#5
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	There are those who still love the K10D...Me? I love my K-3. I had a K-5 but the K-3 is better for me...

07-08-2017, 01:33 PM - 1 Like	#6
photoptimist Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,123	Hell ya, it's a classic! The K-5 was a huge step up in performance, especially IQ. It was rugged, compact, and powerful. The K-3 offered another step up in resolution but it's IQ was similar (some say worse) than the K-5. It's likely the the leap of the K-5 created expectations for the K-3 that were impossible to satisfy with the sensors at that time.

07-08-2017, 01:34 PM - 4 Likes	#7
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	I think the K-5 was a breakthrough in the sense that it helped define Pentax as a brand that delivers exceptional image quality. The K-5 stayed at or near the top of DxO's sensor rankings for quite a while, and it was a significant improvement over its predecessor, even though the K-7 in fact deserves most of the credit for the new UI and top-notch ergonomics/build quality. That said, the K-5 was not originally cheap- I believe it was launched at the same initial price as the K-1. In addition, when it came to AF speed or burst shooting, at the time competitors such as the Canon 7D felt like they were light years ahead. Thanks to its durablitlity and low second hand price, it's not surprising that the K-5 remains a favorite. Its image quality is not far removed from the current bodies and its low-light performance remains competitive. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

07-08-2017, 02:39 PM - 1 Like	#8
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by Adam That said, the K-5 was not originally cheap- I believe it was launched at the same initial price as the K-1. Launch price was $1600 body only. The D7000 was $1200 at launch and had two SD slots...You could get it with the 18-105 for $100 less than a K-5 body only... When I bought mine, a few months before the K-5 II was announced, it was still $980 gray market.

07-08-2017, 02:48 PM	#9
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	The K-5 is a great camera. It definitely pushed Pentax in the right direction and offered a lot of improvements over the K-7, but the K-3 is a better camera. I love using my K-3 with my 31mm LTD.

07-08-2017, 03:39 PM - 1 Like	#10
tduell Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Melbourne Posts: 1,514	Originally posted by boriscleto Launch price was $1600 body only. The D7000 was $1200 at launch and had two SD slots...You could get it with the 18-105 for $100 less than a K-5 body only... When I bought mine, a few months before the K-5 II was announced, it was still $980 gray market. Interesting to see that the Australian distributor (C R Kennedy) have a K-5 + DA 18-135 lens for AUD1369 available on their site...not sure if it's a mistake or new-old-stock. Cheers, Terry

07-08-2017, 04:01 PM - 1 Like	#11
tvdtvdtvd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,665	Originally posted by MadMathMind Man, those massive CRT TVs were such much better than what we have now! My massive 20" Trinitron was pretty awesome. Well, everything about it except the massive part. I'd still be happily using that monitor if it hadn't expired.

07-08-2017, 04:59 PM - 2 Likes	#12
pres589 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Wichita, KS Photos: Albums Posts: 4,529	Maybe it's just time in the saddle, but I feel like the K-5's ergonomics have yet to be improved on by Pentax. Nice big LCD on top, good button layout, it's just great to use. I've never felt any envy towards the K-3 or K-3 II. What interests me the most is whatever comes after the K-3 II, above the KP and below the K-1, in the Pentax lineup. Right now, if my K-5 II blew up tomorrow, I'd be searching high and low for another one in good condition.

07-08-2017, 05:28 PM - 1 Like	#13
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	I think its because the K-5 had a great quality to price ratio and was released at a time where it was a quite special camera. The K-3 is great, but its not a massive jump from the K-5. The OP question is actually kind of interesting. I can't think of an exact reason. SR existed before, green button existed before, K-7 was a good camera, many previous cameras were well received.. dunno. Guess its just a mix of everything. SR, WR, green button, ISO 50, good burst rate, great noise performance, ergonomic.. Maybe its because it was the first Pentax DSLR that caused a stir outside of Pentaxland? And not because of fancy colours or FF sensor, but simply because it was.. objectively quite good

07-08-2017, 05:51 PM - 2 Likes	#14
FreeSpirit9 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Queensland, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 557	An absolute classic. Bullet proof. I love mine.

07-08-2017, 06:06 PM - 1 Like	#15
BrianR Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,332	It's a nice tidy package? I dunno, my k5iis feels like a 'complete' camera, that stays out of the way and just does what I want it to with no fuss. I think I'd be in for another if mine went "poof" today. Originally posted by MadMathMind This is a bit like harking back to the days of the 1990s and saying "Man, those massive CRT TVs were such much better than what we have now!" :/ Those 90's models stunk, go back to the 70's where our family CRT TV was so awesomely massive, it was a piece of furniture with a fish tank on top of it.