What K5 variation ?

kjphilippona · 11-10-2015, 08:01 AM

I was looking into purchasing a used K5 from the web site. There are three for sale, K5, K5II and K5IIs. Snap shot has the K5 rated higher, what do you guys think. I am going to use it to shoot weddings.

**jlstrawman** · 11-10-2015, 08:16 AM

Originally posted by kjphilippona

I was looking into purchasing a used K5 from the web site. There are three for sale, K5, K5II and K5IIs. Snap shot has the K5 rated higher, what do you guys think. I am going to use it to shoot weddings.

If all else fails, you could read the reviews on Blade Forums :

Pentax Digital Cameras and Film Cameras - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications

12345 · 11-10-2015, 08:25 AM

The K-5II and K-5IIs are a better camera as far as autofocus goes, Ricoh did quite a significant AF upgrade. The K-5IIs has the AA filter removed, which could be a dis-advantage, depending on who you talk to. If they are about the same price, you're probably just as well off to get the K-5II.

Giklab · 11-10-2015, 08:43 AM

If they are at all similarly priced, get the IIs.

northcoastgreg · 11-10-2015, 09:20 AM - **1 Like**

My favorite of the K5 models, and favorite Pentax DSLR of all time, is the K-5iis. However, if you're going to shoot weddings, you might be better off with the K5ii, with its AA filter. In any case, I'd take one of the K-5ii models over the original K-5 just for the better, more light sensitive AF.

DeadJohn · 11-10-2015, 09:28 AM - **1 Like**

All 3 have the same sensor, same controls, and very similar image quality. The key differences are:

Autofocus: The ii and iis have better AF than the original K-5, especially in low light.
Anti-alias filter: The K-5 and K-5ii have an anti-alias filter that introduces a very minor, almost invisible, blur to reduce moire (a very fine false rainbow pattern triggered by fine lines from some fabrics or distant fences). The K-5iis removes that filter, increasing sharpness but also increasing the risk of moire.

You mentioned weddings. I think the K-5ii is the best of those 3 choices. You'll appreciate the improved autofocus in dim churches and reception halls. The presence of an AA filter will mean less processing to remove moire in clothing.

Davidparis · 11-10-2015, 09:56 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by kjphilippona

I was looking into purchasing a used K5 from the web site. There are three for sale, K5, K5II and K5IIs. Snap shot has the K5 rated higher, what do you guys think. I am going to use it to shoot weddings.

In my experience, the K-5iis is unequivocally unbeatable in the K-5 series. Never once a single instance of moiré, just stupidly sharp images from an ergonomic success of a camera.
I'd recommend either of the K-5ii cameras over the K-5.

12345 · 11-10-2015, 10:14 AM

Originally posted by Davidparis

Never once a single instance of moiré,

I would add a disclaimer there, see here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/296802-k-5iis-ex...-examples.html
My personal experience has been quite the opposite.

However, I can say, that since then I haven't seen any more evidence of extreme moire like that, and that includes shooting a wedding.

stevebrot · 11-10-2015, 11:23 AM

Originally posted by dcshooter

Photographers showing strong moire on houndstooth, checkered, or other small-patterned cloths often used in men's suits and ties

...add satin and lace to the list...

Steve

**LaurenOE** · 11-10-2015, 01:26 PM

K5IIs - is one of my all-time favorite cameras.
It's not a K3, is slow by comparison, but such a wonderful camera.
A perfect "photographer's camera", where you can relax and take a snap here and there.

I use my K3 cameras pretty much every single day to make money, and they are workhorses in my workflow, but the K5IIs?

My relax and take pictures camera.

I will never part with mine...even though I also have two K5 cameras laying around.

slip · 11-10-2015, 02:08 PM

I was go with a K3 if you can afford it as the extra MP come in handy when you have to crop.
As far as K5 series, I have owned the K5iis for a couple of years and after hundreds of pics, not once have I got any shots with moire
The k5iis will be a much faster camera in the auto focus department... when they are coming down the Isle you need to make sure you can lock focus or it is game over

Good luck on your decision

Randy

Rmel26 · 11-10-2015, 03:24 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by kjphilippona

I was looking into purchasing a used K5 from the web site. There are three for sale, K5, K5II and K5IIs. Snap shot has the K5 rated higher, what do you guys think. I am going to use it to shoot weddings.

Hi Kim,

Now that you got my Sigma 17-50. Maybe you can buy my K5iis. I've used all 3 variations. K5ii and K5iiS are pretty much on par with better autofocus than the K5. Between the two, since you have the limiteds, you will see some better sharpness with the K5iiS. Not by much though.

Incidentally, the K5ii that is now on sale here by Jeff was originally mine. I can vouch for the quality of that particular one.

kjphilippona · 11-10-2015, 03:32 PM

I bet this FA77 would blow my mind on your K5iis

jeffryscott · 11-13-2015, 05:15 AM

As others have said, the AF difference between the original K5 and the K5II series is important, especially for weddings which are often held in dimly lit venues.

As for the II or IIs, if you are doing weddings, is the slight chance of moire showing up worth it over the slight increase in sharpness? Either are fantastic cameras.

Rmel26 · 11-13-2015, 08:39 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by jeffryscott

As others have said, the AF difference between the original K5 and the K5II series is important, especially for weddings which are often held in dimly lit venues.

As for the II or IIs, if you are doing weddings, is the slight chance of moire showing up worth it over the slight increase in sharpness? Either are fantastic cameras.

hi Jeff, Sell Kim the K5ii. He now has my Sigma 17-50. They need to be reunited

Seriously, it's a good match considering the near silent shutter of the K5 family (vs the K30, K50) and the HSM of the Sigma. Very good for event photography.

11-10-2015, 08:01 AM	#1
kjphilippona Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Enterprise, Alabama Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,298	What K5 variation ? I was looking into purchasing a used K5 from the web site. There are three for sale, K5, K5II and K5IIs. Snap shot has the K5 rated higher, what do you guys think. I am going to use it to shoot weddings.

11-10-2015, 09:28 AM - 1 Like	#6
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,833	All 3 have the same sensor, same controls, and very similar image quality. The key differences are: Autofocus: The ii and iis have better AF than the original K-5, especially in low light. Anti-alias filter: The K-5 and K-5ii have an anti-alias filter that introduces a very minor, almost invisible, blur to reduce moire (a very fine false rainbow pattern triggered by fine lines from some fabrics or distant fences). The K-5iis removes that filter, increasing sharpness but also increasing the risk of moire. You mentioned weddings. I think the K-5ii is the best of those 3 choices. You'll appreciate the improved autofocus in dim churches and reception halls. The presence of an AA filter will mean less processing to remove moire in clothing.

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11-10-2015, 08:16 AM	#2
jlstrawman Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Midwest US Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,058	Originally posted by kjphilippona I was looking into purchasing a used K5 from the web site. There are three for sale, K5, K5II and K5IIs. Snap shot has the K5 rated higher, what do you guys think. I am going to use it to shoot weddings. If all else fails, you could read the reviews on Blade Forums : Pentax Digital Cameras and Film Cameras - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications

11-10-2015, 08:25 AM	#3
12345 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 520	The K-5II and K-5IIs are a better camera as far as autofocus goes, Ricoh did quite a significant AF upgrade. The K-5IIs has the AA filter removed, which could be a dis-advantage, depending on who you talk to. If they are about the same price, you're probably just as well off to get the K-5II.

11-10-2015, 08:43 AM	#4
Giklab Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Slovenia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,182	If they are at all similarly priced, get the IIs.

11-10-2015, 09:20 AM - 1 Like	#5
northcoastgreg Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,173	My favorite of the K5 models, and favorite Pentax DSLR of all time, is the K-5iis. However, if you're going to shoot weddings, you might be better off with the K5ii, with its AA filter. In any case, I'd take one of the K-5ii models over the original K-5 just for the better, more light sensitive AF.

11-10-2015, 09:56 AM - 1 Like	#7
Davidparis Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Paris, France Posts: 290	Originally posted by kjphilippona I was looking into purchasing a used K5 from the web site. There are three for sale, K5, K5II and K5IIs. Snap shot has the K5 rated higher, what do you guys think. I am going to use it to shoot weddings. In my experience, the K-5iis is unequivocally unbeatable in the K-5 series. Never once a single instance of moiré, just stupidly sharp images from an ergonomic success of a camera. I'd recommend either of the K-5ii cameras over the K-5.

11-10-2015, 10:14 AM	#8
12345 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 520	Originally posted by Davidparis Never once a single instance of moiré, I would add a disclaimer there, see here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/296802-k-5iis-ex...-examples.html My personal experience has been quite the opposite. However, I can say, that since then I haven't seen any more evidence of extreme moire like that, and that includes shooting a wedding.

11-10-2015, 11:23 AM	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by dcshooter Photographers showing strong moire on houndstooth, checkered, or other small-patterned cloths often used in men's suits and ties ...add satin and lace to the list... Steve

11-10-2015, 01:26 PM	#10
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	K5IIs - is one of my all-time favorite cameras. It's not a K3, is slow by comparison, but such a wonderful camera. A perfect "photographer's camera", where you can relax and take a snap here and there. I use my K3 cameras pretty much every single day to make money, and they are workhorses in my workflow, but the K5IIs? My relax and take pictures camera. I will never part with mine...even though I also have two K5 cameras laying around.

11-10-2015, 02:08 PM	#11
slip Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 2 hours north of toronto ontario canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,535	I was go with a K3 if you can afford it as the extra MP come in handy when you have to crop. As far as K5 series, I have owned the K5iis for a couple of years and after hundreds of pics, not once have I got any shots with moire The k5iis will be a much faster camera in the auto focus department... when they are coming down the Isle you need to make sure you can lock focus or it is game over Good luck on your decision Randy

11-10-2015, 03:24 PM - 1 Like	#12
Rmel26 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Bridgewater, New Jersey Photos: Albums Posts: 61	Originally posted by kjphilippona I was looking into purchasing a used K5 from the web site. There are three for sale, K5, K5II and K5IIs. Snap shot has the K5 rated higher, what do you guys think. I am going to use it to shoot weddings. Hi Kim, Now that you got my Sigma 17-50. Maybe you can buy my K5iis. I've used all 3 variations. K5ii and K5iiS are pretty much on par with better autofocus than the K5. Between the two, since you have the limiteds, you will see some better sharpness with the K5iiS. Not by much though. Incidentally, the K5ii that is now on sale here by Jeff was originally mine. I can vouch for the quality of that particular one.

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11-10-2015, 03:32 PM	#13
kjphilippona Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Enterprise, Alabama Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,298 Original Poster	I bet this FA77 would blow my mind on your K5iis

11-13-2015, 05:15 AM	#14
jeffryscott Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 253	As others have said, the AF difference between the original K5 and the K5II series is important, especially for weddings which are often held in dimly lit venues. As for the II or IIs, if you are doing weddings, is the slight chance of moire showing up worth it over the slight increase in sharpness? Either are fantastic cameras.

11-13-2015, 08:39 AM - 1 Like	#15
Rmel26 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Bridgewater, New Jersey Photos: Albums Posts: 61	Originally posted by jeffryscott As others have said, the AF difference between the original K5 and the K5II series is important, especially for weddings which are often held in dimly lit venues. As for the II or IIs, if you are doing weddings, is the slight chance of moire showing up worth it over the slight increase in sharpness? Either are fantastic cameras. hi Jeff, Sell Kim the K5ii. He now has my Sigma 17-50. They need to be reunited Seriously, it's a good match considering the near silent shutter of the K5 family (vs the K30, K50) and the HSM of the Sigma. Very good for event photography.