Pentax K-5

The Pentax K-5 is a 16.3-megapixel digital single-lens reflex camera, announced on September 20, 2010. It began shipping in mid-October 2010 and it was replaced by the Pentax K-5 II in the third quarter of 2012.

Externally, the camera body is almost unchanged from the Pentax K-7 (the mode dial on the left side is slightly higher). The main improvements compared to the previous model are higher light sensitivity (ISO range between 80 and 51,200, high ISO performance with improved noise control); an increase in sensor resolution by nearly two megapixels; and an all-new autofocus subsystem, SAFOX IX+.

The use of a Sony sensor in the K-5 signalled a major departure from the Samsung sensor partnership. This is frequently attributed to be the result of the superior performance of Sony CMOS sensor technology over Samsung.

The latest firmware release is 1.15.

Feature improvements

Consistent with previous Pentax models, there are many small improvements as well:

• Multiple customizable "USER" modes
• Customizable RAW/Fx button replaces previous single-purpose RAW button
• Selectable noise reduction levels for each ISO value
• More auto-bracketing options
• 1080p video (25 fps)
• 7 fps continuous shooting at full resolution
• Bleach Bypass and Film Reversal image tone settings
• Electronic level now shows pitch and roll
• More grid overlays in live view mode

Notable features

• Rechargeable Li-Ion battery D-LI90 or 6 × AA (R6) batteries in battery grip D-BG4
• Magnesium alloy shell over stainless steel chassis, weather resistant with 77 weather protection seals. The K-5 is designed to operate at temperatures of âˆ'10 to 40 °C (14 to 104 °F).
• Two-axis (roll and pitch) level meter
• Automatic horizon correction up to 1° with SR on or 2° with SR off.
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) function with auto-align now usable in hand-held shooting
• SAFOX (Sensor Ability Fortifying Optical Compensation System-CS shortened to X) IX+ autofocus system that offers a choice of shutter-release optionsâ€"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
• Lens correction for lens distortion and lateral chromatic aberration in Pentax FA, DA and DFA lenses
• The K_AF2 mount is compatible with all Pentax K-mount lenses made since 1975.

More information is available at Pentax K-5 Camera Reviews and Specificationsâ€"PentaxForums

Video mode

The K-5 can record video at 1080p full HD as well as at lower resolutions using the motion JPEG codec. Videos can be recorded at the following resolutions and frame rates:

• 1920×1080 (25 fps)
• 1280×720 (25/30 fps)
• 640×424 (25/30 fps)

DxOMark sensor tests

DxO Labs gave the 16.3 MP Sony-built sensor a score of 82. This ranks highest ever for an APS-C sensor and ahead of several full-frame sensors such as the one used in the Nikon D3. One of the major factors was shadow noise and dynamic range (in RAW mode, to bypass in-camera processing). However, the closely related sensor in the Nikon D7000 scored 80.

Accessories

• The weather-sealed D-BG4 battery grip that fit the Pentax K-7 can also be used on the Pentax K-5.
• Pentax InfraRed Remote Control F or Wired Remote
• Pentax AF-360FGZ and AF-540FGZ External Flash units
• Pentax AF-160FC Flash Ring
• Pentax GPS Module O-GPS1

References

External links

• Pentax K-5 official product page

Notable reviews:

• Pentax K-5 Review - PentaxForums
• Pentax K-5 Hands-on Preview - Falk Lumo
• Pentax K-5: Features worth noting I - PentaxForums
• Pentax K-5 In-Depth Review - dpreview
• Pentax K-5 Review - Imaging Resource
• Pentax K-5 Review with gallery and sharpness comparison - Neocamera
• Pentax K-5 Review - ZTech