On Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Review based on a production Pentax K-5 with firmware 1.0.1
In terms of operation and design the new K5 is all but identical to the K-7. For this reason, to gain a '360' view of the K-5's body design and operation we therefore recommend you not only read this review, but also the relevant sections in our full review of the Pentax K-7.
At first vision the K-5 is almost indistinguishable from the K-7 (in some marketplaces the K-7 will stay in the Pentax range together with the K-5). Apart from an additional 'Fx' (which appears for 'flex') brand on the personalized RAW option and a simple update of the AF change on its back there are no easily considerable variations between the K-5 and its forerunner the K-7. However, there is more unique to be discovered under the cover - the K-5's most considerable new element is a 16.3 mega-pixel CMOS indicator, which is probably carefully relevant to the receptors within the Nikon D7000 and Panasonic SLT-A55. The new indicator delivers with it an improved maximum possible understanding (ISO 51200 in extended function, the greatest on any APS-C electronic camera to date), quicker ongoing capturing (7.0 fps vs the K-7's 5.2fps) and a 1080p complete HD movie function (the K-7 provided a rather non-standard 1536 x 1024 p maximum possible movie resolution).
Other upgrades consist of an enhanced SAFOX IX+ AF program, passed down from the lately revealed medium-format 645D, which functions color-detection, broader protection of the AF factors and enhanced rate. Also new is a dual-axis electronic skyline (now with message as well as move indication) and a few additional electronic filtration and customized picture ways. Despite the changes, however, current K-7 customers will no question need very little modification time if they choose to update to the new design.
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| The K-5 has exactly the same dimensions as its predecessor, the K-7. Its magnesium alloy and stainless steel body is chunkier than Pentax's new upper entry-level DSLR the K-r (pictured here on the left) but still relatively compact for a camera in its class. |
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Key Features
Although it might appear to be a near-clone of the K-7, the K-5 offers some significant improvements in specification. Here is a rundown of the key features:- 16.3Mp CMOS sensor
- ISO sensitivity span of 80-51,200 (equivalent)
- 1080p HD movie mode
- Limited in-camera movie editing functionality
- Socket for external microphone input
- Triple-axis sensor-based shake reduction (horizontal, vertical and rotational correction)
- New SAFOX IX+ 11-point AF system (improved over the K-7)
- Support for older Pentax lenses with manual aperture rings
- Magnesium alloy body shell
- Improved handheld HDR function (JPEG mode only)
- Continuous shooting up to 7fps
- 100% viewfinder coverage (0.92x magnification)
- Choice of PEF or DNG RAW files
- 3in, 921k pixel LCD screen
Model line history
| Model | Announced | Effective pixels | Continuous shooting | Movie mode | LCD monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K10D | Sep 2006 | 10.2 mp | 3.0 fps | n/a | 2.5" 210K pixels |
| K20D | Jan 2008 | 14.6 mp | 3.0 fps | n/a | 2.7" 230K pixels |
| K-7 | May 2009 | 14.6 mp | 5.2 fps | 1536 x 1024 30fps | 3.0" 920K pixels + Live View |
| K-5 | Sep 2010 | 16.3 mp | 7.0 fps | 1080p 25fps | 3.0" 921K pixels + Live View |
Pentax K-5 compared to K-7 and K-r
The table below shows the specification differences between the K-5's predecessor, the K-7, and the recently released K-r. Apart from the new sensor, the differences between the K-5 and the older K-7 are quite subtle. It is clear that Pentax has opted for selective improvements rather than a complete overhaul. K-7 | K-5 |  K-r | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image sensor | 14.6Mp CMOS | 16.3Mp CMOS | 12.4Mp CMOS |
| Imaging engine | Prime II | Prime II | Prime II |
| Sensitivity | 100-3200 (6400 with expansion) | 100-12800 (51200 with expansion) | 200-12800 (100 and 25600 with expansion) |
| Continuous shooting speed | 5.2 fps (40 frames) | 7.0 fps (40 frames) | 6.0 fps (25 frames) |
| AF | SAFOX VIII+ 11-points (selectable) | SAFOX IX+ 11-points (selectable) | SAFOX IX 11-points (selectable) |
| AE | 77-segment | 77-segment | 16-segment |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism Coverage: 100% Magnification: 0.92x | Pentaprism Coverage: 100% Magnification: 0.92x | Pentamirror Coverage: 96% Magnification: 0.85x |
| LCD screen | 3.0 in, 920k pixels | 3.0 in, 921k pixels | 3.0 in, 921k pixels |
| Movies | 1536 x 1024 30fps | 1080p 25 fps | 720p 24fps |
| Microphone | Mono internal or stereo external | Mono internal or stereo external | Mono internal |
| HDMI output | Yes | Yes | No |
| IR simple | No | No | Yes |
| Cross process mode | No | Yes | Yes |
| Night Scene HDR | No | Yes | Yes |
| Movie custom images modes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery | Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery | Rechargeable battery or four AA batteries (with adapter) |
| Cold resistant to -10deg | Yes | Yes | No |
| Weather resistant | Yes | Yes | No |
| Weight (body only) | 670g | 670g | 544g |
Original Article:www.dpreview.com
