Pentax K-5 II Summary

16 Megapixels16 MegapixelsSingle Lens ReflexSingle Lens ReflexHigh ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.High ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.Automatic Level: Corrects for some degree of tilt to keep the horizon level.Automatic Level: Corrects for some degree of tilt to keep the horizon level.Continuous DriveContinuous DriveFull 1080p HD Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution or more but less than 4K.Full 1080p HD Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution or more but less than 4K.Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Spot MeteringSpot MeteringDepth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Depth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Weatherproof - Seals protect from dust, humidity and light splashing.Weatherproof - Seals protect from dust, humidity and light splashing.Accepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.Accepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed reviewDiscontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.Discontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.

Pentax K-5 II Assessment

The Pentax K-5 II follows its predecessor by two years with an almost identical specification which hides the most sensitive autofocus system yet. The new SAFOX X AF system is sensitive down to -3 EV which is beyond any available digital camera. The simultaneously-launched K-5 IIs
Pentax K-5 IIs
which lacks an anti-alias filter is the only DSLR to top the image quality of the original K-5
Pentax K-5
. The K-5 II lands right between them.

This review of the Pentax K-5 II shows that Pentax to deliver a new flagship DSLR which exceeds the K-5. Everything that is exceptional about the K-5 remains true about the K-5 II.

The new autofocus system is indeed more sensitive and slightly faster. While this performance is good, it leaves the K-5 II behind in terms of autofocus speed compared to the top-of-the line DSLR and mirrorless cameras from other brands.

The Pentax K-5 II remains the most feature-rich DSLR on the market and has plenty of very useful features which only exist among Pentax DSLRs.

In terms of performance, there is nearly nothing to fault the Pentax K-5. It shows extremely low image-noise with good retention of details, great dynamic range, natural colors with good white-balance, good metering and has a reliable AF system. Speed could be improved but is not a major issue. The closest competitor to the K-5 II are its own siblings.

The K-5 IIs goes for around one hundred more and delivers class-leading sharpness when paired with high-quality lenses. Most importantly, the excellent K-5 is now almost $400 USD less and still delivers top-notch performance. The difference in price can easily make up for a better lens.

Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed review Read the full Pentax K-5 II review here.

PROS CONS
Excellent control over image noise Noticeable image review delay
Very good image sharpness Slow in-camera corrections
Superb dynamic-range Pitch not shown in OVF
Natural image colors Poor Live-View
Generally fast and responsive OVF and Live-View metering differ slightly
Good focusing accuracy LCD too left
Effective stabilization for all lenses Status screen does not turn off automatically
Unique Automatic Horizon Correction Camera strap gets in way of mode-dial
Unique Composition Adjustment
Innovative exposure control
Extremely flexible image parameters
Digital white balance preview
Post-shot RAW recovery
In-camera RAW conversion
Top-of-class weather resistance
Great LCD visibility
ExcellentExcellent Excellent

Pentax K-5 II Related Information

Sister Models
Pentax K-5 IIs
Pentax K-5 IIs
- No Anti-Alias Filter
Pentax K-5
Pentax K-5
- Less senstive AF
Reviews
Neocamera
Pentax K-5 II
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By Neocamera on 2012-11-28

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Pentax K-5 II Highlights

Pentax K-5 II
SLR digital camera

Sensor-Size: 24 x 16mm

APS-C Sensor

Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI

16 Megapixels DSLRISO 80-51200
Pentax K Mount
1.5X FLM
Shutter 1/8000-30s
3-Axis Built-in Stabilization, 3-Stop ImprovementFull manual controls, including Manual Focus
100% Coverage
Large Viewfinder
Custom white-balance with 2 axis fine-tuning
Auto Horizon Correction
2 Axis Digital Level
Spot-Metering
Weatherproof down to -10CHot-Shoe & Sync-Port
Built-in Dust ReductionStereo audio input
7 FPS Drive, 40 ImagesLithium-Ion Battery
1920x1080 @ 25 FPS Video RecordingSecure Digital Extended Capacity
3" LCD 920K Pixels
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