Pentax K-5 II Summary
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 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 | |
Excellent Excellent |
Recent Similar Cameras
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 | |
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Neocamera |
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Pentax K-5 II Highlights
Sensor-Size: 24 x 16mm
Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI
16 Megapixels DSLR | ISO 80-51200 |
Pentax K Mount 1.5X FLM | Shutter 1/8000-30s |
3-Axis Built-in Stabilization, 3-Stop Improvement | Full 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 -10C | Hot-Shoe & Sync-Port |
Built-in Dust Reduction | Stereo audio input |
7 FPS Drive, 40 Images | Lithium-Ion Battery |
1920x1080 @ 25 FPS Video Recording | Secure Digital Extended Capacity |
3" LCD 920K Pixels |
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