Pentax K-5

amazon Pentax K-5 reviews

The Pentax K5 is a perfect continuation of the K7 model with 16.3 Megapixel APS-C sensor to be a highly customizable DSLR, although there are still some downsides.

The Pentax K-5’s semi-sub-frame camera is inherited from the predecessor Pentax K-7 and the most advanced 16.3 Megapixel image sensor (along with the Nikon D7000 and Sony A55).

The most prominent feature of the K-5 lies in the ISO range extending from 80-51.200, Full HD 1080p video recording mode at 25 frames per second, continuous shooting capability of 7 fps, 11 focus system Safox IX faster and wider coverage, improved High Dynamic Range mode and various digital filter effects.

K-5 inherits from the K-7 structure’s resistance dust, water and low temperature resistance, shutter opening up to 100,000 times at up to 1 / 8,000 second, 100% optical viewfinder magnified 0.92 times. A 77-area metering matrix, a 920,000-dot 3-inch LCD monitor, a built-in anti-shake and dustproof system, Live View with Face Detection, and auto-correction and chromatic aberration. Across the DA / DFA lens.

The K-5 shutter is designed for a 100,000-times life cycle of 1 / 8,000 second, which brings the machine closer to professional models. The standard 18-55mm kit is well designed and also inherits weathering properties that outperform the competition. The Pentax DA 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6 WR lens has a simple weather-resistant structure that minimizes water or moisture entering the lens. It is also coated with a special coating that protects against dust, water or grease so it is easy to clean the stain or fingerprints on the lens. It is a slow lens, but it is still very suitable for K-5.

where can you get a Pentax K-5 online

Pentax K-5 16.3 MP Digital SLR with 3-Inch LCD (Black Body Only): Buy it now

Pentax K-5 16.3 MP Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens and 3-Inch LCD (Black): Buy it now

Pentax K-5 II 16.3 MP DSLR DA 18-55mm WR lens kit (Black) (OLD MODEL): Buy it now

Pentax K-5 IIs 16.3 MP DSLR Body Only (Black): Buy it now

Pentax K-5 II 16.3 MP DSLR Body Only (Black) (OLD MODEL): Buy it now

Design and Build Quality

Ergonomics and Handling

The Pentax K-5 is designed with a focus on durability and user comfort, featuring a robust construction that caters to both casual and serious photographers.

• Body Design: The K-5 measures approximately 131 x 97 x 73 mm and weighs around 750 grams with the battery and memory card. Its relatively compact size for a DSLR makes it more portable compared to larger models, while still offering a solid and substantial feel.
• Materials: The camera is built with a combination of magnesium alloy and high-strength plastic, providing a sturdy and durable body. The magnesium alloy enhances the camera’s robustness, making it resistant to harsh weather conditions.
• Grip and Controls: The K-5 features an ergonomic grip with a rubberized texture, ensuring a secure and comfortable hold. The control layout is intuitive, with well-placed buttons and dials that facilitate easy operation. The grip and button placement make the camera suitable for extended use and various shooting angles.

Display

The Pentax K-5 is equipped with a 3.0-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 921,000 dots.

• Screen Quality: The LCD screen offers high clarity and color accuracy, providing detailed and sharp image previews. The 921,000-dot resolution is relatively high for its time, ensuring good visibility and detail.
• Viewing Angles: The screen performs well from various angles, with minimal color shift or loss of contrast. It is generally usable in most lighting conditions, though direct sunlight may make it challenging to see the display clearly.

Image Quality

Sensor and Resolution

The Pentax K-5 features a 16.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor.

• Sensor Technology: The APS-C CMOS sensor offers a good balance between image quality and sensor size. It provides improved performance compared to older CCD sensors, including better low-light capabilities and reduced noise.
• Resolution: With a resolution of 16.3 megapixels, the K-5 delivers high-resolution images with excellent detail. This resolution is suitable for large prints and allows for significant cropping without a substantial loss in image quality.

Color and Dynamic Range

The K-5’s image processing engine contributes to accurate color reproduction and a wide dynamic range.

• Color Accuracy: The camera is known for its vibrant and true-to-life color reproduction. The colors are generally rich and well-saturated, contributing to overall photo quality.
• Dynamic Range: The K-5 captures a broad range of tones in both highlights and shadows. The camera’s dynamic range is competitive for its time, allowing for detailed images with good tonal gradation.

Lens and Optical Performance

The Pentax K-5 is compatible with a wide range of Pentax K-mount lenses, offering versatility for various photography needs.

• Lens Compatibility: The camera supports both Pentax’s own lenses and third-party K-mount lenses. This compatibility provides users with a wide selection of optics to choose from, catering to different shooting styles and preferences.
• Optical Performance: The K-5’s performance with quality lenses is generally excellent, providing sharp images with minimal distortion. The camera’s optical viewfinder allows for accurate framing and composition, enhancing the overall shooting experience.

Performance

Autofocus System

The K-5 features a 11-point SAFOX IX+ phase-detection autofocus system.

• Focus Speed: The autofocus system delivers good performance with reasonable speed and accuracy. The phase-detection system allows for quick focusing, though it may struggle with low-contrast or low-light situations.
• Focus Modes: The camera offers several autofocus modes, including single AF, continuous AF, and manual focus. Users can select the mode that best suits their shooting needs, providing flexibility for different scenarios.

Shooting Speed and Burst Performance

The K-5 offers a continuous shooting speed of approximately 7 frames per second (fps).

• Burst Rate: The burst rate allows users to capture a series of images in rapid succession, making it suitable for action shots or fast-moving subjects. The camera’s burst mode is relatively fast, providing a good balance between speed and image quality.
• Shutter Lag: The K-5 exhibits minimal shutter lag, allowing for timely capture of images. The quick response time is advantageous for capturing decisive moments and fast-paced scenes.

Battery Life

The K-5 is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (D-LI90).

• Battery Performance: On a full charge, the battery typically provides around 800-1,000 shots, depending on usage and settings. This battery life is impressive and allows for extended shooting sessions without frequent recharging.
• Charging: The battery can be recharged using the included charger. The camera’s efficient power management ensures that the battery lasts through a full day of shooting for most users.

Features and Usability

PRIME II Image Processor

The Pentax K-5 is equipped with the PRIME II image processor, which enhances image quality and performance.

• Processing Speed: The PRIME II processor improves image processing speed, contributing to faster operation and reduced lag. It helps deliver high-quality images with accurate colors and reduced noise.
• Noise Reduction: The processor includes advanced noise reduction capabilities, minimizing graininess in images, particularly at higher ISO settings. This feature is beneficial for low-light photography.

In-Body Image Stabilization

The K-5 features in-body image stabilization, known as Shake Reduction (SR).

• Stabilization Effectiveness: The in-body stabilization system compensates for camera shake by shifting the sensor, reducing the effects of motion blur. This feature is particularly useful for handheld shooting, especially at slower shutter speeds or longer focal lengths.
• Versatility: In-body stabilization works with any K-mount lens, providing a versatile solution for stabilizing both new and existing lenses.

Weather Sealing

One of the standout features of the K-5 is its weather-sealed construction.

• Durability: The camera is designed with weather sealing to protect against dust, moisture, and harsh environmental conditions. This durability makes the K-5 suitable for outdoor and adventure photography, where weather resistance is essential.
• Rugged Build: The weather-sealed construction, combined with the magnesium alloy body, ensures that the K-5 can withstand challenging conditions, offering reliable performance in various environments.

Customization and Control

The K-5 offers extensive customization options and control settings.

• Customizable Buttons: Users can assign specific functions to customizable buttons, allowing for quick access to frequently used settings. This feature enhances the camera’s usability and efficiency.
• Advanced Controls: The K-5 provides advanced controls for adjusting exposure, focus, and other settings. The control layout includes a mode dial, dedicated buttons, and a rear control dial, enabling precise adjustments and efficient operation.

Live View and Video Recording

The K-5 includes Live View functionality and video recording capabilities.

• Live View Mode: The Live View mode allows users to compose images using the LCD screen, providing an alternative to the optical viewfinder. The mode includes contrast-detection autofocus, which is useful for composing shots from difficult angles.
• Video Recording: The K-5 supports Full HD video recording with a resolution of 1080p. While the video features are relatively basic compared to modern standards, the camera delivers good video quality with decent resolution and color accuracy.

Comparing to Modern Cameras

When comparing the Pentax K-5 to contemporary models, several advancements and improvements become evident. Here’s a comparison highlighting key differences:

Image Resolution and Sensor Technology

• Higher Resolution Sensors: Modern cameras often feature higher resolution sensors, ranging from 20MP to 60MP or more. These advancements provide greater detail and flexibility for cropping, which surpasses the K-5’s 16.3MP resolution.
• Advanced Sensors: Newer cameras utilize advanced sensor technologies, such as BSI (Backside Illuminated) sensors and improved noise reduction algorithms. These advancements result in better low-light performance and reduced noise, offering superior image quality compared to the K-5.

Autofocus Systems

• Faster Autofocus: Contemporary cameras feature advanced autofocus systems with higher numbers of focus points, faster phase-detection, and hybrid autofocus that combines phase-detection and contrast-detection. These systems offer faster and more accurate focusing, especially for moving subjects.
• Face Detection and Tracking: Many modern cameras include face detection and tracking features, which enhance portrait photography by ensuring that faces remain sharp and well-focused.

Live View and Video Capabilities

• Enhanced Live View: Newer cameras offer faster and more responsive Live View modes, with improved autofocus performance and reduced lag. These enhancements improve the shooting experience and ease of composing images using the live feed on the LCD screen.
• 4K Video: Modern cameras support higher video resolution options, including 4K video recording. This advancement provides better video quality, detail, and clarity compared to the K-5’s Full HD video recording.

Connectivity and Sharing

• Built-in Connectivity: Many contemporary cameras come with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, facilitating seamless connectivity with smartphones, tablets, and computers. These features allow for instant image transfer, remote camera control, and easy sharing on social media platforms. The K-5 lacks such connectivity options, which may limit convenience for users who prefer instant sharing and remote access.
• Cloud Integration: Modern cameras often support cloud integration, enabling automatic backup of photos and access from any device with an internet connection. This added convenience and security are not present in the Pentax K-5, which may be a limitation for users who prefer cloud storage and instant access to their media.

Practical Applications

Portrait Photography

The Pentax K-5, with its 16.3-megapixel resolution and weather-sealed body, is well-suited for portrait photography.

• Image Quality: The camera’s high resolution and dynamic range allow for detailed and vibrant portraits. The ability to use various lenses, including high-quality prime lenses, enhances the potential for achieving sharp, well-exposed images with pleasing bokeh.
• Lens Options: With a wide range of Pentax K-mount lenses available, users can choose from a variety of portrait lenses, such as fast primes and macros, to achieve different looks and effects. The camera’s in-body image stabilization further helps in minimizing camera shake, which is particularly useful for handheld portrait shooting.

Landscape Photography

For landscape photography, the K-5 offers several advantages due to its build quality and imaging capabilities.

• Dynamic Range: The camera’s ability to capture a broad dynamic range helps in preserving details in both highlights and shadows, which is essential for capturing the full range of tones in landscape scenes.
• Weather Sealing: The K-5’s weather-sealed body is a significant advantage for landscape photographers who often work in various weather conditions. The durability of the camera ensures reliable performance in challenging environments.

Action and Sports Photography

The Pentax K-5’s burst rate and autofocus system make it suitable for action and sports photography.

• Burst Mode: With a burst rate of 7 frames per second, the K-5 can capture a series of rapid shots, increasing the likelihood of capturing fast-moving subjects. This feature is beneficial for action shots and sports events.
• Autofocus: The 11-point phase-detection autofocus system provides reasonable focusing speed and accuracy. However, for extremely fast or unpredictable action, more modern cameras with advanced autofocus systems may offer superior performance.

Travel Photography

The Pentax K-5’s compact size relative to other DSLRs and its robust build make it a viable option for travel photography.

• Portability: While not the smallest or lightest DSLR, the K-5’s relatively compact size makes it easier to carry during travel compared to larger models. The rugged build ensures it can handle the rigors of travel.
• Versatility: The camera’s versatile zoom lenses and in-body image stabilization offer flexibility for capturing a wide range of scenes, from expansive landscapes to detailed close-ups.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Image Quality: The K-5 delivers high-quality images with excellent detail, vibrant colors, and good dynamic range. The combination of the 16.3MP sensor and PRIME II processor ensures strong performance.
• Build Quality: The weather-sealed, magnesium alloy body provides durability and reliability, making the K-5 suitable for outdoor and challenging shooting environments.
• Customizability: The camera offers extensive customization options, including programmable buttons and advanced controls, allowing users to tailor the camera to their specific shooting preferences.
• In-Body Image Stabilization: The Shake Reduction system helps reduce camera shake, providing a practical solution for handheld shooting with any K-mount lens.

Weaknesses

• Connectivity: The lack of modern connectivity features, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, limits the camera’s ability to quickly share images and connect with other devices.
• Autofocus Performance: The K-5’s autofocus system, while functional, may not be as fast or accurate as newer systems with more focus points and hybrid technologies.
• Video Capabilities: The Full HD video recording capabilities are basic compared to contemporary models that offer 4K resolution and advanced video features.
• Screen Resolution: The LCD screen, though clear, has a lower resolution compared to modern high-resolution screens, which may impact the clarity of image previews and reviews.

Conclusion

The Pentax K-5 remains a well-regarded DSLR with a blend of robust features, durable build quality, and strong image performance. Its 16.3-megapixel resolution, in-body image stabilization, and weather-sealed construction offer a solid package for photographers seeking a reliable and versatile camera.

While the K-5 may not match the performance of the latest models in terms of resolution, autofocus, and connectivity, it provides a strong value proposition for its time. The camera’s ability to deliver high-quality images, combined with its durable build and user-friendly controls, makes it a capable choice for a wide range of photography applications.

For those considering modern alternatives, advancements in resolution, autofocus systems, and connectivity offer significant improvements. However, the K-5’s robust construction, reliable performance, and customizability ensure that it remains a capable and worthwhile option for those who appreciate its strengths and can work within its limitations.

Overall, the Pentax K-5 represents a solid choice for photographers looking for a dependable DSLR with a good balance of features and performance. Its strengths in image quality and build quality, combined with its reasonable price, make it a compelling option for both enthusiasts and professionals seeking a capable and versatile camera.