Improved than envisioned. I have a collection of pentax dslrs, the k10,20 and k7. I enjoy them all in distinct techniques and all of them are capable of making great photographs. Sounds was normally an problem with the k10 above iso 800 and the k20 further than iso 1600. The k7 was intriguing mainly because it experienced a visible 'film like' grain beyond iso 800 but it in fact seemed pretty nice in selected visuals.
Out of the a few cameras the k7 was the camera of choice but most of the time i could use each camera interchangeably with out issue. This is not the circumstance with the k5 and i constantly decide this camera up initial. The camera seems to be in a various league to the other folks, which includes the k7. It appears to be to concentrate better, the sounds is exceptionally effectively controlled so that it rarely issues what iso ranking i am using and iso 3200 is correctly satisfactory in a large amount, if not most circumstances. But owning said all of that the factor that has surprised me most of all is that the visuals from the k5 seem sharper.
Excellent superior general performance dslr. The pentax k5 is my 2nd dslr and changed my significantly loved k100d which has performed me proud for the last 4 decades. Possessing taken hundreds of wonderful photographs with my k100d and learnt a great deal about dslr images i felt it was time to move up to the upcoming level to progress my pictures. I certainly haven't been dissatisfied.The k5 is a outstanding piece of package and benefits my endeavours in a way the k100d couldn't.
I at first deemed the k7 but inevitably talked myself into the k5 and i am glad i did. Although they look pretty much equivalent the new sensor in the k5 is rather probably the most effective aps-c sensor at present accessible. The nikon d7000 utilizes a related sensor but it's nowhere near as superior worth at the moment, costing much more than the k5 now even with currently being more affordable than the k5 when it was introduced. It has to be said that the k5 is genuinely outstanding value for income (even without the £90 cashback currently getting supplied). This very good benefit is no doubt partly because of to the potent competitors from nikon and canon.
Pros
- My new Pentax K-5 camera
- Pentax K-5 - Superb Camera
- Great little camera for Pentax users
- Best purchase EVER
- Superb High Performance DSLR
- A precision camera for the enthusiast
Features of Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera - Body Only
- 16.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor 23.7 x 15.7mm High speed
- Sensitivity range: ISO 80 to 51 200
- SAFOX IX+ AF sensor with 11 selectable points
- 7 fps high speed continuous shooting
- Weatherproof body with 77 independent seals
The PENTAX K-5 DSLR, Encased in a compact but solid, purposeful body, this new product comes equipped with a host of superior photographic tools for the easy development of diversified visible expressions, even though demonstrating substantially larger criteria of impression high-quality, knowledge processing pace and operability than earlier types. Designed applying the hugely acclaimed PENTAX K-7 (released to the marketplace in June 2009) as its base, the K-5 inherits the remarkable reliability, person-helpful operation, array of superior features and compact, light-weight body of its predecessor, but it is more resourceful and versatile in photographic expression. Coupling a new superior-pace, low-noise CMOS graphic sensor with the substantial-functionality Prime II imaging engine, it generates super-high-resolution, prosperous-gradation digital photos with roughly 16.28 productive megapixels, even when shooting in the continual capturing method at a most velocity of close to 7 photographs for every second. It also gives an excess-huge sensitivity vary amongst ISO eighty and ISO 51200 (when expanded by using a personalized perform) and Total Hd-proportion movie recording at 1920 x 1080 pixels to expand the boundaries of large-quality visible presentation. Adding other enhancements and refinements — this sort of as a considerably-more rapidly car-concentrating speed, an upgraded HDR (High Dynamic Range) function now usable in handheld taking pictures, and improved operability via an all round assessment of the style and design and form of all factors — the K-5 is developed to be far more purposeful and maneuverable in each individual depth, and far more capable of responding to the discriminating demands of innovative amateurs than earlier designs. Exceptionally solid and durable Significant-resolution, low-noise, true-to-life image reproduction, The K-5 incorporates a newly built CMOS picture sensor with a wide picture-sensitive space measuring 23.7mm by fifteen.7mm. It assures substantial-pace graphic data readout considerably more quickly than that of former sensors. By coupling this graphic sensor — equal in functionality and information processing velocity to the image sensor incorporated in the PENTAX 645D medium-structure digital camera — with the reputable Key (PENTAX Real Picture Engine) II imaging motor, the K-5 provides tremendous-high-resolution, loaded-gradation digital photos with sixteen.28 helpful megapixels, whilst suppressing irritating digital noise to a minimum amount. The K-5 also features a huge sensitivity selection amongst ISO one hundred and ISO 12800. This variety can be intentionally expanded by the consumer from ISO 80 to ISO 51200 by way of a custom purpose to accommodate programs meant for a lot more imaginative expressions, these kinds of as open-aperture shooting employing a large-aperture lens, and indoor and nighttime capturing with incident mild only.
Superior-pace constant taking pictures at close to seven visuals per second, The K-5's superior-pace steady capturing mode records as quite a few as 22 pictures (in the JPEG recording format) in a one sequence at a highest speed of seven photographs for each second, letting the photographer to maintain sharp, crisp photos of active, rapid-moving subjects — this sort of as athletics players, stage performers and wildlife — with good relieve.
Responsive, high-precision AF system, The K-5 functions a new-generation, huge-body SAFOX IX+ autofocus system with eleven sensor points (with nine cross-style sensors positioned in the center). This refined AF method has wholly redesigned optics, and things the light-weight resource at the time of shooting into its calculations to enhance the precision of autofocus operation. It also delivers a option of shutter-launch possibilities — in between aim priority and launch priority in the AF.S (one) progress manner, or among focus precedence and velocity precedence in the AF.C (constant) progress manner — to make the photographer greater geared up for various photographic needs. The K-5 is also equipped with a place beam projector to aid the AF method in improperly lit areas.
Compact, solid, functional camera body, Inspite of its compact proportions, the K-5 is designed to be extremely solid and sturdy, with a body of strong however light-weight magnesium alloy, and a chassis of hugely-rigid stainless metal. Thanks to the inclusion of 77 specific seals in the body, it also features a dustproof, weather conditions-resistant and chilly-resistant development, assuring dependable procedure even beneath severe environment and at temperatures as very low as -10°C. It also characteristics a trusted shutter unit that offers a major shutter velocity of one/8000 second and the outstanding toughness to endure as a lot of as one hundred,000 shutter releases. Irrespective of all these attributes, the K-5 however provides an very compact, purposeful body, for the reason that PENTAX has utilized all its several years of experience and skills in camera downsizing that it amassed due to the fact the earliest times of film-format SLR cameras.
Vivid, clear optical viewfinder with 100% field of view, The K-5 options a pentaprism finder with a just about a hundred% subject of view and at .ninety two-moments magnification (with a 50mm F1.4 lens at infinity) to give a better look at of the picture area and improve the precision and velocity of focusing and graphic composition. It also comes with the renowned Purely natural-Bright-Matte focusing display screen to support the photographer with guide-concentrate procedure. The K-5's bright, clear viewfinder assures better visibility in outdoor taking pictures specifically when utilizing a telephoto lens — allowing for the photographer to greater focus on the matter and graphic composition.
Effortless Live Watch capturing, Many thanks to a new picture sensor and a additional subtle algorithm, the K-5's Contrast AF method assures far better overall performance and greater concentrating velocity than ahead of through Reside See capturing. With the addition of a Golden Area show, the K-5 offers a option of a few diverse grid designs to facilitate graphic composition.
PENTAX-first SR system with user-assisting choices, In addition to the typical rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which permits the photographer to capture 560 images with a one recharge, the K-r can also be driven by four AA-size batteries applying optional AA Battery Holder D-BH109. Given that these globe-normal batteries are offered virtually any where, it removes anxieties about surprising battery lack, primarily on the highway.
PENTAX-initial SR system for sharp, blur-free images, The K-5 attributes the PENTAX-formulated SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which successfully compensates the adverse impact of camera shake by two.five to 4 shutter measures, to deliver sharp, blur-free images. This modern system operates with practically all PENTAX interchangeable lenses — even all those intended for film-structure cameras.*Many thanks to the SR mechanism's versatile structure, which tilts the picture sensor device in all instructions, the K-5 provides a number of beneficial options to guide the photographer during taking pictures. These include an car amount payment perform to guarantee substantial-precision framing and easy adjustment of horizontal alignment, and an picture-composition wonderful-adjustment functionality to instantly compensate for the camera's inclination through handheld capturing — vertically, horizontally, and in the route of rotation. Recording of Entire High definition-proportion flicks (1920 x 1080 pixels, twenty five frames per next) The K-5 captures beautiful, correct-to-daily life film clips in 16:9 Total Hd proportions (1920 x 1080 pixels) at a frame price of twenty five frames for every next.** This extends a lot of of the advantages of significant-high-quality SLR images to the environment of motion picture shooting: For occasion, you can cut down the depth of field to make a subject stand out, or use different interchangeable lenses to generate unique visible effects. The K-5 also delivers higher possibilities in visible presentation in movies, in particular through the application of customized visuals and digital filters.
HDR (Substantial Dynamic Range) purpose, The K-5 features the HDR (high dynamic range) function to develop one composite picture with an further-vast gradation selection from 3 images with distinct exposures, without having necessitating a computer system. It features a preference of car, regular and expanded (at three concentrations) modes to accommodate different creative intentions. Many thanks to the addition of an computerized composition correction purpose, the consumer can now consider advantage of this inventive tool even with handheld taking pictures.
Tailor made impression function for unique ending touches, The K-5 capabilities the tailor made impression function, which allows people to effortlessly pick the desired ending touch for a individual impression, in purchase to a lot more faithfully express their innovative intention or emphasize the prevailing environment. The K-5 presents a alternative of 9 customized picture modes, together with Bleach Bypass, which is built to generate a extraordinary visual outcome used in movement pictures. In addition to the common Sharpness and Wonderful Sharpness modes, the K-5 also gives a new Excess Sharpness manner, which is built to place added emphasis on the outline of even the most minute particulars of the image to enhance its resolution.
Pentax K-5 - Exceptional Camera. I have now owned the k-5 for about 3 months and in that time the experience has been nothing limited of joyous! there is practically nothing this camera can not do (in photographic terms) and the picture good quality it generates is 2nd to none as much as aps-c dslr's are anxious. A handful of matters the k-5 has heading for it: - excellent create excellent, all metallic construction, absolutely weather conditions-sealed - really quiet and smooth shutter - this will not likely scare the birds or induce camera-shake - as said previously mentioned, excellent picture excellent, virtually no sounds up to 1600 iso and quite minimal intrusive noise appropriate up to 6400, brilliant lively colors (not overblown) - completely outstanding with aged handbook aperture / guide concentrate lenses, publicityis location-on - a big array of quality lenses to choose from, as the k-mount is compatible with all pentax in shape lenses back to the '70's - stupendous price for funds, beats selling price-equal canon and nikon products fingers down - exceptional 18-55mm package lens - quick and exact autofocus - huge selection of menu options and configurable configurations - excellent ergonomics - i do not concur with one of the former reviews that it is not as good as canon in this regardwhat you should not i like? i can not honestly think of anything substantial. This camera is beautifully intended and produced. I have experienced no high-quality difficulties, no sensor stains, no freezing or locking up and no autofocus concerns. It has made my assortment of older lenses a satisfaction to use (tamron adaptamatic 300mm f5. 6, smc takumar 135mm f3. five, pentax-m 28mm f3. five, sigma 50mm f2. eight macro and extra) and the newer pentax autofocus lenses have famous image high-quality and complete brilliantly on this camera (da l 55-300, da sixteen-45, da l eighteen-55). I would not sell or swap this camera for just about anything at the moment on the market place. .
Good Tiny Camera For Pentax Consumers. This not my to start with pentax dslr but it is definitely the most effective. Extremely compact camera specified all its capabilities which include the pentaprism viewfinder with 100% view, liveview and online video functionality (which i have to confess not working with myself). The graphic top quality is wonderful as is the resolution of the 16mpx sensor - which implies you can even now get fantastic good quality images even just after pretty a large amount of cropping. This camera definitely performs to its complete likely with very good top quality pentax lenses which will make it notion for pentax customers who already have a assortment of pentax lenses. Not positive, even though, that if i wasn't by now committed to the pentax procedure i would necessarily go for this camera as there are rather similar offerings from the two biggies i. E. Nikon and canon. A short while ago, nonetheless, the lens launch button fell off and this looks to be a not sometimes challenge (from a scan of the online). A little bit of a dampener for my enthusiasm for this camera even nevertheless i have taken some really superb illustrations or photos with it and i am seeking forward to receiving it back from the repairers. Update. Despatched to johnson photopia for fix of lens release button. Received it again within two months and the cost was quite realistic. Camera now again completely purposeful and even now capturing great illustrations or photos (when the photographer is acquiring a good working day!).
Greatest Buy Ever. My former camera was the pentax k100 d. It was about £330 and was about the greatest i could pay for at he time. Even so it has served me well for a number of many years, in spite of the fact that it is only 6mp. For the earlier few of several years, i have desired to improve, yet have not had the funds to do so. Currently this arrived, the to start with element of a 3 piece get. Of course not like the outdated k100d, this camera isn't going to use aa batteries, even though i have purchased a battery grip, which does but right up until that arrives in the up coming couple times, i had to wait around for the battery to cost. I have been examining a downloaded duplicate of the guide for nearly two weeks now, having my self acquainted with this new cameras quite a few options/capabilities/ do's and don'ts, so when the battery was eventually charged, i was all set to give it a extensive screening. To start with perception was the sheer pace. Focussing in unique. And the 7 frames for every 2nd (which basically puts numerous professional cameras to disgrace) even when shooting uncooked (which i choose) was intellect blowing. This is the variety of kit i had dreamt of for many years. And to believe back when it was very first reviewed, it expense about £1000. I could have stumped up a bit more cash for the k-5 ii but frankly i could not see the worth for what it available over the k-5. Immediately after all i'm not a professional, just a really eager beginner. I have been a lover of pentax for approx 35 yrs now. And confident canon and nikon look to have the grip of the professional brigade. And confident if dollars was no item, i'd appreciate to be equipped to buy that type of kitanyway, i am gob smacked by the good quality of this camera, the speed of operation, the come to feel of the controls, and even with possessing buttons and dials in diverse locations all over the camera body, in contrast to the k100d and a several other folks much too, every little thing appeared to be extremely logically put. I was out in the back garden snapping absent, happier than a child on xmas working day. Seeking all the functions, tests it with my selection of lenses. All pentax by the way and was loving it. This was touted as the flagship pentax dslr only 3 many years ago and i can see why and of course a lot of would say , you can get far better and speedier, for not considerably a lot more cash. . But as i reported, i am a pentax man, they have in no way enable me down however and from my couple of hours of playing close to with this new k5, i am constructive it will give me numerous numerous many years of pleasure. Probably the final camera i shall get, except a lotto earn or a enormous windfall comes my way. Have just appeared through some of the 106 images i shot now and i am really content with the high quality, element, color and all round functionality of this astounding camerawould i advocate it. 150% yes. If your wondering of acquiring into dslr, do not have a pro funds or not certain you will use it like just one, then this is absolutely worth a glance. And of class for people with a collection of pentax lenses, except you get an adapter (the term adapter constantly tends to make me cringe a minimal, as it invariable seems like someone's answer for receiving a spherical peg into a sq. hole) then i cannot fault this, in particular at the selling price and they look to be marketing really fast much too, which of course is not surprising. A well built, good quality piece of package, that would make any beginner photographer joyful.
Product Info
- Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 13.1 x 9.7 cm ; 662 g
- Boxed-product Weight: 1.7 Kg
- Batteries 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
- Item model number: K-5 B/O
- ASIN: B00439HH00
Conclusion of Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera
This pentax k-5 camera replaces my pentax istdl, up grading the functionality tremendously. I have very little but praise for this slr camera as it exceeds my expectations in just about every regard. It out performs my first pentax camera ,offering attractive success and sparkling effectiveness with all the lenses that i have, which include a 500mm lens which i use generally for photographing birds and wildlife. Whilst i am still finding out all the facets of this wonderfully crafted camera, i have no doubts that it will stand up to the performance that i involve and give even much more then expected. I use the camera invariably in manual manner and come across that the controls are precisely wherever i would hope for easy and quick adjustments and the scale within the watch finder simple to read through even in bright daylight, which is something that was not great on my past camera.
So, all in all, this camera is a delight to use, giving fantastic effectiveness both in still method and movie mode, while the video clip program will take a even though to get utilized to. I received this body as an update from my pentax *ist mainly because the autofocus was just too slow - applying lenses with reduced f-quantities where the depth of concentration was very shallow it could not keep up with any subject matter movement even in superior light and in small mild it could actually be problematic for any lens. Acquiring suffered 3 many years of kit-creep (the odd lens listed here, external flash there), a different pentax was the only wise selection. One more truly nice function which i did not see outlined everywhere in the course of my time trawling web community forums was that (assuming you happen to be recording in jpeg) the camera appears to keep on to the raw info and only dedicate to jpeg right after you've got taken a subsequent shot. There is absolutely nothing this camera cannot do (in photographic terms) and the picture high-quality it creates is next to none as far as aps-c dslr's are involved.
A couple of matters the k-5 has likely for it: - terrific build good quality, all steel building, absolutely weather-sealed - quite tranquil and clean shutter - this is not going to scare the birds or induce camera-shake - as mentioned higher than, excellent impression good quality, nearly no sound up to 1600 iso and very minor intrusive sounds appropriate up to 6400, fantastic vibrant colours (not overblown) - certainly fantastic with outdated guide aperture / handbook concentration lenses, publicity is spot-on - a large range of quality lenses to decide on from, as the k-mount is compatible with all pentax in shape lenses again to the '70's - stupendous value for income, beats rate-equal canon and nikon designs palms down - outstanding eighteen-55mm kit lens - quickly and correct autofocus - large range of menu choices and configurable settings - good ergonomics - i do not agree with 1 of the previous reviews that it is not as fantastic as canon in this regardwhat never i like?. This camera is fantastically intended and manufactured. eight macro and additional) and the more recent pentax autofocus lenses have legendary graphic good quality and accomplish brilliantly on this camera (da l fifty five-three hundred, da sixteen-45, da l 18-fifty five). I would not offer or swap this camera for anything at present on the sector. Extremely compact camera presented all its features like the pentaprism viewfinder with a hundred% check out, liveview and video clip perform (which i have to acknowledge not making use of myself).
The impression good quality is excellent as is the resolution of the 16mpx sensor - which usually means you can nevertheless get excellent quality pictures even just after rather a lot of cropping. This camera genuinely performs to its entire likely with excellent quality pentax lenses which tends to make it notion for pentax people who now have a selection of pentax lenses. Not guaranteed, while, that if i wasn't presently dedicated to the pentax program i would automatically go for this camera as there are quite identical offerings from the two biggies i. A bit of a dampener for my enthusiasm for this camera even although i have taken some definitely great photos with it and i'm searching ahead to finding it back again from the repairers. Camera now again totally useful and continue to capturing terrific photos (when the photographer is acquiring a very good day). My former camera was the pentax k100 d.
I have been looking at a downloaded copy of the manual for nearly two weeks now, obtaining my self acquainted with this new cameras a lot of capabilities/capabilities/ do's and don'ts, so when the battery was last but not least billed, i was prepared to give it a comprehensive tests. And confident if income was no object, i might enjoy to be equipped to acquire that form of kitanyway, i am gob smacked by the quality of this camera, the pace of procedure, the truly feel of the controls, and irrespective of acquiring buttons and dials in unique locations all over the camera body, in comparison to the k100d and a couple of other folks as well, anything seemed to be pretty logically put. This was touted as the flagship pentax dslr only three years ago and i can see why and certainly several would say , you can get improved and speedier, for not substantially far more income. But as i said, i am a pentax man, they have by no means permit me down nonetheless and from my couple of several hours of actively playing all around with this new k5, i am good it will give me numerous many years of pleasure. And of training course for these with a selection of pentax lenses, except you get an adapter (the term adapter often can make me cringe a tiny, as it invariable sounds like someone's remedy for finding a spherical peg into a sq. hole) then i cannot fault this, especially at the cost and they appear to be providing rather speedy far too, which of class is not surprising.
A very well constructed, high-quality piece of kit, that would make any beginner photographer delighted. The pentax k5 is my 2nd dslr and replaced my a great deal liked k100d which has carried out me very pleased for the last four years. In phrases of overall performance, characteristics and establish excellent pentax are ideal up there with the k5 and it really is clear that a ton of attention to detail has long gone into its design and style. Situations that would have meant a great deal of deleted pics with my old camera. The kit lens appears to be superior and has the advantage of generating the camera fully weatherproof, but i have no doubt that the camera is able of a lot more. Pros:excellent small light overall performance with usable illustrations or photos upto 6400 isoexcellent dynamic array captures baggage of detailbest in class superior speed continuous capturing (7fps)1080p high definition videobest pentax af technique to dategood in-camera shake reduction systemelectronic amounts and horizon correctionexcellent develop qualitygood dealing with, ergonomic and compactfully weatherproof body and lenshighly customisableloads of practical attributes (much too quite a few to go into right here)extended exposure astrophtography doable with the o-gps1 scorching shoe accessorycons:i come across it pretty hard to dislike anything about this camera.
But i seriously am nit choosing hereverdict:the k5 is a innovative superior efficiency dslr that delivers excellent graphic high-quality and it is really now outstanding price for money in comparison to the opposition. If you own any pentax lenses or you might be hunting to upgrade from an more mature pentax slr it's a no-brainer, but i might highly propose it to anyone hunting for a point out-of-the-artwork dlsr than can make spectacular photographs. I seemed at pentax's k5 partly due to the fact it was released only a minor though just before i started out wanting for a new camera, partly mainly because as a teen i had dreamt of proudly owning a pentax (or nikon), as a successor to the praktica i then utilised. Some years later i did alter, but to a canon eos 650, a camera i tried using but failed to like. But getting a camera is about more than shopping for the camera body.
Surely, i desired the pentax body versus its rivals in the nikon and canon stable - but that is mostly a subject of style: all are very able cameras. What also contributed to my determination for pentax was the high-quality and form of lenses offered for it. In short, a neat camera. I've constantly had pentax cameras ( and i contain my samsung gx10) but it was tempting to transform to one of nikon or canon. This camera does have a significant leap in picture excellent more than more mature cameras in particular when using higher iso configurations.
So significantly i'm definitely delighted with it as a camera. I would recommend this if you are upgrading from an more mature camera as you really should be pleased with the effects. The k-5, my 3rd dslr, arrives soon after time put in with the two nikon and canon. My initially 'proper' camera was the excellent nikon d40 which i utilised for a lengthy time with just a person primary lens hooked up (35mm f1. I picked the camera up on sale although nikon had been providing arebate for £250, i used it for around 3 a long time and offered it for £240 on ebay just above a calendar year back, to say the camera owed me nothing at all was an understatement and would whole heartedly propose a equivalent setup to any one setting up out currently (i guess the pentax equal would be the `soon to be replaced'?.
Inevitably just after some time i was seduced by marketed specs and a want for extra attributes, in specific the online video that i had noticed coming from the canon cameras and so like many ahead of me, bought myself a canon 550d about a 12 months ago. Even though my motivation for functions was met simple issues these as assistance for additional lenses, a direct iso button and bracketing that nikon sense the need to omit from their decreased conclude designs, as very well as video which has been a good deal of fun to use, i was underwhelmed by the enhance in stills impression top quality and i could just hardly ever get used to the inexpensive experience of the camera or find any desirable lenses in my value assortment. The calendar year with the canon confirmed that the ergonomics and really feel of a camera are a lot extra significant than the spec checklist (to me at the very least). An substantial hunt for my new perfect camera started off nikon d7000, sony nex/alpha 65, canon 60d, fuji x100, meanwhile pentax further more dropped the price tag of the k-5 and announced the funds-back offer that put it in my value bracket and in the body, so to speak. So with all the wonderful options at the moment out there, why pick out the pentax, a firm that is viewed by lots of as 2nd ideal, without appropriate assistance, dubious quality control and a `limited' selection of lenses?the most significant explanation for me was that `limited' lens assortment which delivers lovers lenses that are i consider are simply designed to be used.
Why Buy Pentax?. The k-5, my third dslr, comes after time spent with both nikon and canon. My first "proper" camera was the brilliant nikon d40 which i used for a long time with just one prime lens attached (35mm f1. 8 ) and this made a great lightweight setup that i could take everywhere and get some great results from, especially considering the specs that would be baulked at by my most users today (6mp), but the basics worked well and it produced great images. I picked the camera up on sale while nikon were offering a rebate for £250, i used it for over three years and sold it for £240 on ebay just over a year ago, to say the camera owed me nothing was an understatement and would whole heartedly recommend a similar setup to anyone starting out today (i guess the pentax equivalent would be the `soon to be replaced'? k-r and the 35mm 2. 4 lens). Inevitably after some time i was seduced by advertised specs and a want for more features, in particular the video that i had seen coming from the canon cameras and so like many before me, bought myself a canon 550d about a year ago. Although my desire for features was met; basic things such as support for more lenses, a direct iso button and bracketing that nikon feel the need to omit from their lower end models, as well as video which has been a lot of fun to use, i was underwhelmed by the increase in stills image quality and i could just never get used to the cheap feel of the camera or find any desirable lenses in my price range. The year with the canon showed that the ergonomics and feel of a camera are much more important than the spec list (to me at least). An extensive hunt for my new ideal camera started; nikon d7000, sony nex/alpha 65, canon 60d, fuji x100, meanwhile pentax further dropped the price of the k-5 and announced the cash-back offer that put it in my price bracket and in the frame, so to speak. So with all the great options currently out there, why choose the pentax, a company that is seen by many as second best, without proper support, dubious quality control and a `limited' range of lenses?the biggest reason for me was that `limited' lens range which offers enthusiasts lenses that are i think are simply designed to be used. Other manufacturers seem to design lenses to be the fastest, best rendering or the cheapest and end up being prohibitively large, heavy, expensive or just feel cheap and nasty in-use, the limiteds give an affordable range that is small in size, light weight, with great rendering and build, while on paper they look unimpressive, to my eyes are unmatched by anything else on the market for the money (i wish they would release a faster mid-wide though, a small 24mm f2 would be perfect please pentax). Canon still refuse to properly invest in serious prime lenses designed for apsc and nikon while having some great cheap lenses such as the 35mm f1. 8, the rendering or build can't compete with the pentax limited range and even though i admire the images produced with lenses such as canon/nikon's 24/35mm f1. 4s, i could never justify the expense or want to carry such large heavy lenses around with me all day. After discounting the canon and nikon on the grounds of lens offering (probably the only time you will ever read that) and while rightly or wrongly dreaming of the leica m9, realistically my choice finally came down to the fuji x100, the sony alpha/nex and the k5, using them back to back in the store, the k5 was simply the one i found most natural to use, this was really brought home to me when using my canon the next day, even though i had been using it regularly for a year found myself hunting for the controls of the k5, that had only used for an hour in the store, it is this level of design that can't be put on a marketing spec sheet but is probably the reason for all the great user reviews of the pentax and the affection it gets from [most of] its users. It is small functionality that when taking pictures repeatedly, that may seem like small things but become real irritations over time, one such annoyance is the image zoom on the canons that has to be held down to zoom in to review focus, this is done instantly by a click of the rear dial with the pentax (i recently found that you can also zoom in and out using the +/- and the green button if you get tired of using the wheel). I thought that i had found one such area that had been missed by pentax, as initially i couldn't find a way to quickly bring up the histogram when reviewing images after pressing the play button, having to cycle through all the display options with the info button, however i have since found the histogram can be summoned with the info and removed again by hitting ok, as well as giving easy access to an rgb histogram with an arrow key, perfect!. I also questioned the auto exposure options that the camera was choosing, as at default it will try to keep the lens to at least an aperture of f2. 8 and a relatively fast shutter speed in low light, while boosting the iso quite aggressively, not what i would have chosen. However setting the auto iso setting to `slow' gives much better results and seems to affect both the shutter speed; which is allowed to drop to the focal length of the lens, as well as unexpectedly affecting the behaviour of the aperture; allowing the lens to open fully before boosting the iso to the extent that it did before. In my opinion this should be the default setting for the camera, but easily changed when you know it's there. Good decision?although actively ignoring the specs of the camera, i have been more impressed with the sony sensor than i thought i would be and has provided, to my eye, a bigger jump in iq going from the canon 550d (18mp) sensor to the k-5 (16mp), than i had going from the d40 (6mp) to the canon, which says two things; in real world use mega pixels don't matter that much (unless you need to print at large sizes), something that everyone seems to agree with, yet is still a number that obviously creates sales, as demonstrated by the recent buzz surrounding the nikon d800, and second; the sony sensors are currently surpassing that of the canon by quite a margin, although maybe that will change at some point this year?i am still getting to grips with my current lightweight combination of k-5 and fa 43mm limited, but have been consistently impressed with how the camera allows you to take pictures without getting in the way, controls are where you feel they should instinctively be and navigating menus is something that becomes a rarity rather than the norm, features such as the green button which before use may almost seem like gimmicks, leave you wondering why other manufacturers haven't implemented their own version on competing models, such is its usefulness. Another area that has been a real improvement is the 100% viewfinder, which is a night and day difference from the consumer level cameras that i had become accustomed to, something that i wouldn't have thought twice about when first starting out, but find increasingly important in my attempts at that elusive perfect composition. In short i think the k-5 is a true photographers camera, in a world where so many camera companies `bored' rooms must contain talk of how to increase market share, it feels that pentax's goal for their latest dslr was a single minded "how can we help users take better pictures", maybe to their detriment in terms of sales, but to the distinct benefit of its savvy owners (right place, right time in my case). Not all roses?every product on the market is a series of compromises and the k5 is no different, although it has a great size/features ratio, it is relatively weighty and works out heavier than either the 550d or d40 and plastic prime lens combination, mainly due to the magnesium build, larger battery and in-body shake reduction system, it maybe not the ideal lightweight travel companion, but i still have absolutely no problem carrying it in a lowepro passport sling (great small bag btw) all day and the level of features and versatility makes the extra few hundred grams well worth it, if i was living out of backpack for six months those few grams may start to take their toll, although you have to wonder how long the plastic camera and lens combo would last in those circumstances. Low light focusing was an issue that i was aware of before purchase and has been put to the test over christmas when most of the images i have taken were indoor low light, while i haven't taken any test charts, this really hasn't been an issue in real world use, yes i have had some out of focus shots, as i did with the nikon and canon, but haven't had consistent front or back focus like others have reported in certain lighting, although there is definitely a level of light where the camera will hunt for focus and seemingly not able to find anything to lock on to, then takes a guess, normally being out by some margin. This is exaggerated by low contrast subjects, but the level of light needed to induce this, is less than i initially feared after some users reports and a level that is not going to be an issue in most real world situations (i am using a relatively fast lens though f1. 9). The overall level of customisation is excellent, although one aspect of the camera that i have missed from the canon is the ability to create a custom menu. I like the quick settings screen with the pentax, although i think that this should itself be customisable and could act as the ultimate user menu, greatly enhancing ergonomics, giving access to individual settings used frequently; the program mode is one that i find myself wishing was on this screen, while i doubt i will ever use many of the in camera filters that are displayed here. Rendering of reds is another issue that i have come across since using the camera, that i hadn't heard of before purchase. This seems to stem from a number of issues (metering, white balance, jpeg rendering) and doesn't show its-self often but from time to time the camera has a tendency to over saturate and over-expose the red channel when shooting jpegs, to a greater degree than either the canon or nikon. This is something that i am still experimenting with and to this point am not quite sure how to overcome entirely. Canon has a picture styles setting in camera that allows the user to set tone curves to control the rendering of jpegs and to my knowledge pentax doesn't allow this degree of control over its in camera processing, i have switched the camera to the natural colour setting and reduced saturation slightly which seems to have helped. The video is something that i am missing from the canon, which when combined with magic lantern (custom firmware hack for the canons) is quite special. One of the biggest problems of shooting video with dslrs though is camera shake, which is something that pentax's version of in camera stabilisation deals with remarkably well and is much more useful than the in-lens system adopted by canon for video. If pentax would start to take video a bit more seriously they could have a really unique product - maybe something they have realised with the recent announcement of the k-01 with its video specs, which is set to be the only apsc video camera with manual control and in body stabilisation (that i know of); here's hoping they have put sufficient effort into the down-sampling of the sensor to make it really competitive. The other concern that i had before purchase was quality control and if i had taken heed of all the warnings on the net, i could have expected a whole host of issues that have been well documented, which by and large i chose to ignore and may well regret saying this, but to this point (6 weeks use and 2k images) the camera has worked flawlessly, the real test i guess, will be if i can say the same thing in a few years time. Ultimately which camera to get comes down to a compromise between image quality, features, price, size and weight, range of lenses, and brand reputation among other smaller aspects unique to the individual. Even with the recent announcement of the new nex-7 and the fuji x-pro1 which have been designed for the enthusiast market (unless real world samples are vastly superior to what i have seen thus far), pentax in my humble opinion still makes the best enthusiast "compact" camera system on the market today, and one that i am enjoying shooting with more than ever, which at the end of the day is the reason we buy cameras, right?.
Great Upgrade. I've always had pentax cameras ( and i include my samsung gx10) but it was tempting to change to one of nikon or canon. I started getting some errors on the samsung and as i rely on it for work it was easier to go for a pentax. The main choice was either the k-5 or the updated version. Given that the reviews of the updated version say it is good but the differences quite small from this version and the price difference i opted for the older version. The controls are familiar albeit with some additions over my older hardware. However, taking similar photos and comparing them shows that sometimes you can blame your tools! this camera does have a big jump in image quality over older cameras especially when using higher iso settings. I've not used it for that long but so far i'm very pleased with the results. Battery life seems pretty good, i've been getting about 500 images (20% with flash). Update the firmware so you can use sdxc cards. So far i'm really pleased with it as a camera. Not really tried it for video yet so can't comment on that yet. I would recommend this if you are upgrading from an older camera as you should be pleased with the results. .
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