The no-nonsense approach of Pentax is great. The same body as the K-7 but a new sensor and a bunch of new improvements. The K-5 will also utilize the same vertical grip (D-BG4) as the K-7. The new sensor is a 16.3 megapixels (Sony) CMOS sensor with a sensitivity of ISO 80 to ISO 12,800 with an improved noise reduction. It is also expandable to ISO 51,200. The capture rate is a respectable 7 FPS. Yes!!! the AF has been improved and promises great results. It uses a new 11 points SAFOX-IX+ Autofocus system with dedicated AF assist lamp and light wavelenght sensor. It is going to be more responsive than any of the previous Pentax DSLRs. We asked for it, we are finally getting it.
The video capture is 1080p HD video @ 25 FPS. Like the K-7, it has a stereo connection for external stereo microphone. This is a full 1920 x 1080 pixels in a full HD proportion of 16:9. Shutter speed/focus priority is available during AF-C mode. The K-5 offers native support for both PENTAX PEF and Adobe DGN 14 bit RAW files. The built-in HDR function has been improved with more blending modes and better image alignment for handheld HDR shots.SDXC memory card compatibility is available via firmware upgrade.
Like previous Pentax flagship models, the K-5 retains a fully weather sealed and coldproof design that makes Pentax an exceptional value compared to other brands. It has all the same features that the K-7 has plus the features listed above. The K-5 will ship in October with an introductory price of $1,599.95, but we all know that the street prices will vary. Although still branded as a "prosumer" DSLR by Pentax, the K-5 has features normally found only on the most costly of professional cameras. Yes, many will be disappointed because the K-5 is still an APS-C DSLR, but this new sensor produces better images than any film 35mm camera ever produced and this Full-Frame mania is absurd (In my opinion, of course). It was adopted only because the 35mm film camera images on the negatives are 24 x 36 mm in size (Image circle). Most DSLRs were built so that the vestige of 35mm film camera lenses could easily be used with a DSLR design parallel to the 35mm film cameras. If you want a large sensor for ultimate bokeh or image quality, get a Pentax 645D. Today's APS-C sized sensors are so improved and efficient compared to early sensors, that it makes sense to use them and build cameras that are small enough to carry all day without fatigue.
Pentax also introduces a new lens. The Pentax DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR lens. Wow, that's a mouth full! In 35mm format, this is the equivalent of 27.5mm - 207mm. That's a zoom ratio of 7.5 times. This is a weather-resistant lens and complements the Pentax weather resistant DSLRs. This zoom lens has a DC motor built into the lens, assuring a fast and smooth autofocus operation. The lens incorporates Extra-Low Dispersion glass element, a hybrid aspherical element and a glass molded aspherical element in it's optic. The diaphramg is completely rounded, producing excellent bokeh. The front element is coated with Pentax's Super Protect coating, repelling dust, water and grease. That's a great all around lens.
The lens is prices at a very affordable $529.95, and like the K-5, the street price will likely be lower. When purchased with the K-5 kit, the lens only adds $150.00 to the k-5 price.
For more details, log on to http://www.pentaximaging.com/ and www.youtube.com/pentaxian1
For more details, log on to http://www.pentaximaging.com/ and www.youtube.com/pentaxian1
11 comments:
$1599? For what? For slightly upgraded K-7 with a slightly better noise reduction and slightly worse colors?
I wanted to buy it, but the price, I really think about Sony FFs with adapters for my lovely FA limited lenses even without AF.
This looks like a great camera, however the spec's are a mess.
Every website including Pentax's own page has conflicting data. I hope there will be clarity soon.
ISO range and RAW buffer are the two most muddled specs.
Thanks
Will it autofocus in video mode?
What you failed to mention is that this camera has no manual video controls. Again.
Except for that, it is what the K-7 should have been (OK: with a better sensor than was available at that time).
Absolute mess reporting the specs. Good old clueless Pentax marketing.
To give them credit, they made the K-r and K-7 announcements with very good timing. It's just what they announced that was a haphazard mess.
The cameras themselves appear very nice. Let's hope street pricing is realistic. The D7000 has changed everything, not just for Pentax, but even more so for Canon.
My big question... is center AF point F2.8 yet??
Thanks,
Fred.
What a great camera and what a looks to be a terrific lens. Built in motor this must be the new SDM...I've always wanted a lens this range and gosh its cool to finally have one with a built in motor. Good things are coming from this little company. From the video i've seen of the camera compared to the k7 this camera is the last camera one would ever need.
Could someone here please explain the 100,000 shutter life number.Is that the minimum I should expect? I now own a pair of K200's and one of them has over 130,000 shutter activations so it would seem to me the K5 number should be much higher.Thanks.posted by cj gordon of e-Lee1.
Hmm, an up to date sensor and an AF system that allegedly is finally up to par with the competition. Not sure how this modest update is supposed to compete with the D7000 and how Pentax was able to be caught on the wrong foot, not seeing the D7000 coming. Apart from a few nice primes, nothing is really making Pentax special anymore. Kind of sad, I'd have bought one at the price of a K-7, but as it seems, even with a significant lower street price, it'll be an investment well above USD 1200 for the body - That'll be the price for a D7000 kit as an entry into the Nikon world...
Yeah Nikon looks great at the Beginning but as soon you realize how much their lenses cost and the VR ones cost three times as much you begin to look for other choices.
Pentax has better weather sealing and has weather sealed lenses and they keep their system compact.
Not to mentions all their lenses are are stabilized by the body. Have fun with Nikon Jello effect.
Personally speaking, I am most exited about the lens. It seems like it could be a good travel lens for me, especially for winter time. Hopefully it will not cost and arm and a leg.
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