Pentax K-5 review

According provided by camera Pentax K-5 many thanks to Petr Lewandovich. As soon as I was about to review the Pentax K-5, the new Pentax K-3 was released, but nevertheless the Pentax K-5, Pentax K-5 II and their modifications remain very good cameras.

Pentax K-5 review

Pentax K-5 review

The Pentax K-5 is an excellent advanced consumer DSLR camera. The Pentax K-5 was released in September 2010, and in 2012 it was updated to the Pentax K-5 II version. Many users are skeptical about Pentax products, arguing that Nikon, Canon and Sony are always one step ahead. Let me remind you that it was Pentax who revolutionized the camera industry by creating a modern look for a SLR with a quick-return mirror and pentaprism. At one time, the Pentax K-5 was one of the best DSLR APS-C cameras.

Pentax K-5 sample photo

Pentax K-5 sample photo

Pentax K-5 uses a 16 MP sensor that allows you to take pictures of 4928 X 3264 pixels. It is interesting that the same sensor is used in a huge number of cameras: Nikon D5100, Nikon D7000Pentax K-30, Pentax K-50, Pentax K-500, Fuji X-Pro1, Pentax K-5 II, Pentax K-01, Sony a580, Sony A55, Sony A57, Sony NEX-5N. Apparently the sensor is really good, since so many cameras have been released on its basis. Pentax K-5 can work in the range of ISO 100-12.800, but if you enable the extended range in the menu, you can use ISO from 80 to 51.200. For example, Nikon D7000 with the same sensor can use the ISO range of 100-25.600. When I shot on the Pentax K-5 with the noise reduction function turned off at high sensitivity, then at ISO 100 to 1600 the picture was immediately shown on the camera display after the shutter was released, when switching to ISO 2000 and higher the picture was shown with some delay. I attribute such a delay to the fact that already at ISO 2000 the camera still turns on the noise reduction function. As for the noise level, the Pentax K-5 has no special problems with this, the main thing is not to use the 'inflated' values ​​from 12.800 to 51.200. In the Pentax K-5, you can set its own level of noise reduction for each ISO range, for example, set the average noise reduction level for the ISO 800-1250 range, and turn off the noise reduction function for the 400-800 range.

Pentax K-5 sample photo

Pentax K-5 sample photo

Pentax K-5 can shoot at 7 frames per second. This is a very good indicator. Burst speed is almost as fast as that of Nikon D300 (with booster) and Canon 7D. It is very strange that the optical viewfinder and monochrome display do not display the frame buffer capacity. If you turn off all the additional features that improve image quality and that reduce buffer capacity, the camera can continuously shoot approximately 25 photos in PEF or DNG format and 35 photos in JPEG format at maximum quality, after which the burst speed drops noticeably. For the test I used a Transcend card SD HC 16GB class 10.

Pentax K-5 sample photo

Pentax K-5 sample photo

But if you turn on all the functions at once: distortion correction, chromatic increase correction, noise reduction at high sensitivity, noise reduction at slow shutter speeds, light compensation, shadow compensation, then Pentax K-5 starts think very hard, each shot the camera processor processes more than 5 seconds! At this time, you can neither launch the menu, nor view the footage. Imagine, when I shot a series of 10 frames, I had to wait a whole minute while the camera processed and recorded the photo on a memory card, and all this time there is just an hourglass on the camera's display. Such serious brakes completely discourage shooting further. But still, in order not to waste time and not wait for the camera processor to process the picture, you can just continue shooting. I noticed that the 'corrections' function takes the most processing time. lens'.

Pentax K-5 sample photo

Pentax K-5 sample photo

It is very strange that the Pentax K-5 has very poor set of functions when working with video. Before recording a video, you can set only the aperture value and the correction exposure. There is no control during video recording. shutter speed, no aperture, no ISO. And most importantly, when recording a video, automatic focusing does not work, and sound is recorded from a monaural microphone. And the maximum quality Full HD 1920 * 1080 works only at 25 frames per second. In my opinion, video in the Pentax K-5 is implemented as badly as in the first, similar cameras from Nikon and Canon. But the built-in image stabilizer Shake reduction Helps to create videos without jerking pictures.

Pentax K-5 sample photo

Pentax K-5 sample photo

There is HDR function. When shooting, the camera takes several pictures without lowering the mirror, and then one of them. The process of merging images also takes a very, very long time.

Pentax K-5 sample photo

Pentax K-5 sample photo

Pentax K-5 has a lot of useful settings, which are often specially cropped in advanced amateur cameras Nikon and Canon. For example, the Pentax K-5 has the function of quick enlargement of a picture; the magnification itself can be set in the menu. You can calibrate the display color and adjust the font size. There is an interesting function for masking pixels, setting focus priorities, fine-tuning autofocus. The Pentax K-5 can remotely control flashes in flash mode W. In the camera menu, you can configure the built-in flash only to emit command pulses. Of course, there is a focus trap that makes it very easy to use old non-autofocus optics. Pentax K-5 functionality is at a very high level, and you can study the camera and pick settings for a very long time. The camera is very pleasant to operate, has a large 3-inch display with 921.000 pixels, an additional monochrome display. Ergonomics at a high level.

If I had a choice between Pentax K-5 and Nikon D7000then I would choose Nikon D7000 due to the 39-point focusing system, a more thoughtful video, two slots for memory cards and a more thought-out system for remote control of external flashes. Still at Nikon D7000 Auto-ISO operates in 'M' mode, and there is a minimum excerpt sync with flash 1 / 320s versus 1 / 180s with Pentax K-5, both cameras support high-speed synchronization with shutter speeds up to 1/8000 s. Yes and it costs Nikon D7000 cheaper.

Pentax K-5 sample photo

Pentax K-5 sample photo

The direct competitor of Pentax K-5 is often called Canon 7D, I made a small tablet of the main parameters, the advantages are highlighted in green.

Canon EOS 7D Pentax K-5
Exit time Autumn 2009 Autumn 2010
Burst Speed 8k s 14-bit RAW 7 fps 14 bit RAW
Crop factor 1,60 1,50
Processor 2x DIGIC 4 PRIME II
optical zoom 1.0 times 0.92 times
Frame coverage 100% 100%
Video length Up to 30 minutes about 20 minutes
Video 1080 HD 29.97 fps HD 1080 25 fps
Display 3 ′, 920k 3 ′, 921k
Number of Focus Points 19 11
Number of Phillips T.ph. 19 9
Focus adjustment Yes Yes
Flash control yes, 3 groups Yes
High speed sync Yes Yes
Measurement exposure 63 zone Dual Layer SPC 77-segment sensor
Matrix cleaning Yes Yes
Chassis with dust and moisture protection, magnesium alloy with dust and moisture protection, magnesium alloy
Minimum ISO 100,00 100,00
Minimum Extended ISO no ISO 80.
Maximum ISO 6400 12.800
Maximum Extended ISO 12.800 51.200
Shutter speed 30s - 1 \ 8000s 30s - 1 \ 8000s
Flash sync 1 / 250 sec 1 / 180 sec
On time 0,1s unknown
Shutter Warranty 150.000 100.000
Awards TIPA 2010, EISA 2010-2011
Memory cards 1 slot for CF 1 slot for SD
Number of megapixels 17,9 16,0
Weight without battery, g 820,00 670,00
Color Depth * 22,00 23,70
Dynamig Range * 11,70 14.1
Low-Light ISO * 854,00 1162

* Data for Color Depth, Dynamig Range and Low-Light ISO taken at dxomark for 7D and Pentax K5.

Here is a small gallery of autumn photos in the backlight, camera JPEG without modification:

You can look at more examples of photos on Pentax K5 in SMC Pentax-DA 1 review: 1.8 50mm.

Prices for modern Pentax cameras in popular stores can look at this link.

In comments Can I ask you a question on the topic and you will answer, and you can also express your opinion or describe your experience. Many little things for a photo can be found on AliExpress.


Conclusions:

The Pentax K-5 is a very good camera, perfect for advanced hobbyists. The Pentax K-5 has huge functionality for taking photos and a stripped down functionality for video shooting. I would like to highlight the fast burst shooting of 7f / s, not bad frame bufferbuilt Shake Reduction Image Stabilizer, many fine-tuning and overall good image quality.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Pavka

 

 

Comments: 188, on the topic: Pentax K-5 review

  • anonym

    In general, I hardly understand - why compare cameras….
    WHAT IS THE GREAT DIFFERENCE ??? BAD PICTURES DO NOT HAPPEN !!!
    Take it off even with a shoebox! The main thing is photography! It touches the soul - then there is a result. Fuck all those tables!
    :)

  • Igor

    And here’s what happened in my store on K-5:
    http://yadi.sk/d/hivBghr0GrM7g. Noises, or what?

  • Serge

    Ladies and gentlemen! I have a question of this kind. The models of these Pentax K-30 cameras - 50 - 500, have a screwdriver .. ???

    • Michael

      >> Seryoga
      01.02.2014/16/11 at XNUMX:XNUMX Reply

      Ladies and gentlemen! I have a question of this kind. The models of these Pentax K-30 cameras - 50 - 500, have a screwdriver .. ???

      Serge, a screwdriver, pentax has lenses, and nothing else.

      • anonym

        Michael, thanks!

      • Sergei

        Hello!
        Tell me whether the Pentax K-5 II has an autofocus motor or not. I want to take the smc PENTAX FA 50mm f / 1.4. Will autofocus work or ...

        • Arkady Shapoval

          is.

          • Sergei

            Thanks! We will take it!

  • Vladimir

    Advise that it is better to take K-5 or K-30

    • anonym

      Definitely K-5 II. There are K-5 IIs in which there is no low-pass filter on the seigneur. The sharpness is higher in tests with s.

  • Vovka Good

    Speaking specifically, how it lies in the hand, then the D7000 afterwards does not fit into the hand at all! Using with a wrist strap, the hand easily finds a position in which all the controls conceived for the right hand are just “at hand”! For me personally, the D7000 does not have such a position of the hand, at least with a wrist strap, and if without it, then it will not work a little to relax the hand, because it does not lie down like a glove, which cannot be taken away from the pentax! and with a whale lens, it has already been 100% implemented. In general, I have enough complaints about Pentax, but after purchasing the D7000, thoughts of selling have left my head forever! If you have no desire or patience to explore the full potential of pentax, in no case buy it! And more importantly, the quality of every detail is at an incredible height! Very soundly and designed and implemented!

    • Mikhail Petrovich

      Totally agree with you! Especially in ergonomics. I have experience in using cameras from different brands. I would also introduce such a term - camera control. It should reflect the ability to configure the camera before turning it on - i.e. the ability to set the camera parameters without entering the menu, using external controls. Pentax is excellent in this respect. Back to ergonomics. Who would not say anything about “to each his own”, but there are irrefutable signs of ergonomics - grooves for the fingers at the release button, grooves on the right ledge “for the grip” also under the fingers, the size of the ledges, etc. So in this respect, Nikon cameras with a stubbornness worthy of better use, consistently hold the last place. If anyone had a chance to hold a Konica-Minolta Dynax 7D in their hands, then he held the standard of ergonomics and handling. The Canon 7D is also an ideal camera in this respect, and the Pentax 5 reviewed in this review is only slightly inferior to Canon due to its smaller dimensions. But it has better handling.

      • BB

        The concept of "case ergonomics" is very relative. Everyone's hands are different. I have a small brush size (as for a man's hand), and nevertheless, the younger Canon's do not lie in my hands - I don't like the shape of the body, I used Canon 60D a little - it's also not that, it is somehow “square”, not enough roundness of the handle. But Nikon D5100 / D3100 - lie well, there is a little lack of height, but at 5100 I almost immediately took a bat-block, and the problem went away. The D7100 is slightly worse in the hand, but noticeably better than the Canon 60D, 40D.
        As for the hollows under the fingers: when these same hollows do not coincide with your grip, then they only interfere, I came across this, therefore it is also debatable.

        As for the governing bodies, I agree: there are not many of them. But here His Majesty Marketing comes into play, and he cannot allow so many buttons on the younger cameras.
        I would also really like to be able to reassign all the buttons: for example, on the D5100 there is a very convenient fn button under the flash, on it I have an iso gallows. I took the D7100, and there is an unassignable bkt button under the flash, which I almost never use, and to set the iso you need to poke your finger in your nose. It would be great if you could reassign all the buttons for yourself.

      • R'RёS,R ° F "RёR№

        You are right, Michael. If you were holding Minolta in your hands, then I wanted to ask what is your feeling of the Sony A850? On my own I will say that the Pentax K30 is very good in terms of graspingness, and it is a pity that they did not continue this avant-garde design in other devices. The same RC could be much more convenient and better if it had a body from the K-30. Other firms are more conservative and not afraid of repetitions.

  • Jeanne

    Good afternoon. Interested in whether there are models K -5, 5ii. auto shooting mode? like in cameras for beginners?

  • Plitochnik77

    Shanovna Zhanna, є auto mode, if the camera itself is the same as the paramotor, also the program mode, if you select the value of the window or diaphragm, and use the camera to kill the camera. For auto mode є dodatkov_ prog. lіnії type sport і etc. Ale stinky zaritі far in the menu that way. The device for more about. lovers. Having picked up the camera, you will be victoriously vikoristovuvati priority diaphragm abo vitrimki and repeat hand (more often, with folding minds). I’m ready to vivchati camera and that will be happy for you)

  • Plitochnik77

    Yes, don’t buy KIT in a package, but buy a second-hand cheaper inexpensive Pentax SMC DA 50mm f / 1.8, it’s easy and easy to complete. KIT omnipotently finish shvidko sell and bagato spend on sales.

    • Murzik

      I do not agree about the CIT))
      Despite the fact that in my arsenal there were star zooms 28-70, 80-200 and limchik 77, I still keep my very first KIT 18-55 and sometimes use it when 18 mm is really needed.
      Looking for the use of similar kyanov and nikon KITs by my comrades, I can firmly state that there is another nice feature from pentax, their KITs are an order of magnitude higher than that of competitors. I consider one of the important advantages of the Pentax system.

      The first half of the year I went from 18-55, to the purchase of 77 lim. and made a lot of simple and wonderful shots on this simple staffer

      • Mikhail Petrovich

        You write “... Looking at the use of similar KITs kyanon and nikon by my comrades, I can firmly state that there is one more pleasant feature from Pentax, their KITs are an order of magnitude higher than those of competitors ...”. And you yourself are mistaken and you can mislead others. I'll tell you the following. First, there is no need to throw such definitions as “by the order of magnitude” - that is, 10 times! What do you have in mind? What is 10 times better specifically? Resolution? Bokeh character? Or something else? And I'm not from a friend's experience, but from my own experience (by the way, confirmed by tests of a serious site http://aflenses.net) I can say responsibly: the Nikkor 18-55 whale lens is better than the Pentax whale. And, to be more specific, Nikkor already with a fully open aperture of 3,5 gives a resolution that is achievable with a Pentax lens only when it is covered up to 8. I will not say anything about the Canon kit - I have not tested it.

      • R'RёS,R ° F "RёR№

        They started this tradition a long time ago in the 90s. Then all the magazines for testing amateur mirrors noted that even cheap whales at Pentax are not inferior in quality to semi-professional ones, one 28-70 / 4 is worth it, someone compared it with a watering can and Zeiss 28-70, so the first one was almost better! Only plastic housing. Over the years, they have not lost this quality status.

  • Jeanne

    Plitochnik77 Thank you. I decided to take the K-5ii body

  • Plitochnik77

    In the beginning, having bought a pre-owned Pentax K-5IIS used Pentax SMC DA 70mm f / 2.4 Limited. Nicholas, without thinking about the object, can add a “masterpiece)” button to the carcass. I can’t explain the emoticons. Yaksho Vi didn’t try him to know how much he knew. First of all, you will surely be the nobility in a bik collapse. I'm detecting virobla Pentax SMC FA 77mm f / 1.8 Limited, ale tsina (

  • Liao

    I do not agree with the author about the fact that PENTYX is not photographers doing (in terms of ergonomics). Often you have to use NIKON, CANON, PENTAX all SFs, after a week of friendship with CANON, it takes time to remember the nuances of friendship with NIKON and vice versa. But if you lift me up in the middle of the night and put PENTAX in your hands, after 5 seconds the camera will be configured for optimal shooting. In general, the author has great respect.

  • Anastasia

    All the good days!
    Tell me what zoom lens with FR in the range of 50-200 is suitable for K-5

    • Slavik

      Well, 50-200 is fine, there is one in the Pentax DA 50-200mm ED line, both with and without WR. Sigma has 50-200, there are 70-300 state employees ... yes there is a lot of things in these FRs.

  • Oleg

    “The Pentax K-5 can shoot at 7 frames per second. This is a very good indicator. Burst speed is almost as fast as Nikon D300s (with booster) and Canon 7D. "

    300k and without booster 7k / s. With booster 8 frames

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Fixed

  • Michael

    There used to be a canon 60d 18-135 whale, changed to k-5 also 18-135 whale. I don’t know, maybe because the first one was canon, or maybe it really is, but I liked ergonomics and grip much more in the 60s. Only one autofocus selection lever in K-5 is worth it, switch the hell, tight. But in terms of the quality of the photos themselves, Pentax definitely wins, although not by two heads. The k-5 color conveys as is. Are you shooting gray? You get gray. You shoot a juicy flower meadow, you get a juicy flower meadow. True, do not forget that here the lens is also important, and much more important. And since I didn’t have anything to do with whales 18-135, I can only say that this very lens is better with the K-5.

  • Eugene

    Here I am faced with the choice of either Nikon 7000, Canon 60d, or this unit that is used for sale for good money. I really like the Pentax colors, unlike Nikon.

    • Lynx

      take what you like ... both models are decent and on the same level, but if there is no connection to some other Nikon equipment, then sixty, in my opinion, is more interesting and practical.

    • Lynx

      Pentax is taken if “I lay down to my soul and in my hand too”.
      Especially considering the uncommonly wide selection of optics.

  • anonym

    Can someone tell me!
    Is it possible, with Pentax-K5, to see the number of triggering in EXIF
    shutter (frame count), such as Nikon?
    Or do you need a specific program for this?

  • anonym

    Found !
    Download instantly on any WIND system!
    http://photome.en.softonic.com/download

  • anonym

    It’s not true, Pentax’s choice of optics is very large, Soviet and imported lenses are suitable but they are completely suitable for manual mode, but the photos on them are excellent and, unlike modern ones, the lenses are cool. Well, this is something like driving a car with manual control or automation. You do everything yourself. For example, there are many cool lenses manufactured by Tamron, Vivitar series 1 made by Kimron and others. You just need to find your lens or their line.

    • Slavik

      Unfortunately, the Pentax's TV range is lame. I'm talking about affordable quality glass. Simply put, they are not. For example, if you set the task to buy a 300 or 400 mm autofocus telephoto for the Pentax, then on ebay, with rare exceptions, there is nothing. Sometimes appears on injapan.ru and then disappears (buy). Those. up to 200-300 with the presence of glasses, complete order, but further trouble. The same Sigma 150-500 HSM OS APO DG - for Canon and Nikon - I don’t want to take it, the price is affordable, moreover, we HAVE them, in Ukraine, in the secondary market (used). The same Bigma 50-500 is also there, for Nikon the price tag of a very good used is as much as $ 450. As a result, after many months of ordeals, I snatched the Pentax Sigma 400mm Tele Macro Apo DG through the second hands of the Japanese auction (not yet arrived). It's not a pity to give it here for a test either.

      For the rest, I repeat, with glasses a complete order (up to 200-300 mm). Only one inexpensive Tamron Profi series 70-200 / 2.8 is worth it.

      If I knew that I would get carried away with the TV range, I would now choose the D7000 - because of the AF and the real availability of telephoto cameras on sale both here and at Western auctions. As for the rest, including the picture and ergonomics, the Pentax does both Nikon and Canon.

      PS. I have K5-IIs.

  • Alexander

    Is it worth buying a Pentax K2015 + 5mm for $ 50 in 290 today. Shutter-70tis operating time.? For the same price there is almost a new Pentax KS-1 (kit). They write that the matrix in KS-1 is newer .... Is it really better to raise funds for Nikon 5200? I ask the opinion of experts - for a beginner For everyday life, a portrait and a little reportage. and also On the topic of development or stagnation of the budget series from Pentax.

  • Alexander

    Someone shot on the K-5 (f2,50mm lens)? Does focusing work reliably in comparison with Nikon 5200, for example, and is it better in comparison with Pentax KS-1)?
    Does a pentax stabilizer help out?
    Interested in a quick photo with a lack of light and preferably without a flash.

    Thank you for your opinion :)

  • Alexander

    Choosing a camera is a complicated process; - to whom a rotary screen is simply necessary, and who simply cannot imagine life without a touchscreen and bluetooth…. everyone has their own priorities. What are we arguing about? Matrix ONE on a dozen models, and processing is a secondary matter and a modern processor on a computer is ALWAYS capable of more than in a carcass. For me, the decisive factor in the choice can be the variety and quality, as well as the availability of optics. Pentax is no worse or better than others; - it occupies its OWN niche in the market and nothing more. Competitors will not allow to simply release a camera for sale cheaper and better than others. Stab in the chamber - good; - is he reliable? If the stub fails in the lens, the problem is not visible; - in three seconds changed to another and continued to work. But the refusal of the stub in the carcass ... ... is associated with much greater problems. There are not many differences in ergonomics either; - a small carcass is ALWAYS worse in the hand. And in general ... do not forget that the quality of the photo primarily determines the presence and quality of LIGHT, and the rest is all secondary. In poor light, NO camera, even with the most expensive lens, will give a good photo.

  • Alex

    I bought a K-3. Briefly, what I liked and what not.
    Pros.
    silent shutter
    -HDR
    -Excellent car BB
    -details

    Cons
    -the color is not the same as that of K-5, the other is completely, for the sake of color I love Pentax
    -so I could not understand whether there is a stub or not -
    - lubricants ... at any shutter speed below 1/100 from the hands ... it's not 16MP, so micro-lubricants are used
    -Auto ISO is not in all modes

    I did not like the camera. Color rendering and a real lack of stub. I will sell and buy K-5s ii

    • Dmitriy

      For Alex.
      Pentax K-3 determines the white balance well, but the color rendition is poor ...
      Is it like pale, faded? I do not understand. There is an 86 kilopixel sensor, this is cool, and the net is full of pictures with amazing color reproduction, but in reality, is that not so?

  • Sergei

    I bought a photo sleeve from one person, they got into a conversation, he said that he had changed Nikon to Pentax, now he has 645 and K-5, I asked him why he changed it, he said that before the Pentax transfer of color, Nikon was like a snail with cancer before moons ... that's it.

    • Yarkiya

      Another seeker of masterpiece skintones and shades. When will you calm down?

      • Arkady

        and I have the same opinion, the colors of the D700 are dirty, I’m shooting on the K-5 II

        • Valery A.

          The 16 megapixel Sony matrix in addition to several pentaxes is in 4 sony and in two nikon (5100 and 7000), but only in the pentax gives a super color?

          • anonym

            Matrix binding plays a major role.

            • Yarkiya

              The main role is played by the photographer.

              • anonym

                This is an exaggeration. The tool is equally important. For some reason, Paganini played the Guarneri violin, and not those made at the furniture factory.

              • R'RёS,R ° F "RёR№

                Straight arms, that's great! But forward the engine does not run away)))

              • NE

                Pentax never had, but ceteris paribus 5100 vs d800 (I have both) initially gives a more pleasant and natural in my sensations colors. Moreover, interestingly, in d800 the color is just more correct. And here, by the way, another question is this: the review says that the same sensor is in Fujifilm x-pro1 (and many more in which cameras). But how can this be, if, in particular, x-pro1 is equipped with an X-Trans matrix of its own production?

  • VYACHESLAV

    BOUGHT A LOOKING Pentax K-5 BODY ... THERE IS 50 \ 1.8 135 \ 3.5 FROM ZENIT IS IT NECESSARY TO BUY WHALE? HAVE AN OFFER TO BUY 1 Lens SMC Pentax DA 18-55mm
    2 Lens SMC Pentax DA L 50-200mm ED FOR 200 USD ...

  • VYACHESLAV

    FOR BOTH LENS 200 US

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