Pentax K-5 Features
Introduction
It's a bit confusing: the Pentax K-5 is the next generation of the Pentax K-7...although you really can't tell that by its number.
As most digital SLR camera models advance, the number associated with them increases, but in this case Pentax decided to switch things up a bit.
Model numbers aside, the Pentax K-5 is a very capable digital SLR.
Its primary claim to fame is that - at the time of its release - the Pentax K-5 boasts the highest ISO setting of any available digital SLR: a whopping 51200.
While I'm pretty sure the image noise at this setting is pretty bad, it's still an impressive number — especially when you consider that 1600 was considered a very high ISO not all that long ago.
In addition to the enhanced ISO range, you also get built-in image stabilization, Full HD 1080p movie mode, a High Dynamic Range (HDR) setting and art filters to add creative effects to your photos.
Feature List
| Megapixels | 16.3 |
|---|---|
| Stabilization | Built In |
| Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Max. Shutter Speed | 1/8000 |
| Max. Photo Capture | 7 per second |
| ISO Range | 50 to 51200 |
| Movie Modes | Motion JPEG 1960x1080p 1280x720 640 x 480 |
| LCD | Fixed 3in (921,000 dots) |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism (100% coverage) |
| Autofocus | 11 point |
| Face Detect AF | No |
| Sensor Dimensions | 23.6 x 15.8 (1.5x crop factor) |
| HDMI Port | Yes |
| Live View | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | Yes (Sync: 1/180) |
| Compatible Lenses | All Pentax K Mount |
| Battery | D-LI90 LiIon |
| Dimensions | 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.9in 131 x 97 x 73mm |
| Weight | 22oz (750g) |
New and Notable
What can you do with the Pentax K-5? Quite a lot actually.
If your passion is low-light hand-held photography, then this camera really should be one of the options on your list.
With an ISO that can be set as high as 51200 and built-in image stabilization that works with every Pentax lens ever made, you'll get clear shots even in extremely dim lighting.
Have a need for speed? The K-5 can help you out there too: it has been outfitted with a brand new ultra-fast 11 point autofocus system, a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000th of a second, and it can capture images in bursts at a rate of 7 per second.
That's fine if you want to take stills of fast-moving subjects. If you prefer full-motion video, you can turn to the Full HD 1080p movie mode which runs at 25 frames per second - more like a film camera than a standard video camera.
Landscape and nature photographers can take advantage of the K-5's weather-sealed body (which also resists very cold temperatures) and can create dramatic images using the in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) setting which stitches multiple exposures together into one shot.
If you have a tough time keeping your horizon lines level (I sure do) then you can make use of the electronic level and tilt display included in the viewfinder.
So there you have it: regardless of the types of photos you want to take, the Pentax K-5 should have a feature or setting to help you.
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