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Pentax K-5-2011

1. Customizable RAW/Fx Button: The GH2 can use SD, SDHC and the new fast high-capacity SDXC memory cards. 2. SDXC-Compliant: A large, right, 1,440,000-dot Live (electronic) viewfinder provides convenient eye-level viewing for both still and video shooting. 3. 100% Viewfinder: The eye-level pentaprism viewfinder shows approximately 100% of the actual image area at 0.92X magnification (with 50mm lens).

Pentax K-5

LIST PRICE: $1,599
(body only)

NEW 16.3-MEGAPIXEL SENSOR: The GH2 is the highest-resolution Micro Four Thirds camera as of this writing, with a new 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor (18.31 megapixels gross). High-speed digital processing speeds operation and reduces noise.

FULL HD VIDEO: A new APS-C-format, 16.3-megapixel CMOS sensor gives the K-5 the highest pixel count of any Pentax DSLR. That sensor, the PRIME II imaging engine and 14-bit RAW files (in your choice of Pentax’s proprietary PEF or Adobe’s universal DNG flavor) account for improved image quality and ISOs up to 51,200 (normal ISO range is 100-12,800).

IN-CAMERA HDR: In HDR Capture mode, the K-5 shoots frames that are +3, 0 and -3 EV around normal, then blends the best of each into a high-dynamic-range image with detail from highlight through shadow. There are five blend settings, and pixel alignment permits doing HDR shots handheld.

AUTO LENS CORRECTIONS: When Pentax DA-series lenses (or FA Limited lenses) are used, the camera automatically corrects distortion and chromatic aberrations.

The new K-5 replaces the K-7 at the top of the Pentax DSLR lineup. It features the same basic compact and weatherproof body, but with a higher-resolution sensor, faster operation, full HD video and additional features. While aimed at advanced amateur photographers, the K-5 has a feature set and performance suitable for pros, too. A newly improved 11-point SAFOX IX+ AF system incorporates a light wavelength sensor for added accuracy, while 77-segment metering complements center-weighted and spot modes. The K-5 can shoot up to 8 RAW or 22 JPEG images at 7 fps, the fastest ever for a Pentax DSLR.

Like all current Pentax DSLRs, the K-5 provides sensor-shift image stabilization to counter camera shake, a useful feature for those who shoot handheld. Because it’s in the camera body, sensor-shift shake reduction works with any lens you attach to the camera (but sensor-shift stabilization stabilizes only the recorded image, not the viewfinder image). Sensor-module-vibration dust reduction is also provided.

All Pentax DSLRs can use just about all Pentax lenses, including (via adapter) medium-format and old screw-mount optics. Only AF lenses will provide autofocusing, and current SDM lenses provide the best performance. But this gives the K-5 user access to a wide range of focal lengths—old manual-focus Pentax M-series 2000mm mirror lenses are available on the used market.

STANDOUT FEATURE: The K-5’s compact and rugged body features a stainless-steel chassis covered with a durable magnesium alloy and employs 77 seals. It’s dustproof and weather-resistant, and can be used in temperatures as low as 14° F (-10° C).
VERDICT: The K-5 has the features to compete in its tough price category—an excellent option for both advanced amateurs and pros.

Pentax K-r
Introduced shortly before the K-5, the K-r is a slightly smaller 12.4-megapixel model with ISOs to 25,600, full HD video, 6 fps shooting and the same 3.0-inch, 921,000-dot LCD, but no weatherproofing. List Price: $799 (body only).

Pentax K-7
The 14.6-megapixel K-7 features essentially the same body and many of the same features as the K-5 for less cash. Video tops out at an unusual 1536x1024/30p, ISOs at 6400 and 5.2 fps drive rate. List Price: $1,099 (body only).