Pentax K-5 review

Value & Verdict

Pentax K-5 review - Value

For £1180 the K-5 offers a whole lot for the money. Weather-sealing and super-fast continuous burst options aren't going to be easily found elsewhere at this price point. However, both the Canon 60D (£920 with 18-55mm kit lens) and Nikon D7000 (£1160 with 18-105mm) are, at the time of writing, more affordable purchase options, and both options have either faster or more complex focusing systems, so it's still a bit of a shame that Pentax hasn't broken considerable new ground in this area.

Weighing up everything that's featured for the cash and this camera is still a very attractive purchase option with a variety of unique features that will certainly appeal. Whether K-7 users will see an immediate need to upgrade is questionable however, given that the bulk of underlying construction and features is relatively similar.

Pentax K-5 review - Verdict

Pentax K-5 product image front on

At first glance the K-5 may seem a lot like the K-7. While, in some respects, this is true, it's actually a camera that delivers quite a lot more. Image quality is stunning through a large portion of the ISO range and some of the unique features such as Auto Level Compensation really do add extra value. The fully weather sealed body and WR lenses make for robust use and the 7fps bust mode is great to have. The K-5's autofocus is the best yet, though we're still waiting for that truly next generation system to grace a Pentax camera. And while the K-5 may offer 1080p HD video, it's still some distance behind the competition - something that stills traditionalists are unlikely to be too fussed about. Apart from this and the limitations of an 18-55mm kit lens (we suggest you pick the more expensive 18-135mm kit), the K-5 has bags to offer, is generally good value and arguably the very best digital Pentax camera we've ever seen.

Lens Reviews

Price as reviewed

: £1,180.00

Scores

Design	17/20
Image Quality	18/20
Performance	18/20
Value	18/20
Features	19/20
Overall Score	90%

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Have your say!

Latest comments

January 24 16:52

jerrymouse

= 1.01), try it.

January 24 17:09

ML

Nope, v1.02 firmware. From here: http://www.pentax.co.uk/en/digital-slr/downloads/pentax-k5.html

January 24 17:55

Simon Thorogood

Great review. I bought the K-5 as soon as it was released after I saw the high iso performance. It is quite simply a wonderful camera that handles brilliantly and is less bulky than its competitors. I bought some older pentax lenses which really help get the most from the sensor - highly recommended! Menu system is easy to use, and features like sensitivity priority mode and the ability to configure level of noise reduction to specific iso values, are fantastic. This is my first Pentax having always been a Canon owner so was very careful when choosing this camera.

January 25 11:48

Mystic

regarding Continuous shooting buffer size in raw, firmware updare, makes it much bigger. Try it, and edit the review.

February 04 14:10

JAD

An excellent and thorough review. I shall not be defecting away from my favourite brand (Pentax) now and will go and buy one next month but keep my K20D too!

February 07 23:30

IE

Hi Simon, I'm also ready to throw my lot in with Pentax K5. Just curious what older lenses did you find - and first impressions with them. I wanted a better (more reach)standard walk around lens than the 18-55. 18-135 seems tempting but expensive for me - and early opinions suggest expensive even for what it is. It's the kind of range I'd be interested in, and don't mind turning to older lenses. COmments from any other older Pentax users also welcome. Thanks

February 23 22:24

P Elliott

Hi. I'm also interested in top quality older lenses for a K-5. Manual focus etc ok, even preferred. Any suggestions

February 28 10:35

BobL

Great review, thanks

March 09 14:14

Dutch Pentaxian

The 18-135 works fine on my K5, I bought it as cashback package in december. Not quit as sharp as the 18-250 which I sold with my K20, but decent performance. I have used it in rain and snow, perfect, as long as you give your equipment some time to adjust to large changes in temperature.

March 29 11:05

john

not all that good is it. the 645D is the one for me.

April 27 16:19

Neil

I'm seriously looking at the K5 after using a K-M for a couple of years now. Street prices are around Â£900 now, so even better value! Great review, very informative, and my range of lenses that I've built up will all fit! BONUS! Oh, and the comment about the 645D.....that is around Â£7000-Â£8000 more expensive than the K5, so I'd expect it to be quite a lot better!!!!

July 15 17:53

Adrian

"not all that good is it. the 645D is the one for me." Eh? WDC gave it a Gold Award and commented: ".. the K-5 has bags to offer, is generally good value and arguably the very best digital Pentax camera we've ever seen"

August 23 19:18

John

Hi all, I am completely new to Pentax digital, but I have some old lenses from many years back, I have among others a Pentax-M 85mm f2 can any one tell me which Pentax DSLR (if any) can communicate with M lenses, thanks.

September 09 18:53

Simon

All Pentax DSLRs can use the K Mount M lenses, but only in manual mode. I wouldn't buy a Pentax DSLR just because you have some older lenses, the overall quality is comprimised and is no where near as good as the later "digital" lenses (with a couple of exceptions). In the long run it will be cheaper to buy the system you want now ignoring your old lenses unless they are special - I learnt the hard way!

December 26 21:05

joe ellis

im looking for a reasonably priced camera for motorbike racing, would k5 be good for the job ?

January 21 10:52

tom jones

disappointed can,t use ftz500 flash oruse internal flash with flssh on hotshoe

February 24 22:55

Clive

I disagree with Simon, exceptionally fine reults can be obtained with the older lenses, even the screwmount with the Adaptor fitted, Better to use SMC coated lenses though. I have tried both the new and old, I get similiar results with both, you just have to take a bit more time and rely on your photographic prowess and not on technology. M series Prime lenses certainly outperform the kit lenses!

July 15 10:20

Andrew

I have to agree with Clive, Simon is way off the mark. I have used 6 different manaul lenses with my Pentax DSLRs and the results are superb. The only difference I have found is that you have to rely on your ability as a photographer rather than the camera!