Pentax has announced the latest DSLR addition to its range, in the shape of the flagship Pentax K-5.
The Pentax K-5 is based on the rugged K-7 model, borrowing the tough and weather-proofed construction – but raises the features bar yet further to sit at the top of the Pentax DSLR tree. With a newly designed and high resolution 16.3 megapixel APS-C sized sensor, the Prime II image engine is capable of producing stills from ISO 80 to a rather staggering ISO 51,200. Full HD movie capture now also features, with the native 1920x1080p resolution captured at 25 frames per second for top-quality results and stills shooting benefits from continuous shooting up to seven frames per second.
The rear LCD of the Pentax K-5 is a 920k-dot resolution, and the optical viewfinder has a full 100% field of view with 0.92x magnification – the same standard as per the K-7 model. The live view mode benefits from the new sensor design as well as optimised contrast-detect AF for faster focusing than before.
The 11-point SAFOX IX+ autofocus system, as found in the newly released K-r, is faster and more accurate than previous generations.
Image capture and processing sees an abundance of options too: from the HDR mode through to digital filters, cross-processing and custom image function.
In addition a brand new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 WR (weather resistant) lens is also announced. The K-5 will be available mid-October with three kit options: with the 18-55mm WR for £1200; with the 18-55mm WR & 50-200mm WR for £1300; or with the new 18-135mm WR for £1700.