Photokina 2012: Pentax Unveils New Flagship K-5 II & K-5 IIs Digital SLRs

SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

By Dan Havlik

Ahead of next week's photokina imaging show in Germany, Pentax unveiled its latest flagship digital SLRs: the Pentax K-5 II and K-5 IIs. Both DSLRs use 16.3-megapixel APS-C size (23.7mm by 15.7mm) image sensors and feature dustproof, weather-resistant and cold-resistant camera bodies.

The major difference between the two models is the K-5 IIs has no anti-aliasing filter, which, ostensibly, should produce sharper images while being more susceptible to moiré.

The Pentax K5 II will go on sell for $1,199.95, K5 II (body only); and the K5 IIs will sell for $1,299.95 K5 IIs (body only). They will ship in October 2012.

The two models use a new SAFOX X AF sensor, which Pentax says delivers “the broadest autofocusing EV range (-3 EV to +18 EV) in its class.” The Pentax K-5 II/K-5 IIs has a compact but robust camera body made with a stainless steel chassis and a magnesium alloy exterior; along with 77 weather seals for locking out water and shooting in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C).

The camera has a top shutter speed of 1/8000th of a second with the shutter capable of withstanding up to 100,000 releases.

The Pentax K-5 II/K-5 IIs is powered by the PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II imaging engine, and can shoot from ISO 80 to ISO 51200 in expanded mode. Continuous shooting modes let you capture bursts of up to seven frames per second.

The cameras have Pentax’s built-in SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which combats camera shake by approximately three shutter steps to reduce image blur. They also add two new image effects: Cross Process and Bleach Bypass, to tweak your photos in-camera.

Like most DSLRs these days, the Pentax K-5 11/K-5 IIs can shoot 1080p HD video at 25fps, with sound via a built-in microphone or from an external mic attached to the 3.5mm stereo microphone jack. Other features include in-camera HDR; a built-in electronic level with tilt scale display; and an HDMI port.

Below are the top-line specs for the Pentax K-5 II/K-5 IIs and below that is the official press release.

Pentax K-5 II/IIs Key Features

• High resolution 16.3 megapixel CMOS sensor with integrated AD conversion circuitry.
• High sensitivity 80-51200 ISO range with excellent noise performance.
• Air-gap-free, scratch resistant, 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dots of resolution.
• PENTAX body-based Shake Reduction (SR) stabilization system.
• Fully weather sealed and coldproof design.
• Durable magnesium alloy covers surround a rugged stainless steel chassis.
• Speedy 7 FPS captures fast action shots.
• Widescreen 1080p HD video at 25 FPS, with sound via built-in or external 3.5mm stereo microphone jack.
• Highly accurate 77 segment metering system.
• Pentaprism viewfinder with 100% field of view and 0.92X magnification.
• A maximum 1/8000 second shutter speed.
• HDMI port outputs high definition images, video and sound.
• Native support for both PENTAX PEF and Adobe DNG 14 bit RAW files.
• In-camera HDR image capture.
• A wide range of in-camera image processing and special effects filters.
• Customizable RAW/Fx button.
• Built-in electronic level with tilt scale display.
• SDXC memory card compatibility.

 

PRESS RELEASE

PENTAX Introduces New K-5 II & K-5 IIs DSLR Cameras

Versatile cameras feature newly developed AF sensor for stellar performance in low-light conditions, as well as high quality CMOS sensor, LCD monitor

Denver, CO (September 10, 2012) – PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION today announced the introduction of its PENTAX K-5 II and K-5 IIs flagship digital SLR cameras, designed to advance the company’s well-received K-5 camera, which launched in October 2010. These new dustproof, weather-resistant and cold-resistant cameras include a newly developed SAFOX X AF sensor that delivers the broadest autofocusing EV range (-3 EV to +18 EV) in its class. In addition, the PENTAX K-5 IIs is offered without an anti-aliasing filter, making it the perfect solution for photographers who practice commercial and studio photography where camera settings, lens selection, lighting, and other shooting conditions are controlled.

The new PENTAX K-5 II / K-5 IIs offer a compact, solid body that delivers high quality image reproduction, especially when working in low light conditions. The camera’s new, highly sensitive AF sensor enables photographers to work with a luminous flux based on F2.8 levels in addition to F5.6, which increases the AF accuracy when using fast lenses. The AF sensor also includes an upgraded AF algorithm as well as the Select-Area Expansion feature, which automatically tracks the subject when it deviates from a pre-assigned selection point, by assessing data from neighboring sensors.

“The new K-5 II and K-5 IIs deliver an extensive range of photographic possibilities for the resolution-conscious photographer in all of us. As a successor to our popular K-5 camera, these new models offer upgraded features designed to produce superb image quality, including the new AF sensor which is especially useful for photographers working in low light conditions,” said John Carlson, Sr. Manager of Sales and Marketing, PENTAX.

Major features include:

High resolution CMOS sensor for true-to-life images with minimal noise
With its large sensor measuring 23.7mm by 15.7mm with approximately 16.28 effective megapixels, the K-5 II’s latest-generation CMOS image sensor ensures high-speed image data readout. By coupling the sensor with the PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II imaging engine, the K-5 II delivers super high resolution, rich gradation digital images free of digital noise over a wide sensitivity range – from ISO 100 to ISO 12800 in the standard setting, or from ISO 80 to ISO 51200 when expanded via a custom function.

High quality LCD monitor with outstanding visibility outdoors
The K-5 II includes a 3.0 inch, wide-view, air-gap-free LCD display with approximately 921,000 dots for excellent visibility when outdoors. Situated between the front glass panel (which is coated with an anti-glare film) and the LCD screen is a unique resin layer that alleviates the reflection and dispersion of light to effectively prevent ghost images and maintain image brightness. The LCD cover is also made of tempered glass to keep it free of scratches and abrasions.