Pentax K-5 Summary

The Pentax K-5 is an upgraded K-7 which slips past it as the most feature-rich digital SLR made to date, adding a second axis to the digital-level and featuring a more advanced image sensor. Its 16 megapixels sensor provides an ISO sensitivity range of 80 to 51200, 7 FPS continuous shooting and 1080p HD video. The unique automatic horizon-correction is now shared between the K-5 and K-7 as well as plenty of features which help photographers take better pictures: 100% coverage viewfinder, built-in digital-level, white-balance preview and more. The K-5 also features built-in image stabilization in a freeze-proof weather-sealed body, giving it class-leading environmental protection.

In terms of performance, there is nearly nothing to fault the Pentax K-5. It shows extremely low image-noise with good retention of details, great dynamic range, good color accuracy, good metering and a reliable autofocus system. Automatic white-balance could surely be better and certain aspects of speed could be improved but neither is a major issue. The closest competitor to the K-5 is actually the Pentax K-7
Pentax K-7. Given that it costs at least 30% less and the only major change is high-ISO performance, the K-7 is an excellent value. The next closest is the soon-to-be-available Olympus E-5
Olympus E-5, which is a Four-Thirds DSLR with built-in stabilization and 100% coverage viewfinder in a weather-sealed body.

Trading built-in stabilization for lens-stabilization, two more cameras can be considered against the K-5: the Canon EOS 7D
Canon EOS 7D and the Nikon D300S
Nikon D300S. Neither of these has the ISO range or horizon correction of the K-5 but they feature sophisticated focus-systems that are very useful for tracking moving subjects. A level down from the K-5 is the Nikon D7000
Nikon D7000 which features a similar 16 megapixels sensor, a 100% coverage viewfinder, full 1080p HD video recording but not built-in stabilization or a weather-sealed body. Still, those not worried about the elements can take a look, potentially saving several hundred dollars.

Neocamera detailed review Read the full Pentax K-5 review here.