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Pentax K-5 : Specifications and Opinions

Pentax K-5

The Pentax K-5 is a reflex camera with APS-C (1.5x) sensor and 16.3 megapixels manufactured from 2010 to 2012 (discontinued). The range of sensitivities, including ISO extension, is 80 - 51200 ISO and it has a continuous shooting (burst mode) of 7 FPS x 15 RAW / 40 JPEG. The average price was 1000 €;

87 users have given it an average vote of 9.6 out of 10

Sensor
Format	APS-C, 23.5 x 15.7 mm (image ratio 3:2, crop factor 1.5x in comparison with FF)
Resolution	16.3 megapixel (pixel pitch 4.77 μm)
ISO sensitivities	80 - 51200
File formats	RAW, JPEG
Esposure
Shutter speeds	30" - 1/8000
Exp. compensation	+/- 5 stops at 1/2 steps
Exp. modes	P, S, A, M, scene
Metering modes	Multi-Area, Semi-Spot, Spot
Features
Mount	Pentax K (click here to view all compatible lenses)
Stabilization	Yes
Autofocus (AF areas)	11
Continuos shooting	7 FPS x 15 RAW / 40 JPEG
Pre-Burst	No
Live View	Yes
MLU/SS	No
Video mode	1920x1080p @ 25 FPS
WiFi	No
GPS	No
Camera body and built
Touchscreen	No
LCD	3.0", 640 x 480 pixels, fixed
Viewfinder	Optical, coverage 100%, 0.92x
Flash	Yes, guide number 13 meters
Storage	SD, SDHC, SDXC
Storage, Slot 2	not available
Battery	Pentax D-LI90, 13.39 Wh
Weather sealing	Yes
Weight	740 g
Dimensions	131 x 97 x 73 mm
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Reviews

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The following opinions have been automatically translated with Google Translate.

Matteo_Mighi

sent on September 22, 2025

Pros: Sensor quality, tropicalization, ergonomics, high iso sealing

Cons: None for me, maybe af in low light

Opinion: Since January 2025 I have sold my used k7 for exactly 12 years and after having squeezed it properly I needed an upgrade that I considered sensible for my photographic style since the only defect of the k7 was the tightness at high iso the eye fell on the k5 of course, from January to today I am practically having fun with it and I have already taken like 3 thousand photos, The photos I put speak for themselves I don't think anything else is needed, the Pentax K5 in my opinion still has its reason today, maybe with good lenses it still offers a more than decent quality, and if you know how to squeeze it properly you will get great satisfaction, absolutely recommended

user142859

sent on January 29, 2020

Pros: pro: tropicalized, compact, robust, perfect ergonomics, stabilized sensor

Cons: cons: undervalued brand in the Italian market

Opinion: I've been using it for more than two years so I feel Like I can do an objective review. Exceptional body, robust and compact. The ergonomics are perfect and the keys are placed in the right places. The double dial for time control and diaphragms is of absurd comfort. Even the keys with programmable functionality allow me to toggle the functions in a moment without having to go through the menus. Modicity-rich modes, including B-pose, synchro X, five-mode customizable P mode, S priority (sensitivity),T,A,TA (time and open), 5 customizable user modes. For example, I made a custom way to use the easel where: disable the stabilizer, activate the remote click, the three-second delay and the mirror raised with priority to the diaphragms, the electronic bubble and the automatic alignment of the horizon line. Basically with half a turn of the wheel of the ways I have the machine configured to be used on the stand without the worry of setting all the parameters. The sensor is stabilized and works with any optics. If the lens is too old and does not communicate its focal length the machine will let you enter the length and the stabilizer will work even on lenses of the 80s. Compatibility is guaranteed with all lenses from those with M42 attachment to those recently released. The sensor is 16.2 megapixel "alone" but has a dynamic range, a shadow recovery capability and a surprising high iso resistance. Let us not forget that we are talking about a machine ten years ago. Comparing the results to the same iso I can assure you that it has nothing to envy to more modern sensors. 16.2 megapixels are enough and advance to make prints 60 to 40 or even 90 to 60 with the advantage of having less bulky and less heavy files to develop. Your PC, your HD and your doorholder will thank you. PS: Do you have any idea about the quality of the lenses and the cost of buying lenses that can solve sensors of 24 or more megapixels? trust let alone, a nice photo does not make the number of pixels

Luca De To

sent on January 17, 2020

Pros: Compactness, ergonomics, high ISO yield, chromatic yield, tropicalized, sensor stabilizer, reliability.

Cons: I'm aiming a little small, selling it...

Opinion: I say that I love the brand, both for emotional reasons and for philosophy (a few machines each in its band). Previous reviews have already said it all, mine is just a statement of affection for the years that accompanied me with great satisfaction. I had various optics, zooms, fixed and old Pentax optics, always found divinely. I sold it for a high-end compact, but I miss it a lot. Ah, if only Pentax decided to do a mirrorless...

Leopoldo Lusa

sent on October 24, 2019

Pros: Ergonomics, practicality of use, robustness, waterproofness, cleaning and tightness of high iso rows, in-room stabilisation

Cons: Autofocus speeds compared to the competition, lack of autofocus in movies

Opinion: It is a great machine and even today, 9 years after its release, a valid tool to obtain quality photos. In his day, he also gave points to more eplano-like models. Today the 16 mpx are considered a few, but for an aps-c there is already a lot of stuff, especially using the RAW, and cleaning the file up to 1600 iso does not make you regret major resolutions. I, like other commentators, come from decades of experience with Pentax, with the fabulous MX and LX, THIS LAST MITIC DIREI. I keep them jealously, with some optics that you can safely use on the K5. Although I have lately opted for the lightness and compactness of Sony A 7rii and A 6000, on which I also use PENTAX optics, when the uses become "hard" I have no doubt about the hold of the K5, a small "tank".

Maurizio85

sent on May 05, 2019

Pros: Almost perfect tool.

Cons: No one for the price range to which it belonged.

Opinion: I bought it new several years ago when it was already out of production, replaced by K5II. Every time I use it gives me great satisfaction both on the physical level of the "riding" and in the quality of image it returns. I own and I have owned many SLR cameras and not, of almost all the main brands, with which I have always managed to bring home images that have given me pleasure over the decades spent by passionate amateur photographer. But the "physical" pleasure that I get from this machine I only try it when I still use my old and glorious Pentax MX that I have for almost 40 years now. I partially agree on the autofocus speech about the only two sibling machines of the time (Canon 7D and Nikon D300) but they cost both several hundred euros more and did not have the exceptional performance/price ratio of the K5. I conclude with a wish of good light to all fans of this wonderful hobby.

There are 11 more reviews. Show all »

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The sample photos are selected automatically between all photos posted by JuzaPhoto members, using the camera and the lens selected in the techs. If you find evident errors (e.g. photos taken with cameras and lenses that are not available yet), you can contribute to improve the page by sending a private message to the user that has entered incorrect values in the photo caption.

Reviews » Cameras » Cameras Pentax » Pentax K-5

Pentax K-5 : Specifications and Opinions

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Reviews

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Photos taken with Pentax K-5