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Pentax K-5 review
The K-5 inherits the exceptional reliability, user-friendly operation,
array of advanced features and compact, lightweight body of its
predecessor, the highly acclaimed K-7, yet is more resourceful and flexible
in photographic expression. The K-5 features a new 16.28 megapixel sensor,
and has a wide sensitivity range from ISO 80 to 51200 (when expanded via a
custom function). With a much faster autofocusing speed, an upgraded HDR
(High Dynamic Range) function that is now usable in handheld shooting and
full HD-proportion movie recording at 1920 x 1080 pixels, the K-5 is
designed to be more functional and maneuverable in every detail, and more
capable of responding to the discriminating demands of advanced
photographers.
The K-5 incorporates a newly designed 16.28 megapixel CMOS sensor which
assures high-speed image data readout. Combined with the reliable PRIME II
Imaging Engine, the K-5 produces high-resolution, rich-gradation digital
images while suppressing digital noise to a minimum. It offers a wide
sensitivity range, from ISO 100 to 12800, which can be expanded to ISO 80
to 51200 via a custom function.
The sophisticated new-generation, wide-frame SAFOX IX+ autofocus system
with 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the
middle) has completely redesigned optics and uses the light source in its
calculations to improve the accuracy of autofocus operation. It offers a
choice of 3 shutter-release options allowing the photographer to choose the
best option for their subject. Thanks to the new image sensor and a more
sophisticated algorithm, the K-5’s Contrast AF mode assures better
performance and greater focusing speed than before during Live View
shooting. With the addition of a Golden Section display, the K-5 offers a
choice of three different grid patterns to facilitate image composition.
The K-5’s high-speed continuous shooting mode records as many as 30
images (in JPEG format) in a single sequence at a maximum speed of
approximately seven images per second, allowing the photographer to shoot
sharp, crisp images of active, fast-moving subjects with great ease.
Despite its compact dimensions, the K-5 is exceptionally solid and durable,
with a body made of sturdy, yet lightweight magnesium alloy, and a chassis
of highly rigid cold rolled stainless steel. Thanks to the inclusion of 77
special seals in the body, it also boasts a dustproof, weather-resistant
and cold-resistant construction, assuring reliable operation, even in harsh
environments and at temperatures as low as -10°C.
The K-5 pentaprism finder with nearly 100% field of view and approximately
0.92-times magnification (with a 50mm F1.4 lens at infinity), provides a
better view of the image field and improves the accuracy and speed of
focusing and image composition. The renowned Natural-Bright-Matte focusing
screen assists with manual-focus operation.
The PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism effectively compensates
the adverse effect of camera shake by as much as four shutter steps,
assuring sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions.
This innovative mechanism is compatible with almost all existing PENTAX
interchangeable SLR lenses – both old and new. The K-5 also features an
auto level compensation function to assure effortless adjustment of
horizontal alignment, and a composition adjustment function to
automatically compensate for the camera’s inclination during handheld
shooting – vertically, horizontally, and in the direction of rotation.
The K-5 captures beautiful, true-to-life movie clips in 16:9 Full HD
proportions at a frame rate of 25 frames per second. This extends many the
benefits of high-quality SLR photography to the world of movie shooting.
For instance, reduce the depth of field to make a subject stand out, or use
different interchangeable lenses to create distinctive visual effects.
Innovative image-processing functions to produce distinctive photographic
expressions Custom image function The K-5 offers a choice of nine custom
image modes, which allows you to easily select a desired finishing touch
for a particular image. Versatile digital filter function The digital
filter function allows you to process recorded images in a variety of
creative ways to produce highly creative visual expressions without the
need of a computer. You not only have a choice of 18 different filters, but
can also apply different filters one after another to a single image to
create more visual effects. Cross process modes The unique cross process
mode, in which the camera automatically shifts photographic parameters for
each exposure, creates eye-catching images with unique, dramatic colours -
just like pictures treated with the cross process in film photography.
Upgraded HDR (High Dynamic Range) function The HDR (high dynamic range)
function creates one composite image with an extra- wide gradation range
from three images with different exposures, without the need of a computer
application. It offers a choice of auto, standard and expanded (at three
levels) modes to accommodate different creative effects. Thanks to the
introduction of Auto Align function, you can now take advantage of this
creative tool even with handheld shooting. In Camera RAW processing to JPEG
or TIFF format images The K-5 features in-camera RAW processing to JPEG or
TIFF-format images with full adjustment of image parameters such as custom
picture style, white balance, sensitivity, high ISO noise reduction, lens
distortion and colour space.
Custom image function The K-5 offers a choice of nine custom image modes,
which allows you to easily select a desired finishing touch for a
particular image.
Versatile digital filter function The digital filter function allows you to
process recorded images in a variety of creative ways to produce highly
creative visual expressions without the need of a computer. You not only
have a choice of 18 different filters, but can also apply different filters
one after another to a single image to create more visual effects.
Cross process modes The unique cross process mode, in which the camera
automatically shifts photographic parameters for each exposure, creates
eye-catching images with unique, dramatic colours - just like pictures
treated with the cross process in film photography.
Upgraded HDR (High Dynamic Range) function The HDR (high dynamic range)
function creates one composite image with an extra- wide gradation range
from three images with different exposures, without the need of a computer
application. It offers a choice of auto, standard and expanded (at three
levels) modes to accommodate different creative effects. Thanks to the
introduction of Auto Align function, you can now take advantage of this
creative tool even with handheld shooting.
In Camera RAW processing to JPEG or TIFF format images The K-5 features
in-camera RAW processing to JPEG or TIFF-format images with full adjustment
of image parameters such as custom picture style, white balance,
sensitivity, high ISO noise reduction, lens distortion and colour space.
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