Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs: 10 things you need to know

In the new Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs, Pentax has made a few subtle, but important upgrades on its premium DSLR, the K-5. The public have just had their first view of the K-5 II and K-5 IIs at Photokina 2012, alongside fellow new camera, the Pentax Q10. Here we look at some of their key features.

Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs sensor

Although the Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs both have the same APS-C format CMOS sensor with the same 16.3MP pixel count as the Pentax K-5, it is a newly designed device.

Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs differences

The only difference between the Pentax K-5 II and the Pentax K-5 IIs is that the K-5 IIs doesn't have an anti-aliasing filter. This means that the images are more likely to suffer from moiré patterning, but they should be sharper and more detailed. Because Pentax expects to sell fewer K-5 IIs bodies, it has a recommended full price that is £150/$100 more than the K-5 II.

Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs autofocus

The big news for the Pentax K-5 II and K-5 IIs is that they have the SAFOX X AF system which Pentax claims to be faster and more accurate than the system in the Pentax K-5. It can also operate down to -3EV, which is only equalled by the newly announced Canon EOS 6D.

Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs shake reduction

As well as helping to prevent camera shake from blurring images, Pentax's Shake Reduction (SR) system inside the Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs can be used to rotate the sensor to correct sloping horizons or adjusted the composition slightly.

Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs sensitivity

Sensitivity may be set in the native range ISO 100-ISO 12800, or from ISO 80-ISO 51200 when expanded via a custom function.

Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs LCD

A resin layer between the LCD and the cover over the 3-inch 921,000-dot screen helps reduce reflections, making it easier to see images on the Pentax K-5 IIs and Pentax K-5 II screen than the Pentax K-5's.

Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs viewfinder

Unlike many APS-C format DSLRs, the Pentax K-5 II's viewfinder shows 100% of the view, so images can be composed more accurately.

Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs rugged design

A total of 77 seals keep moisture and dust outside the cameras' body so the Pentax K-5 IIs and Pentax K-5 II can be used environments that are too harsh for many DSLRs.

Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs continuous shooting

Up to 30 images can be captured at maximum continuous shooting rate of 7fps, which if Pentax's claims for the AF system prove true could make it an attractive option for keen sports photographers.

Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs price and release date

The Pentax K5 II and Pentax K5 IIs will be available from early October, with the Pentax K-5 II set to retail for £799.99/$1,199.95 and the Pentax K-5 IIs for £949.99/$1,299.95 (body only).