Pentax launches the K-5 II and K-5 IIs

Pentax has announced two upgrades to its premium DSLR, the K-5, in the form of the Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs.

On the face of it, the upgrade is fairly minor, with the cameras both featuring an APS-C format CMOS sensor with the same 16.3MP resolution, Prime II processing engine, 7 FPS maximum continuous shooting rate, 77-segment metering, sensor-shifting Shake Reduction system and 100 percent 0.92x magnification viewfinder as the Pentax K-5.

However, the AF system has been updated to a SAFOX X AF module, which has a sensitivity range of -3 EV to +18 EV. Pentax claims that this gives the new cameras better AF performance in low light, and improved subject tracking with moving subjects.

In a similar move to Nikon with the D800 and D800E, the big (only) difference between the Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs is that the K-5 IIs doesn't have an anti-aliasing filter over the sensor.

This filter reduces moiré patterning, which can be visible when subjects have fine repeating lines. It also softens the images slightly, and photographers who are interested in extracting the maximum amount of detail from an image may prefer to opt for the Pentax K-5II s.

Like the Pentax K-5, the two new cameras enable you to set sensitivity in the native range ISO 100 to ISO 12800, or from ISO 80 to ISO 51200 when expanded via a custom function.

Outdoor credentials

Pentax has been keen to target outdoor-loving photographers, and like the Pentax K-5, the Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs both have a rugged shell with seals to keep out moisture and dust.

This makes them a good choice for enthusiast landscape photographers, many of whom are likely to be attracted by the K-5 IIs's potential for capturing greater levels of detail, thanks to the 'missing' anti-aliasing filter.

The Pentax K-5 IIs and Pentax K-5 II also each have a 3-inch LCD screen with approximately 921,000 dots. A resin layer is sandwiched between the scratch-proof front glass panel (which is coated with an anti-glare film) and the LCD screen to cut down reflection and light dispersion to provide a clear view outside.

Price and availability

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 and the Pentax K-5 IIs for £949.99 (body only).

The K5 II is also available in two kits, with the 18-55mm WR lens for £869.99 or the 18-135mm WR lens for £1,119.99.