The Pentax K-5 II is a 16.3-megapixel

digital single-lens reflex camera A digital single-lens reflex camera (digital SLR or DSLR) is a digital camera that combines the optics and the mechanisms of a single-lens reflex camera with a digital imaging sensor. The reflex design scheme is the primary difference between ...

, successor to the

Pentax K-5 The Pentax K-5 is a 16.3-megapixel digital single-lens reflex camera, announced on September 20, 2010. It began shipping in mid-October 2010 and it was replaced by the Pentax K-5 II in the third quarter of 2012. Externally, the camera body is ...

, sharing its body shape with its two predecessors including the

Pentax K-7 The Pentax K-7 is a 14.6-megapixel digital single-lens reflex camera, announced on 20 May 2009. This is the first new flagship model released by Pentax since its merger with Hoya Corporation on 31 March 2008. It was discontinued late in 2010 in ...

, and making incremental improvements on the K-5. Both models have improved autofocus ability, particularly in low and tungsten light, down to −3EV, which at the time of release makes it the best low-light autofocus camera. Also improved is the sensitivity of the central AF area which now has an AF base of f/2.8 instead of the common f/5.6. This increased AF base length helps to improve focus accuracy, in particular with fast (wide aperture) lenses and in low light. The Pentax K-5 II/IIs each have HD video capabilities, with resolutions of 1920×1080 (at 25 fps), 1280×720 (at 25 & 30 fps), 640×480 (at 25 & 30 fps). Externally, the cameras are distinguished by a recessed screen, where the K-5 had a flush-mounted one. The K-5II/IIs has a gapless design—the typical air gap is avoided by the use of a special resin—helps to reduce internal reflections and gives better visibility in bright light. The material of the screen has been changed from plastic to tempered glass, which is scratch resistant. Like its predecessor, the K-5 II/IIs is fully weather-sealed. It has the highest camera sensor rating of any Pentax APS-C camera, according to

DxO Labs DxO is a French company dedicated to photography. Founded in 2006, it is located in Boulogne-Billancourt. It markets DxO PhotoLab, ViewPoint, and FilmPack image processing software and a connected camera, the DxO ONE. History DxO created DxOMar ...

, with a score of 82.

Pentax K-5 IIs

The Pentax K-5 IIs is a version of the K-5 II which omits the traditional

low pass filter A low-pass filter is a filter that passes signals with a frequency lower than a selected cutoff frequency and attenuates signals with frequencies higher than the cutoff frequency. The exact frequency response of the filter depends on the filter des ...

for greater sharpness but potentially greater moiré.

Bundling

The K-5 II/IIs are available in two different kits, one including the DA 18–55 mm WR lens, and the other the DA 18–135 mm WR lens, as well as a body only.

References

{{Pentax DSLR cameras Cameras introduced in 2012 Live-preview digital cameras K-5 II Pentax K-mount cameras