Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL "WR" Zoom Lens, 16.3MP CMOS Sensor, 1080p HD Video at 25 FPS, 3" LCD, Black

2013-07-31T21:00:00

For me it's just the best camera I need. And I need a lot of things: very good image quality, weather sealed, high-sensitivity ISO range ( 80-51200), low noise at high ISO(1,162 ISO), good color depth(23.7 bits), image stabilization, less shutter lag(104 ms), 100 percents viewfinder coverage, fast shooting(7 fps), shoots movies(1080p @ 25fps), high resolution screen(920k dots), I like that is small and light enough for traveling, hiking etc. I like the in-camera HDR feature. And I like that monochrome mode includes adjustments for filter effects (green, yellow, orange, red, magenta, blue, cyan, infrared) besides toning (sepia, warm/cool).

Octavian S.

2013-06-10T21:00:00

Good image quality, function is powerful and still figureing out

qdxjcn

2013-05-06T21:00:00

Really like the look and feel of the product. Not much bigger than my Olympus E-20 which is a step below mid-level SLRs. The only thing I was concerned about was it freezing after only using it for 2 weeks. Had to take the battery out, but has been working fine since. I also noticed some trouble locking focus, but when it does..it is fast and quiet. Overall still very pleased and excited to learn more about the camera and all its settings!

AMELIA Q.

2013-04-25T21:00:00

High iso capabilities are simply amazing..the first shot below is a handheld shot at ISO 6400 indoors, at night, mixed lighting. This is an amazing camera, owners manual almost 400 pages long, incredible machine, and for the price Adorama is selling, on of the greatest deals in photographic history. The second shot below is also a handheld shot with the 18-55WR lens that came with it. Don't miss this deal. And thank you Adorama for making this affordable to me.

Cameron H.

2013-04-23T21:00:00

After many years as a film camera buff, this is my initial foray into digital. I'm still learning how to use all of the bells and whistles, but so far I'm quite pleased with the camera. I spent quite a bit of time researching several different cameras, and concluded that on a price/performance basis, the K5 is highly competitive. My overall assessment of Pentax at this point is that it's a company that produces high quality products, which somehow has just gotten overshadowed by the larger manufacturers.

Thomas B.

2013-04-22T21:00:00

I upgraded from a K110D, which I loved. My K110 went all over the world with me. I upgraded to the K5 because of the additional qualities that it offers. I am still found of my K110 but dang the difference is significant. I am very impressed with how rugged the K5 is and for me this is a necessity 'cause being out on the trail I need a camera that I can rely on in any condition. The K5 is that camera.

Creekrunner

2013-03-25T21:00:00

I can be hard on a camera on a photo shoot - setting it on the ground or on a rock to use the timer. It sometimes swings from my neck and bounces into something. I really wanted something rugged. Got it. It, like many of the semi-professional digital cameras out there, has a lot to learn and that just takes time. This camera is new to me so I have not yet learned everything it can do.

Paths L.

2013-03-18T21:00:00

I purchased the K-5 after months and months of research, trying to determine what would be a good first DSLR for me. Although the price was a bit higher than what I'd intended to pay for a beginner's DSLR, the added value was well worth it. Some of the criteria I used in my decision were: a camera I could grow with, good build quality, nice form factor & not too big, reasonable price & most of all...excellent image quality. The K-5 delivers in all areas, and then some. It had all of the qualities I'd been looking for, plus it's weatherproof! I've only been using it a few weeks, but here are my first impressions - from a beginner level user: I love the build quality and form factor. This camera is built like a tank. It has some heft due to the solid construction, but it's fairly compact for a DSLR. I haven't delved too deep with the camera's settings, but so far the controls and menu system seem to be pretty intuitive. Image quality is fantastic! I haven't shot any video with it yet, so I can't comment on video performance, but that is not why I bought this camera. ;) Auto-focus is very fast and crisp. It hunts a bit in low-light, but this was something I'd been aware of prior to purchasing. However, low-light performance has so far been excellent. My only concern so far has been the volume of the auto-focus, which with the kit lenses I'm using, can be a bit loud. Due to its "confidence", the focusing sounds very authoritative and can be prone to make wildlife a little skittish if you're too close. ;) All in all, the K-5 has exceeded my expectations, and I foresee using it for many years to come.

Craig J.

2013-03-18T21:00:00

I am a student of photography and have used Pentax gear for over 30 years and I have to say this is the most impressive camera I've ever used. The image quality is fantastic all the way through ISO 6400. The only thing I can see that I would change is you can't adjust exposure in HDR mode. However there are 6 different HDR modes to shoot with. I also have a K-30 that I can set exposure values for so ill use that camera when I want to shoot in HDR. The camera feel good in your hand, not big and clunky. Auto focus is fast, the buffer will hold 20 raw files before slowing down in burst mode. All in all its a fantastic camera I would recommend to anyone.

KEN M.

2013-03-06T19:00:00

If you want a camera that holds its own, than get the Pentax K5. The K5 will compete with a cannon or Nikon without dropping $3,00 to $10,000 on a single lens. The condition it was ship is was excellent, it came with all the advertised gear and papers. If I bought a second camera I would get a K5. I would defiantly recommend the K5 to a friend. I would recommend that if they didn't buy it from Pentax , they should go to Adorama for they have the selection, the prices and the services that is appropriate for the sophisticated and delicate equipment they sell!!

rua L.

2012-09-29T21:00:00

Incredible sensor low-light performance. Compact, weather-resistant kit is great for travel. The price is unbeatable for this level of performance.

Buddy

2012-09-23T21:00:00

Wide range of "K" mount lenses in Pentax & after-market brands to choose from in both new & used adds much value to this camera.

JOHNIE T.

2012-08-26T21:00:00

the mail order people were great,i changed my mind and bought a sony a77 in store,i asked some questions at the used dept and got a curt answer i then went to a sales person and bought the a77. had a problem with him went to the manager and it was ok he is very good .some of your sales people are more interested in making a sale than making a customer. harvey seizer

h.carl

2012-08-05T21:00:00

I count myself as a fairly proficient film and digital point-and-shoot photographer but this camera has challenged me to almost completely re-learn photography. The features and capabilities are beyond my current skill set and offer more possibilities than I had expected. This camera has opened up a whole new adventure for me.

MICHAEL H.

2012-08-05T21:00:00

Fantastic semi-pro camera. At first, the vast number of features and different modes and adjustments seem daunting, but it's actually rellay easy to use and really easy to get great, pro photographs. I like the fact that I can shoot in the rain or dust and the camera can cope with that. I like the rugged design and attention to detail with placement of buttons/controls.

Mark

2012-07-06T21:00:00

At its current price it has to be the best value on the market in a DSLR. Extremely well built, lots of features, and nothing has better IQ in the APS-C area. In particular, dynamic range is excellent. Easily a couple of stops better than the Oly E-3 I had, and better than my Leica X1 and Canon DSLRs I've had. Ergonomics are great with an excellent grip and generally excellent button placement. I don't give two hoots about video, so can't comment on that, but overall image quality is superb. Oddly, some lenses that are comparable to the better Canon and Nikon equivalents are more expensive. Additionally, Pentax lens prices have been fluctuating wildly over the past year or two. The Limited (Pentax prime lenses with metal construction and terrific optics) lens range is superb and the better zooms are terrific as well. My sleeper choice is the 16-45mm DA. It's old focusing technology, but the optical quality is quite good for the money. The user interface to the camera is like every manufacturer - unique and takes some getting used to. I find nothing, so far, objectionable about the interface, it's just different. It's weather sealed, all metal, feels solid and "right". Really like this camera and will likely hang on to it until Pentax comes out with a better replacement.

CHARLES F.

2012-04-15T21:00:00

Used in all kinds of weather.

sturdy b.

2012-02-28T19:00:00

Great camera for sporting events. Nice compact size, yet full featured. Good battery life. Filled up a 16GB card in a day of shooting and the battery was still registering one notch below full. Solid construction. Does not feel "plasticy."

ALVIN J.

2012-01-15T19:00:00

I live in Alaska and I love being outdoors. I chose the Pentax K-5 for several reasons. 1. I love Pentax color. 2. The size, not too heavy for hiking. 3. It is the most weather compatible camera out there. When its raining, I am the only one left out there still taking photos. I love my camera.

Sitka l.

2012-01-02T19:00:00

Have taken thousands of photo's of birds, flowers, and insects in my backyard. People whom have seen the photos have accused me of being a professional photographer. I'm not. It's the camera. Started with a Kr and was so impressed with that camera, upgraded to the K5. Glad I did!

MARK B.

2011-12-18T19:00:00

Love the K-5. Only con I've found is I had some dust under the rear LCD cover develop over the last year. Warranty took care of it fast (CRIS). Have enjoyed the great image quality over my previous system (Olympus). Low light/high ISO is great. Shadow detail is amazing. Watch out for the highlights though.

NICK Z.

2011-11-27T19:00:00

I originally started shooting with a Pentax, but drifted away from Pentax and went to the Canon Rebel T2i. But after looking over all of my pictures, each time I could pick out the Pentax photos because they would have the most vibrant color. I sold the Canon and immediately ordered my Pentax K5. I wasn't disappointed. I love my Pentax.

Photo h.

2011-11-27T19:00:00

Needed camera with better low light, higher ISO (without the noise) capability and quiet shutter. Reviewed many cameras on line, read forum information and elected to stick with the Pentax line. The K-5 can do everything I need or want it to do. Am learning to utilize the in camera filters and having fun with the fisheye. Images are sharp and clear. I use this camera for everything. It takes especially clear pictures needed for the detailed before, during, and after documentation of my husband's antique motorcycle restorations. I am moving into portraits of musicians and musical instruments and find the K-5 does the job for me.

PAT G.

2011-10-23T21:00:00

I shoot a lot of concerts and also landscapes. The former are typically in small venues, with low light and quiet settings. The K-5 provides good sensitivity and picture quality, even at 6400 ASA. The shutter is unfortunately too loud for quiet settings, but this is probably typical of most mechanical shutters. One of the reasons I chose the K-5 over competing models was its weather proofing system. Years ago, I took my Nikon to Cape Cod, and it never recovered from being near the ocean spray. The lens which comes with the kit is OK, but I'll definitely need to upgrade to a faster, clearer lens before too long. I hope to spend many happy hours hiking with this camera. Have owned it about one month now.

DAVID D.

2011-10-18T21:00:00

I shoot travel, lifestyle, weddings, adventure, landscape and portraits. The weather sealing has been great I have shot in really nasty weather and the camera performed wonderfully. I really dont think there is another camera that performs so well at high ISO in the price range and probably not untill you get into the 5k range, it is astounding. I shoot alot at 1600, 6400 with no noticable noise. The best thing about the K5 is that the ergonomics are so intuitive, I just love shooting with it. Pentax got it right with this camera. I give it a perfect, for the price.

Rick

2011-09-03T21:00:00

Researched this camera a lot prior to purchase, and as DxO Lab reports, the RAW image quality of this camera's sensor rates higher than all Canon DSLRs and all Nikons excepting the D3X. Extra bonus of being able to use all Pentax K-mount lenses, which number in the hundreds, and include some of the best glass ever made. Autofocus on the DA* lenses is swift and quiet.

Mike

2011-03-07T19:00:00

I had been a professional photographer for many years duing the film days. Got into digital a few years ago and now going back into the business. I love the K5 it does everything I need it to do. The only drawback for a pro is the lack of accessories made for it such as radio triggers. You can get radio triggers that will work but only in manual mode. The upside of this is I usually shoot in manual when working with flash any way, but with the advances in through the lens metering it would be nice to be able to use the top brand radio triggers that would allow ttl. Maybe someone will make a trigger that will do so and then all is good.

Rick

2011-01-25T19:00:00

I was hesitant about spending the money to upgrade from the Pentax K20D. I am very glad I did, the K5 is an amazing camera. The controls are far more user friendly and I liked the old ones. The HD video is supurb. I like the fact it is water sealed as I spend a lot of time photographing in the rain and on whitewater rivers. The higher ISO range is fantastic and the image quaity at higher iso is great. I am totally happy with this camera. The only down side is that many after market items are not made for Pentax such as remote radio triggers that will allow for PTTL flash control. There are plenty however if you want to shoot manual and they do a great job. Over all Pentax has a winner here. I would recommend it to anyone amature or pro. I rated it 4 stars because 5 means perfect and nothing is although I cannot think of any improvements I would make as of yet.

RICHARD L.

2011-01-23T19:00:00

With Pentax DA lenses, this camera is just amazing! I researched and compared this camera to others, and it was an easy choice. Visit DxO Labs and compare it yourself.

Mike

2011-01-13T19:00:00

This is my first DSLR. Previously owned a Pentax K-1000 film SLR. REALLY appreciate how easy this camera is to use and the quality of the pictures.

WILLIAM T.