May 6, 2011
in the handling and operation, and 5 our comments almost exactly match those of K we have questions about the K – 7. Despite its relatively small dimensions the K-5 handles well and always feels stable in your hands – the excellent build quality gives it a reassuringly solid feel and the well-designed and sized grip makes for comfortable operation, even for photographers with larger hands. Although Its relatively small size of K – 5 deal with, always feel stable in your hands – excellent build quality assured, give it a solid feel and good design and size of the handle allows the operator comfortable, even for larger hands the photographer. There are plenty of dedicated op level and econd tier controls, and they all fall easily to place. Have a special igh and econd control over the many, they are all easy to place. We are equivocal about the locking exposure mode dial, but got used to it fairly quickly. We lock the exposure mode dial ambiguous, but used very quickly.
What we like most about how the K-5 handles is the fact that it is one of the few DSLRs at this level which offers fluid ergonomics when the camera is held to the eye, as well as at arms length. our favorite kind of K – 5 deal with the fact that it is at this level to provide the eye when the camera is held, and the length of fluid in the arms ergonomically one of several digital SLR cameras. Specifically, the K-5 ISO and exposure compensation controls are very well-placed for quick adjustment, and changing AF points is quick and easy too, simply by jogging left / right / up / down on the rear controller. Specifically, in K – 5 of the ISO and exposure compensation control is a very good candidate for rapid adjustment, the focus of change is too simple for quick and easy left / right / up / down controller at the back jogging. Other key shooting controls are arranged sensibly close at hand, either on the cardinal points of the 4-way controller itself, or a quick jump away, through the nfo screen. Other reasonable arrangements to close the main shooting control, whether in 4-way controller itself, or a quick jump through the nformation screen, basis points.
As a result of the camera comprehensive feature set, the menu system is naturally somewhat complex, but all the options are grouped and sorted in a reasonably intuitive way and after a few days of shooting you l easily find your way through the menu system and around the camera in general. As the camera comprehensive feature set of results, the menu system, nature is somewhat complex, but all options are grouped in a reasonable and intuitive way you will be after shooting easy to find your menu system, the way a few days sorting through and around the general camera.
Moving on to video, and since the K-7 was reviewed, our expectations of video shooting modes in DSLRs have been raised, both in terms of functionality and ergonomics. move to the video, due to the K – 7 were reviewed in the digital SLR camera shooting mode the video has raised our expectations, both in functional and ergonomic aspects. Whist the K-5 offers an a decent video shooting mode, we e disappointed by the lack of a direct video shooting button (see pecific handling issues below). Whist the K – 5 provides a decent video shooting mode, we are disappointed that the lack of direct video capture button (see pecific processing problem below). Specific handling issues specifically deal with the problem
The lack of a dedicated movie shooting button was excuseable in the K-7, but our expectations of video implementation are much higher now than they were even in the relatively recent past. a dedicated button on the lack of film K – 7 excuseable, but the film execution of our expectations higher than they are now in the last relatively uniform. The K-5 boasts an impressive video specification, and it is a shame that by relegating it to the exposure mode dial, Pentax has put video capture at one remove from the conventional photographic experience. In K – 5 has an impressive video standard, it is a relegation to the exposure mode dial, the Pentax has put in a video capture to remove the stigma of traditional photography experience. Unlocking the mode dial and moving it to the video position is easy enough, but it makes the K-5 less spontaneous as a video camera than we like it to be. Unlock the mode dial and move it to the video position is is easy, but it makes the K – 5 The following is the video camera spontaneous than we think. Ideally, we want to be able to customize the green button on the rear of the K-5 to fulfil this requirement. Ideally, we would like to customize the K – 5 behind the green button to meet this requirement.
We describe the K-5 menus as a midpoint between the Canon EOS and Sony Alpha approaches – the menu options are colorful and reasonably logically organized (with the exception of button / dial customization, which for some reason is found in the REC menu), but actually manipulating the various options is not always as intuitive as we like. We want to describe to a Canon EOS and Sony Alpha approach the midpoint of the K – 5 in the menu – the menu selection items are colorful and reasonable and logical organization (with the button / dial-up custom exception, for some reason found in the shooting menu), but in fact controlled by a variety of choices are not always intuitive, as we want.
The issue is one of consistency. This is the same. Sometimes, to adjust a certain option you simply click right, set the relevant option in a drop-down menu, then click left to cancel the dropdown. Sometimes, to adjust some options, you just right-click, set in a drop-down menu, select the relevant option and then click the left drop-down cancel. Sometimes, however, (when adjusting ovie or ive view settings for example), clicking right sends you to a new menu screen, and after making the necessary changes you need to press enu to return to where you were. However, sometimes (when adjusted ovie or ive view settings, for example), click on the right to send you a new menu screen, so that you later need to press the enu of the necessary changes and return to where you are. Performance performance
Overall Performance overall performance
The K-5 overall performance is very impressive. in K – 5 very good overall performance. As we expect for a modern DSLR, shutter lag is so minimal as to be irrelevant (which is why we no longer include this test in our reviews) and in use, we never felt that the camera was keeping us waiting. As we expect a modern SLR, shutter lag is so, is irrelevant to the minimum (which is why we are no longer included in our review test), in use, we never thought to keep the camera waiting for us. With image auto review set, it takes approximately one second for a maximum quality JPEG to appear on the rear LCD screen after it is captured, and only slightly longer (1.4 seconds approx) for a RAW JPEG frame. Review and automatically set the image, It requires a high quality JPEG to appear on the LCD screen after about one second after the shooting, only slightly longer (1.4 seconds) and RAW JPEG format frame. Pulling a captured image up on the rear LCD using the image review button is virtually instantaneous, and we have no complaints about the speed of zooming or panning captured images either. Pull in behind the image to view captured images using the LCD button is almost instantaneous, We are all images taken either zoom or pan speed complaints. Accessing and exiting the K-5 menu system is equally slick, which makes the experience of using the camera almost completely stress-free. Access and exit of the K – 5 in the menu system is also smooth, which makes using the camera almost no pressure experience.
The only major barrier to fast and efficient operation is one which has already been mentioned – the relegation of movie shooting to the exposure mode dial. The only major obstacle to rapid and efficient operation of an already mentioned to – in the film exposure mode dial relegation. We prefer the dedicated movie buttons which have started to appear on SLRs such as the Canon EOS 7D and Nikon D7000. We would prefer to have a special film began to appear, such as the Canon EOS 7D and Nikon D7000 SLR camera button.
Performance doesn simply mean speed of course, it also means how well the camera key systems do their jobs. performance does not just mean speed, of course, this also means that the camera how good critical systems to do their work. We l cover continuous shooting and AF further down this page, but as for the other systems – metering and white balance – both are very capable. We will introduce continuous shooting and auto focus further down the page, but for other systems – measured light and white balance – both are very capable. The K-5 AWB system is impressively reliable in mixed artificial lighting, and in every environment in which we used it – from bright daylight to low, fluorescent light in a museum, it gave good, acceptably neutral results. In K – 5 of AWB system is an impressive mix of artificial lighting and reliable, in various environments, we use it – from bright daylight in the museum for the low, fluorescent lamps, it gives a good, acceptable neutral results. The only time that manual intervention was necessary during our testing was when shooting in a museum lit with a mixture of natural and artificial light. The only time human intervention is necessary in our test shooting at the museum of natural and artificial light mixture ignited. Depending on the composition of the scene, the K-5 AWB system occasionally gave an unexpectedly magenta cast, but a little experimentation with the WB presets was all that was required to give more neutral results. In a different scene consisting of K – 5 of AWB system occasionally magenta cast to an accident, but the World Bank, the default is all small experiments are required to provide more uncertain results.
On to metering, and like white balance, the K-5 metering system is hard to fault in normal use. to measure, such as white balance of the K – 5 metering system, it is very difficult in normal fault. Shooting some of the same scenes that we tackled with the Nikon D7000, we encountered none of the same overexposure problems in bright light. Shot with the Nikon D7000 we solve some of the same scene, we encounter the same in bright light without excessive problems . If anything, the K-5 has a slight tendency to underexposure, but only in dull, overcast conditions. If any, in the K – 5 have a slight tendency to underexpose, but only in dry, cloudy conditions. In good light, the K-5 metering is all but infallible, and although its effects are often very subtle, the 3-level hadow Correction is handy for giving shadow areas a slight lift in exceptionally contrasty scenes. In a good light in the , K – 5 measurement is almost foolproof, although the effect is often very subtle, three of the shading correction s to shadow, the contrast in the scene very slight lift easily. It is worth noting at this point that because the K-5 sensor has such a low noise floor, shadow detail is much easier to enhance than with most DSLRs. It is worth mentioning at this point, because in the K – 5 sensors have such a low noise floor, shadow detail is much easier to enhance with most digital SLR cameras. Speaking of enhancements, Highlight Correction is another useful dynamic range option, which successfully gives an extra stop (approx) of highlight detail without any noticeable penalty in increased mid tone / shadow noise. Enhancements, highlight correction is another useful dynamic range option, it successfully gives an extra stop (about) without any significant penalty, highlighting the details of the increase in mid tone / shadow noise.
The Pentax K-5 automatic ISO functionality is amongst the most sophisticated available. Pentax K – 5 Auto ISO function is to provide the most experienced. In its default mode, it aims to deliver a shutter speed adequate to prevent camera shake using the / equivalent focal length ule of thumb – so a minimum of 1/40sec at 18mm, 1/200sec at 135mm, and so on. In default mode, it is intended to provide enough shutter speed to prevent camera shake using the / equivalent focal length rule of thumb – so at least 135mm 1/40sec in 18 mm, 1/200sec, and so on. But there are two other options, labelled ast and low But there are two other options, labeled as ast and low The K-5 instruction manual is remarkably opaque about what these actually do, saying they increase the sensitivity ctively and s little as possible respectively, but dig a little deeper and you find there a little more to it than that. In K – 5 of the manual is remarkable about these actually do, that they increase the sensitivity of opaque ositive and inimal respectively, but dig a little deeper, you will find a little more than these.
Set to ast the K-5 automatic ISO control aims to deliver shutter speeds significantly higher than are required simply for avoiding camera shake, so a minimum of 1/80sec at 18mm, and 1/400sec at 135mm. set to ast in K – 5 Auto ISO control is designed to provide significantly higher shutter speeds to avoid camera shake than a simple requirement, so there 1/80sec 18 mm, and at least 135mm 1/400sec. Set the control to low and at any given focal length the K-5 delivers a shutter speed which is adequate for preventing camera shake with image stabilization turned on – a minimum of 1/25sec at 18mm, 1/125sec at 135mm, and so on. will control to the low at any given focal length K – 5 provides a shutter speed, which is to prevent camera shake image stabilization and open enough – the lowest 1/25sec 18 mm, 135mm 1/125sec, and so on. So if you e shooting sports and don care too much about high ISO noise, you can set it to ast to freeze motion blur more effectively. Therefore, if you shoot sports, do not be too concerned about high ISO noise and more You can set it to ast freeze motion blur and more effective. For landscapes, architecture, portraits, etc., Set it to low and you should benefit from better image quality as the camera will choose lower ISOs. For the landscape, architecture, portraits, set it to low you should benefit from a better camera will choose a lower ISO image quality. This is a useful feature, and it is a shame that it is so poorly documented. This is a useful feature, it is a, it is a shame such a bad record. Continuous Shooting and Buffering continuous shooting and buffer
The following timings were originally made with firmware version 1.0 – we have since re-tested the K- 5 continuous shooting performance with firmware 1.0.1, and updated timings follow below. the first time made the following firmware version 1.0 – and we re-test firmware 1.0.1 from the K – 5-shot camera performance, and updated the following schedule. The Pentax K5 offers pretty impressive continuous shooting performance – a maximum frame rate of 7fps (although we have found that it wavers slightly, between 6.3-7fps) for 20-30 JPEG images (depending on JPEG quality settings) images. Pentax K5 provides a continuous shooting an impressive performance – to 7fps maximum frame rate (although we found it a little dancing 6.3 7fps) 20-30 JPEG images (JPEG compression quality setting) image. This compares very favorably both to the Canon EOS60D and the Nikon D7000, but isn quite as good as the Nikon D300S or Canon EOS 7D, which both have significantly bigger buffers in JPEG mode. This compares very favorably both Canon EOS60D and Nikon D7000, Nikon D300S but not exactly the same or Canon EOS 7D, both significantly increased in JPEG mode, good buffer. In RAW mode, the K-5 (with updated firmware) gives very good performance, and manages 24 images in a high-speed burst (increased from 8, with original firmware). In RAW mode, the K – 5 (with update firmware) to provide very good performance, running a high-speed burst (from 8 to increase with the original firmware) 24 images.
The following figures are the result of our own timings – all operations are performed and timed three times, with the average given. The following figure is the result of their timing – and timing of all operations three times for a given average. JPEG (4 star – highest quality): 6.3 – 7fps for 25 frames, then 1.5 – 2.5fps in short bursts. JPEG format (four stars – the highest quality): 6.3 – 25 7fps, and 1.5 – in a short time 2.5fps . Approx 15 seconds to recover. About 15 seconds to recover.
JPEG (3 star – standard quality): 6.3 – 7fps for 30 frames, then 1.5 – 2.5fps in short bursts. JPEG format (3 Star – Standard Quality): 6.3 – 30 7fps, and then 1.5 – in a short time 2.5fps. Approx 10 seconds to recover. About 10 seconds to recover.
RAW (DNG): 6.3 – 7 fps for 24 frames, then 1.2fps. RAW (DNG format): 6.3 –724 frames, and 1.2fps delay. Approx 18 seconds to recover. About 18 seconds to recover.
RAW JPEG (standard): 6.3 – 7 fps for 24 frames, then around 0.7 fps. RAW JPEG format (standard): 6.3 – 7 to 24, then about 0.7. Approx 18 seconds to recover. About 18 seconds to recover.
All tests conducted at 1 / 250 sec in AF-S mode with a 16GB Lexar Professional 133x Class 10 SDHC card. was 1 / 250 seconds of AF – S and the Lexar Professional 133x 16GB SDHC memory card mode for all 10 tests. Autofocus speed / accuracy AF speed / accuracy
The K-5 AF system is new, and Pentax claims that it is faster and more accurate than the system used in the K-7 are bourne out in our shooting. Potassium – 5 of the AF system is new, and Pentax statement that it is faster and more accurately than in the K – 7 uses Byrne in our system is shot. It has the same SAFOX IX designation that is carried in the medium format Pentax 645D, – the denoting that the AF sensor is sensitive to light color, as well as intensity. It has the same SAFOX nine specifies that the frame the Pentax 645D – the enoting AF sensor sensitivity to light color, and intensity.
Whilst we do not have a specific testing regimen for AF, we have used the K-5 extensively, and we have found that its AF system is extremely capable, in both bright and very low ambient lighting conditions Although we do not have a specific test program for AF, we have used the K – 5 wide, we have found its autofocus system is very capable and very low in bright ambient lighting conditions. In the dull interiors of bars and museums, the K-5 doesn give 100% accuracy, but out of the hundreds of frames which we shot, only a handful are marred by focus errors. In the bar and the interior of the museum boring , in K – 5 are not paying 100% accurate, but we shot the picture, only a very few are destroyed by the concentration of hundreds of errors. Autofocus acquisition is extremely fast and positive, with both conventional screw-driven AF lenses and SDM (ultrasonic-type) optics. Autofocus is very fast, the acquisition is positive, the conventional screw-driven AF and SDM (ultrasonic type ) optics.
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