CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
    • All Cameras
    • Cameras by Brand
      • Sony Cameras
      • Canon Cameras
      • Nikon Cameras
      • Pentax Cameras
      • Fujifilm Cameras
      • Olympus Cameras
      • OM-System Cameras
      • Panasonic Cameras
      • Leica Cameras
    • Cameras by Body Type
      • Mirrorless Cameras
      • DSLR Cameras
      • Compact Cameras
      • Bridge Cameras
      • Waterproof Cameras
    • Cameras by Lens Mount
      • Sony E Mount Cameras
      • Canon RF Mount Cameras
      • Nikon Z Mount Cameras
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cameras
      • Leica L Mount Cameras
      • Nikon F Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF M Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF S Mount Cameras
      • Pentax KAF Mount Cameras
      • Sony Alpha Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm G Mount Cameras
      • Sigma SA Mount Cameras
      • Nikon 1 Mount Cameras
  • LENSES
    • All Lenses
    • Lenses by Mount
      • Sony E Mount Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF M Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF S Mount Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Lenses
      • Pentax KAF Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm G Mount Lenses
      • Sigma SA Mount Lenses
      • Sony Alpha Mount Lenses
    • Teleconverters
    • Cinema Lenses
      • Sony E Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Cine Lenses
      • ARRI PL Mount Cine Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cine Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cine Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Cine Lenses
  • TOOLS
    • Cameras
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Lenses
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
  • BLOG

Pentax K-5 vs Pentax K-5 II Comparison

x
Camera to replace
Change

Pentax K-5

16 MP | APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) CMOS Sensor

Pentax K-5
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Change

Pentax K-5 II

16 MP | APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) CMOS Sensor

Pentax K-5 II
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Pentax K-5 vs Pentax K-5 II Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the K-5 and the K-5 II, two Advanced DSLR cameras by Pentax. Pentax K-5 was introduced to the market in December 2010 and Pentax K-5 II was launched in June 2013. As you can see, K-5 is 3 years older than K-5 II. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

K-5 and K-5 II are members of Pentax's K-5 series of cameras. Below you can find the latest models from this series.

Pentax K-5 Series History
Model Release Date Sensor Dimensions Weight
Pentax K-5 II
2013 16.0MP - APS-C 131 x 97 x 73mm 760g
Pentax K-5 IIs
  
2013 16.0MP - APS-C 131 x 97 x 73mm 760g
Pentax K-5
2010 16.0MP - APS-C 131 x 97 x 73mm 740g

Here is a brief look at the main features of the Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Pentax K-5 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2010-12-18
  • 16MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 80 - 12800 ( expands to 51200)
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
  • 7.0fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 740g. 131 x 97 x 73 mm
  • Weather-sealed Body
  • Replaced Pentax K-7 Compare

Pentax K-5 II Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2013-06-04
  • 16MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 12800 ( expands to 80 - 51200)
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
  • 7.0fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 760g. 131 x 97 x 73 mm
  • Weather-sealed Body
  • Replaced Pentax K-5 Compare

Pentax K-5 II was replaced by Pentax K-5 IIs. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Pentax K-5 IIs vs Pentax K-5 II
Pentax K-5 IIs vs Pentax K-5

Let's read on in the following sections in order to better understand in detail how the Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


Related Blog Posts

Nikon Z8 vs Sony A7R V Size Comparison with Lenses
Best MacBook Pro Deal for Photography and Videography
Sony A7R V, Panasonic S5 II, Canon R50 and OM 90mm Macro wins Camera GP Japan 2023 Awards
Ricoh announces HD Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4 and smc Pentax-FA 50mm F1.4 Classic Lenses
Daily Deals: Portable Recorder, CFExpress storage, Tripods and more
Canon PowerShot V10 Pocket-Sized Vlogging Camera Announced
Adobe AI-Powered De-Noise Feature is Impressive
DJI unveils the Mavic 3 Pro and Pro Cine Drones with a Triple-Lens Camera System


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reasons to choose Pentax K-5 over Pentax K-5 II
Weight
740 g vs 760 g 20 g lighter
CHECK K-5 PRICE


Reasons to choose Pentax K-5 II over Pentax K-5
Color Depth
23.8 vs 23.7 higher color depth
Low Light ISO
1235 vs 1162 better High ISO performance
CHECK K-5 II PRICE

Common Strengths of Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II
Image Stabilization
Sensor-shift vs Sensor-shift Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs Yes Better for flash photography
Viewfinder
Yes (Optical) vs Yes (Optical) Better framing and control
RAW Support
Yes vs Yes Better image quality
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
LCD Screen Resolution
921k dots vs 921k dots High resolution screens
Max Continuous Shooting
7.0fps vs 7.0fps Fast shooting speeds
Microphone Port
Yes vs Yes High quality audio recording option
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs Yes shoot at tough conditions
Timelapse Recording
Yes vs Yes creative shooting
Top LCD Display
Yes vs Yes Help viewing and changing settings easily
AE Bracketing
Yes vs Yes Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Flash Sync Port
Yes vs Yes Connect off-camera flash
AF Micro Adjustment (Fine Tune)
Yes vs Yes Adjust each lens for accurate focusing
Dual-axis Electronic Level
Yes vs Yes Level the camera easily in two axis
Common Weaknesses of Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No Screen tilts or Flips out independently, perfect for both stills and video
Pentax K-5 vs Pentax K-5 II: Physical Specs and Body Features Comparison

Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, we are going to illustrate the Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Pentax K-5 has external dimensions of 131 x 97 x 73 mm (5.16 x 3.82 x 2.87″) and weighs 740 g (1.63 lb / 26.10 oz) (including batteries). Pentax K-5 II has external dimensions of 131 x 97 x 73 mm (5.16 x 3.82 x 2.87″) and weighs 760 g (1.68 lb / 26.81 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Pentax K-5 and the Pentax K-5 II. In this case, we can see that Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II have the exact same height, width and thickness.

Pentax K-5 vs Pentax K-5 II Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of the Pentax K-5 and the Pentax K-5 II Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of the Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II.

Pentax K-5 vs Pentax K-5 II Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of the Pentax K-5 and the Pentax K-5 II Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II.
Pentax K-5 vs Pentax K-5 II Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of the Pentax K-5 and the the Pentax K-5 II Size

Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Pentax K-5 is 20g lighter than the Pentax K-5 II but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Also keep in mind that body weight is not the only deciding factor when comparing two interchangeable camera bodies, you also have to take into account the lenses that you will be using with these bodies. Since both Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II have the same Pentax KAF2 lens mount and APS-C sized sensors, lenses will not be a differentiator on total size of the system.

Weight Comparison

DSLR Cameras

K-5
K-5 II
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

DSLR Cameras

K-5
K-5 II
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Both the K-5 and the K-5 II have weather sealings in their bodies, making them resistant to water and dust.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.


Pentax K-5 vs Pentax K-5 II: Sensor Comparison

Both Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II have APS-C sized 16.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution is not a differentiator between these two cameras.

Below you can see the K-5 and K-5 II sensor size comparison.

Pentax K-5 vs Pentax K-5 II Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II Cameras


Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

DxOMark Sensor Scores
At Camera Decision, we also look at Dxo Mark sensors when available as we think it is a good indicator of image quality.
Model Overall Color Depth Dynamic Range Low-light ISO
Pentax K-5 82 23.7 bits 14.1 Evs 1162 ISO
Pentax K-5 II 82 23.8 bits 14.1 Evs 1235 ISO
Pentax K-5 vs Pentax K-5 II Comparison of Available Lenses
Which camera has more lenses?

The number of available lenses is a big deciding factor when choosing your interchangeable lens camera. Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II have the same Pentax KAF2 lens mount and currently there are 163 native lenses available for these cameras.

Another important factor is the availability of image stabilization. Both Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II have Sensor-based Image stabilization which means that all the lenses will be stabilized in these bodies.

Lens Type # of Pentax K-5 Lenses # of Pentax K-5 II Lenses
Standard Zoom 23 23
Standard Prime 25 25
Wideangle Zoom 12 12
Wideangle Prime 26 26
Telephoto Zoom 21 21
Telephoto Prime 15 15
SuperZoom 15 15
Wideangle Fisheye Prime 3 3
Macro Prime 14 14
Perspective Control Prime 8 8
Telephoto Mirror Prime n/a n/a
TOTAL 163 163

Here are some of the most popular Pentax KAF2 Mount Lenses on Camera Decision:

Popular Pentax KAF2 Mount Lenses for the K-5 and the K-5 II
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Pentax D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW Lens Pentax D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW
35mm FF 2000gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Lens Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM
35mm FF 1780gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
HD Pentax  DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR Lens HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR
APS-C / DX 466gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW Lens Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW
APS-C / DX 712gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR Lens Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR
APS-C / DX 285gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE Lens Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE
APS-C / DX 158gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
APS-C / DX 471gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM Lens Pentax smc DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM
APS-C / DX 453gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
What types of Photography are Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Pentax K-5 for Portrait Photography

GOOD

Pentax K-5 II for Portrait Photography

GOOD
Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Read the details

Check the Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Portrait Photography
Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Read the details

Pentax K-5 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT

Pentax K-5 II for Street Photography

EXCELLENT
Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Large Body
Read the details

Check the Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Street Photography
Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Large Body
Read the details

Pentax K-5 for Sports Photography

EXCELLENT

Pentax K-5 II for Sports Photography

EXCELLENT
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Fast Continuous Shooting: 7.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
9 Cross Type Focus sensors
11 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 980 shots
Good Low Light ISO
Read the details

Check the Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Sports Photography
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Fast Continuous Shooting: 7.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
9 Cross Type Focus sensors
11 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 980 shots
Good Low Light ISO
Read the details

Pentax K-5 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Pentax K-5 II for Daily Photography

GOOD
Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Large Body
740g
Body Thickness 73mm
Read the details
Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Large Body
760g
Body Thickness 73mm
Read the details

Pentax K-5 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE

Pentax K-5 II for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE
Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Read the details

Check the Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Landscape Photography
Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Read the details

Pentax K-5 vs Pentax K-5 II: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far, but in case you wonder how we rated Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Pentax K-5 and Pentax K-5 II scores compare:

Pentax K-5
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #32 out of 96 in Mid-size SLR cameras
Ranked #157 out of 1268 in all Cameras
Pentax K-5 II
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #34 out of 96 in Mid-size SLR cameras
Ranked #162 out of 1268 in all Cameras

Pentax K-5
Pentax K-5
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Pentax K-5 II
Pentax K-5 II
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Pentax K-5 II vs Pentax K-5 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Pentax K-5 Pentax K-5 II
Brand Pentax Pentax
Announced 2010-12-18 2013-06-04
Body Type Mid-size SLR Mid-size SLR
Sensor
Type CMOS CMOS
Size APS-C APS-C
Dimensions 23.7 x 15.7 mm 23.7 x 15.7 mm
Area 372.09mm2 372.09mm2
Megapixels 16 megapixels 16 megapixels
Max Resolution 4928 x 3264 4928 x 3264
Max Native Light sensitivity 12,800 ISO 12,800 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity 51200 ISO 51200 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 80 ISO 100 ISO
Min Boosted Light Sensitivity - 80 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 11 11
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount Pentax KAF2 Pentax KAF2
Number of Available Lenses 163 163
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3.00" 3.00"
Resolution 921k dots 921k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.61x 0.61x
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/8000s 1/8000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization Sensor-shift Sensor-shift
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 13.00 m (at ISO 100) 13.00 m (at ISO 100)
Max Flash Sync 1/180s n/a
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 7.0 fps 7.0 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080
Video Formats Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 740g 760g
Dimensions 131 x 97 x 73mm 131 x 97 x 73mm
Battery Life 980 shots 980 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS Optional Optional
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score 82 82
DxO Color Depth 23.7 23.8
DxO Dynamic Range 14.1 14.1
DxO Low Light ISO 1162 1235
Report a correction Report a correction


FOLLOW US


Most Popular Cameras
Sony A7R V
61 MP | Full frame Sensor | Sony E Mount
Canon R8
24 MP | Full frame Sensor | Canon RF Mount
Sony A7 IV
33 MP | Full frame Sensor | Sony E Mount
Canon R50
24 MP | APS-C Sensor | Canon RF Mount
Canon R6 II
24 MP | Full frame Sensor | Canon RF Mount
Sony ZV-E1
12 MP | Full frame Sensor | Sony E Mount
Fujifilm X-T5
40 MP | APS-C Sensor | Fujifilm X Mount
Fujifilm X-S10
26 MP | APS-C Sensor | Fujifilm X Mount
Latest Cameras
Leica Q3
60 MP | Full frame Sensor | 28 mm
Canon R100
24 MP | APS-C Sensor | Canon RF Mount
Fujifilm X-S20
26 MP | APS-C Sensor | Fujifilm X Mount
Sony ZV-1 II
20 MP | 1″ Sensor | 18-50 mm
Nikon Z8
46 MP | Full frame Sensor | Nikon Z Mount
Pentax K-3 III Monochrome
26 MP | APS-C Sensor | Pentax KAF2 Mount
Leica M11 Monochrome
60 MP | Full frame Sensor | Leica M Mount
Sony ZV-E1
12 MP | Full frame Sensor | Sony E Mount
Copyright © 2023 by CameraDecision
Privacy About Contact Us SpeakerDecision LaptopDecision

Report a Correction