Pentax K-5 IIs Review | 108 Data compared

The ePHOTOzine review of the 16.28-megapixel Pentax K-5 IIs highlights a robust, weather-sealed APS-C DSLR designed for demanding environments, featuring a 7fps shooting rate and superior -3EV low-light autofocus. The key advantage of this model is the removal of the anti-aliasing filter, resulting in exceptional image sharpness, supported by effective in-body shake reduction. However, the analysis identifies cons including a cramped, difficult-to-access SD card door and a potentially frustrating locked exposure mode dial. Additionally, the lack of an anti-aliasing filter introduces a higher risk of moiré patterns, and the camera is noted for producing digital artifacts in certain scenarios.

The DPReview analysis of the 16.3MP Pentax K-5 II and K-5 II s highlights their exceptional build quality, weather-sealed magnesium-alloy body, and improved SAFOX X autofocus system that thrives in low light. These cameras offer excellent image quality with vast dynamic range, high-ISO performance, and enhanced usability through an air-gapless LCD, representing a solid update over the original K-5. Key disadvantages include a lack of a dedicated video button, poor continuous autofocus during movie recording, and an awkward locking mode dial. Additionally, the K-5 II s version with no low-pass filter displays higher susceptibility to moiré, and the autofocus system remains less suited for tracking fast action compared to competitors.

The Pentax K-5 IIs is an exceptional semi-pro APS-C DSLR that matches the overall DXOMARK score of 82 set by its sister model, the K-5 II, proving that removing the anti-aliasing filter did not negatively impact image quality. A major pro of this camera is its class-leading landscape performance, achieving a massive 14.1 Ev of dynamic range. This score places it 4th across all cameras at the time, beating the full-frame Canon 5D Mark III by 2.4 Ev and nearly matching the much more expensive Nikon D800E at base ISO sensitivities. It also delivers strong portrait capabilities with a high colour depth rating of 23.9 bits, making it a highly capable tool for studio and landscape photographers who want maximized image sharpness and resolution without a softening filter. However, the camera falls short in low-light and high-ISO environments, which is its primary con. With a low-light sports score of 1208 ISO, it lags significantly behind professional and affordable full-frame rivals. For instance, the Nikon D800E delivers a 2-stop advantage in low-light performance, while the Canon 5D Mark III offers a...

The Pentax K-5 IIs sets itself apart from its sister model, the K-5 II, by eliminating the optical low-pass filter to capture sharper details. It retains the same compact, svelte magnesium alloy body design as its predecessor, measuring 3.8 by 5.2 by 2.9 inches and weighing approximately 1.6 pounds. Key hardware improvements include a high-quality, air-gapless 3-inch 921k-dot rear LCD screen designed to optimize outdoor visibility. Performance-wise, the camera boasts a 16-megapixel sensor, an impressive burst shooting rate of 6.2 frames per second, and deep buffer depths that hold up to 24 Raw or 31 JPG images before slowing down. The primary pros highlighted in the review are its exceptional weather-sealing, making it a favorite for outdoor and inclement weather photography, and its highly efficient physical control layout with a dedicated Mode dial and metering toggle switch. Removing the low-pass filter also serves as a distinct advantage for pulling out extra fine details in still shots. However, this design choice introduces a major con, as it risks capturing color moiré patterns when photographing fine repeating lines, such as certain mesh...

The ePHOTOzine comparison review highlights that the Pentax K-5 II and K-5 IIs share identical, high-quality build and low-noise sensor performance, with the key difference being the removal of the anti-aliasing (AA) filter on the K-5 IIs. The K-5 IIs excels in producing superior, crisp resolution and fine texture detail, particularly for landscapes, while retaining excellent color reproduction. Conversely, the K-5 IIs's main drawback is an increased risk of moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when shooting detailed, man-made subjects. While the K-5 II is deemed the safer choice for general use, the K-5 IIs is recommended for maximum sharpness, with the note that its intense detail rendering can sometimes appear too severe for portraits without post-processing.

Summary The reviewer highlights several major pros, including excellent image quality with remarkably low digital noise and pleasant, film-like texture even when shooting at higher sensitivities like 1600 ISO. The improved low-light autofocus and a new "push and hold" button on the multi-way controller—which prevents accidental setting changes—are also praised as significant functional upgrades. However, a notable con is the camera's higher price point compared to the standard K5 II, despite physically omitting the anti-aliasing filter. Additionally, the removal of this filter leaves the camera more susceptible to moiré interference patterns on fine textiles, though the reviewer had not yet encountered this in practice. Lastly, the compact camera body can feel somewhat small and unbalanced for photographers with larger hands unless an external battery grip is attached.

The DPReview in-progress review of the Pentax K-5 II and K-5 II S highlights the cameras' robust, weather-sealed magnesium-alloy construction, improved SAFOX X autofocus system with high low-light sensitivity, and an air-gapless LCD. Specifically, the K-5 II S variant offers increased resolution by removing the optical low-pass filter (OLPF), while both models feature a user-friendly, compact design ideal for outdoor use. Conversely, the evaluation notes significant image artifacts, specifically pronounced color moiré and aliasing in the K-5 II S, along with visible artifacts in the standard K-5 II,. Additionally, the review cites a stiff AF point selection switch and a poorly designed, easily opened SD card bay door as primary usability concerns.