Pentax K-5 II vs Sony A33: A Genuine Hands-On Battle of APS-C DSLRs

In the ever-crowded realm of APS-C DSLR cameras, the Pentax K-5 II and Sony A33 stand as solid representatives from two quite different camps. Released three years apart, they each bring unique approaches to imaging, handling, and shooting experience. Having extensively tested both, I’m excited to walk you through their real-world performance across photography disciplines, technical prowess, and ergonomic nuances. Our goal: to help you decide which rig suits your style, budget, and photographic goals better - without the fog of marketing jargon.

Much like comparing a rugged Swiss army knife (the K-5 II) with a nimble tech gadget (the A33), these cameras both shine but in distinctive ways. Let’s jump in.

Size Matters? Handling and Ergonomics in Daily Use

On first impression, the Pentax K-5 II feels like a camera designed for serious hands and extended use, whereas the Sony A33 leans compact and portable. The size and weight differences aren’t trivial: the K-5 II weighs about 760 grams and measures 131 x 97 x 73 mm, while the A33 is significantly lighter at 500 grams and a bit chunkier in depth at 124 x 92 x 85 mm.

I found the Pentax’s ergonomics more comfortable for long shoots - there’s a substantial grip and well-spaced buttons that invite confident handling even with larger lenses. The Sony, while lighter and pocket-friendly, feels a bit toy-like in the hand, especially with bigger lenses. For travel and street photographers craving a lightweight solution, the A33’s compactness may be a blessing, but portrait or wildlife shooters might appreciate the more substantial feel of the K-5 II.

Looking at control layout from the top view, the K-5 II sports a traditional DSLR dial and slower but deliberate button placement, while the A33’s design embraces simplicity and a more modern but compact approach.

The K-5 II’s dedicated exposure compensation dial and clearly segmented modes align nicely with classic shooting workflows, whereas the A33, being an early SLT (Single Lens Translucent) model, sacrifices some of that tactile detail for a cleaner top plate. The control philosophy here will resonate differently depending on your shooting habits.

Through the Glass: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

At the core of any camera lies the sensor - and here the Pentax K-5 II and Sony A33 both ride the APS-C CMOS wave with subtle but impactful differences.

Pentax employs a 16MP CMOS sensor (23.7 x 15.7 mm) while Sony integrates a 14MP sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm). Both carry an anti-alias filter to reduce moiré, but I’ve found Pentax’s sensor offers a notable edge in color depth and dynamic range. Raw files deliver smoother gradations and richer tonal transitions if you’re willing to push the shadows and highlights.

The DxOMark scores reinforce this: the K-5 II earns a solid 82 overall, powered by impressive 23.8 bits color depth and a dynamic range of 14.1 EV. Meanwhile, the A33 lags behind at 70 overall, with 22.8 bits color and 12.6 EV dynamic range. The low-light ISO threshold (DxO low-light ISO) is nearly double on Pentax at 1235 vs 591 on Sony, indicating cleaner noise performance at higher sensitivities.

Testing low-light scenes myself, especially indoor portraits and dim landscapes, confirmed the Pentax’s advantage: usable detail extended up to ISO 3200 without major complaints, whereas the Sony image noise intruded earlier on.

The Pentax’s sensor also supports a boosted ISO of 51200, while the Sony tops out at 25600 boosted, which is academic territory for these cameras but indicates Pentax’s future-proofing ambitions.

Eye on Autofocus: Precision, Speed, and Tracking

Autofocus can make or break your shoot, especially in wildlife or sports scenarios. Both cameras implement phase-detection AF but with different focuses (pun intended).

The Pentax K-5 II offers 11 AF points with 9 cross-type sensors - generous for a mid-size DSLR of its era - and supports AF tracking, face detection, live view AF, continuous AF, plus center-weighted metering. It lacks dedicated animal eye AF but its phase-detect system is accurate and snappy in daylight.

Sony’s A33 ups the number of points to 15 but with only 3 cross-type, leaning on its innovative translucent mirror for near-double continuous shooting frame rates (7 fps). However, tracking in live action practices I conducted was a mixed bag: it struggled to maintain focus on erratic subjects beyond a few seconds. Also, the lack of AF center point in the Sony system hurt accuracy in critical focusing situations.

In real-world testing of moving subjects - both wildlife runners and kids scrambling after balls - the Pentax showed steadier continuous AF tracking and quicker acquisition. The Sony’s strength lay more in continuous burst speed than in sustained AF precision.

Tour de Force: Build Quality and Weather Resistance

If reliability under tough conditions is in your DNA, Pentax delivers with environmental sealing on the K-5 II - sealed against dust and moisture, which Pentax often champions as a key pro feature. That expands shooting options for outdoor photographers facing unpredictable weather.

The Sony A33 offers no weather sealing, reflecting its entry-level design and the early adoption of SLT tech at the time. This limits confidence for adventure or landscape/photojournalists needing hardy gear.

I tested the K-5 II in humid and dusty conditions during a week of dusty hiking, and it continued firing without issue, whereas I would hesitate to deploy an A33 under similar conditions. It boils down to this: Pentax is for the shooter who wants a robust workhorse, Sony for the casual or indoor user.

Eye Candy: Rear Screen and EVF Differences in Practice

Both cameras share a 3” screen with 921K dot resolution, but their usability diverges.

Pentax’s K-5 II sticks to a fixed TFT LCD that’s bright and color-accurate. It’s straightforward but lacks touch.

Sony’s A33 features a fully articulating LCD - gold for videographers or macro shooters needing flexible angles - and adds an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1150k dots and 100% coverage. The 0.73x magnification beats Pentax’s 0.61x optical pentaprism finder but EVFs sometimes lag and have different “viewing feels” than optical.

I personally appreciate the tangible clarity and zero lag of an optical viewfinder when shooting action or tracking species in the wild. However, for composed studio or video work, the Sony’s EVF gives the advantage: WYSIWYG exposure previews and customizable overlays.

Lens Ecosystem: The Windows to Creativity

Pentax K-5 II wields the KAF2 mount with access to over 150 lenses, including the acclaimed DA* professional series primes and legacy glass with full manual focus.

Sony’s A33 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, with a similar lens count (143) but a heavier tilt to older A-mount optics and limited native lens options compared to Sony’s newer E-mount mirrorless gear.

In practice, Pentax users benefit from legendary weathersealed, compact, sharp primes and macros, making it a solid choice for specialists from macro to wildlife. Sony’s lens eco is more fragmented - while capable lenses exist, availability and autofocus performance on legacy glass sometimes lagged behind.

Battery Life & Storage: Endurance for Long Shoots

Battery life is often overlooked yet crucial. Pentax K-5 II impresses with nearly 980 shots per charge - a figure validated through my exhaustive field tests, where it reliably lasted full-day treks shooting hundreds of frames.

In contrast, Sony’s A33 clocks only around 340 shots - quite modest. That translates into either packing spare batteries or missing some moments, especially in continuous shooting or video modes. Storage is identical with SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but Sony also supports Memory Stick Pro Duo, adding some flexibility.

Wireless Connectivity and Interfaces: Keeping Up with the Times (or Not)

Neither camera is bristling with modern wireless options. The Pentax K-5 II is a traditionalist - no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but does offer optional GPS.

Sony offers rudimentary Eye-Fi card support for wireless transfers, but no native Wi-Fi or Bluetooth either. HDMI and USB 2.0 ports are standard on both. Audio-wise, each sports a microphone input (but no headphone jack), catering to amateur videographers.

Video Capabilities: When Stills Aren't Enough

Both cameras offer Full HD 1080p recording but differ significantly in format and frame rates.

The Pentax K-5 II records 1920x1080 at 25 fps using Motion JPEG - a dated and less efficient codec, resulting in larger files and reduced editing flexibility. No 30fps or 60fps modes limit its use for action video.

Sony A33 punches above its weight here with 1080p at 60 and 30 fps options using AVCHD, MPEG-4, and H.264 codecs. The inclusion of a fully articulating screen complements video work, making it a more attractive choice for hybrid shooters dabbling in video.

However, both suffer from no in-body stabilization beyond sensor-shift for stills, so handheld video can get shaky without gimbals or stabilized lenses.

Let’s See Them Shoot: Image Samples and Visual Quality

Enough specification nerding - it’s time for the moment of truth.

Pentax K 5 II front Pentax K 5 II screen back Sony A33 screen back

Evaluating side-by-side shots across portraits, landscapes, and street scenes showed the Pentax K-5 II delivering crisper details, noticeably better shadow recovery, and more pleasing skin tones. The Sony images were softer and noisier at boosted ISOs, though benefitting from smoother bokeh with certain lenses.

Scoring the Giants: Overall Performance Ratings

To distill performance into numbers, here’s how they stack up:

The Pentax K-5 II leads with higher marks in image quality, build, and battery life. The Sony A33 scores respectably for video and portability but can’t quite keep pace in outright still image prowess.

A Match Made in Genre Heaven? How They Perform by Photography Type

Let’s break down their talents by photographic discipline, a formula I find most helpful for photographers troubleshooting their choice.

• Portraits: Pentax’s skin tone fidelity and bokeh make it the choice for portrait shooters. Sony’s EVF helps in rehearsing facial expressions with WYSIWYG exposure.

• Landscapes: Pentax’s superior dynamic range and weather sealing make it ideal outdoors, with richer colors and better shadow detail.

• Wildlife: Pentax's tracking AF and build robustness give it a slight advantage, though neither is a high-speed specialist compared to newer models.

• Sports: Sony’s 7 fps is matched but slowed AF tracking and lower burst buffer make Pentax surprisingly competitive.

• Street: Sony’s smaller size and articulated screen cater well here, but Pentax still performs well with the discreet fixed LCD.

• Macro: Pentax’s lens range and focus precision help with close-ups; Sony’s articulating screen useful for tricky angles.

• Night/Astro: Pentax’s clean high ISO and dynamic range shine in starry scenes; Sony less so.

• Video: Sony’s codec and frame rate flexibility win hands down.

• Travel: Sony’s compactness and lighter weight make it favored for minimalists; Pentax strengths lie in versatility and endurance.

• Professional: Pentax’s robust build, file quality, and battery life stand out, suitable for demanding pro workflows.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy What?

To wrap up, let me pull together recommendations:

• Choose the Pentax K-5 II if you: value image quality, ruggedness, superior AF reliability, and battery life. You’re serious about varied photography disciplines and want a DSLR that plays well in tough conditions.

• Opt for the Sony A33 if you: prefer lightweight, compact gear, dabble in video as well as stills, and operate mostly in controlled or indoor environments. It’s a solid entry-level choice if budget constraints are real and portability is paramount.

Both cameras show their age in 2024 terms but remain viable for enthusiasts appreciating solid DSLR fundamentals without breaking the bank.

In Summary

After kitting myself out with both the Pentax K-5 II and Sony A33 for extended in-field testing, one clear pattern emerges: the PENTAX is the workhorse, and the SONY the nimble sidekick.

While the Sony A33 stumbles on autofocus tracking and battery life, it shines in lightweight portability and video features. Pentax’s K-5 II, meanwhile, triumphs in sensor performance, robustness, ergonomics, and battery endurance - vital for many demanding photo scenarios.

Whether you’re locked in on portraits, landscapes, or wildlife, the Pentax K-5 II holds noteworthy advantages for photographers seeking dependable, versatile APS-C performance. But if travel, casual shooting, or video hybridization is your bag - and size matters - Sony’s A33 might fit your lifestyle better.

Either way, having tested thousands of cameras over the years, I can attest these two represent distinct philosophies and strengths within the APS-C DSLR space. Your choice hinges on priorities - build and image quality or portability and video flexibility.

Happy shooting!

If you found this analysis helpful, feel free to share it with fellow photography enthusiasts - and may your next camera bring you countless inspired captures.