Pentax K-5 II vs Sony A99

Choosing the right camera is a pivotal decision for photographers who seek to elevate their craft, whether it’s capturing the soul in a portrait, chasing fleeting wildlife moments, or immortalizing vibrant street scenes. In this comprehensive comparison, I pull from my extensive hands-on experience with the Pentax K-5 II and the Sony A99 - two advanced DSLRs that, although announced around the same era, cater to distinct photographic aspirations. As someone who has tested thousands of cameras, I guide you through their real-world performance across various disciplines, diving deep into technical nuances and user experience. By the end, you’ll glean which of these workhorses best fits your photography style, whether enthusiast or pro.

Getting Acquainted: The Cameras at a Glance

The Pentax K-5 II is an APS-C DSLR announced in mid-2013, known for its rugged weather sealing and sensor-based image stabilization. It’s a compact and durable system designed to please enthused outdoor shooters and seasoned hobbyists.

The Sony A99, from late 2012, steps up with a full-frame sensor, SLT (translucent mirror) design, and a sophisticated autofocus system. Positioned more towards professional workflows, it boasts a versatile lens ecosystem and advanced video features.

To kick off, understanding their size, weight, and handling characteristics lays the foundation for deeper exploration.

At first touch, the K-5 II feels notably lighter (760g vs. 812g) and smaller in bulk (131x97x73mm vs. 147x111x78mm), which for me translates into more comfortable extended handheld sessions, especially on travel or street outings where portability matters. The Sony’s bigger body enhances grip stability but might strain smaller hands or add to luggage weight. Keep in mind that size is not just ergonomics but also impacts lens compatibility and accessory choices.

Design and Controls: Where Form Meets Function

Looking down from above gives insight into operational comfort and shooting efficiency.

Both cameras feature an intuitive mix of dials and buttons, though their control philosophies vary. The Pentax K-5 II favors simplicity balanced with accessibility: dedicated dials for exposure modes, ISO, and compensation speed up manual adjustments. The Sony A99 integrates more customizable buttons and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) mode selector that suits tech-savvy photographers craving precision tweaking. Targeted users seeking quick tactile feedback might lean towards the Pentax, while those who enjoy deep customization find the A99’s layout rewarding once mastered.

Sensor and Image Quality: Pixel Realities and Beyond

At the core of any camera’s capability is its sensor. Let’s dissect their imaging engines.

Pentax K-5 II houses a 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.7 x 15.7mm) with Prime II image processor, featuring an anti-aliasing filter to minimize moiré at potential slight resolution cost. The sensor area covers roughly 372mm², optimized for crisp and noise-controlled images up to ISO 12800 native, expandable to 51200 in boosted mode.

By contrast, Sony A99 sports a robust 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor (35.8 x 23.8mm) paired with Bionz processing. Its sensor area crosses an impressive 852mm², affording superior depth of field control and light-gathering advantage. The inclusion of a high native ISO ceiling of 25600 supports demanding low-light scenarios, complemented by a slightly suppressed anti-aliasing filter for enhanced detail.

In practical shooting, the Sony’s larger sensor size manifests as richer gradations, greens and skin tones with nuanced vibrancy, and more forgiving shadows. Pentax delivers very respectable image quality with sharply rendered detail and excellent color fidelity, particularly at moderate ISOs, though dynamic range slightly lags behind Sony’s.

The Eye of the Photographer: Viewfinders and Screens

Composing your frame and confirming focus depends heavily on viewfinder and screen performance.

The K-5 II employs an optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.61x magnification - a standard but reliable offering that delivers an unprocessed, instantaneous scene view without lag. Its fixed 3-inch TFT LCD screen offers 921k-dot resolution, adequate for reviewing shots though not especially vivid.

Sony’s A99 features an advanced electronic viewfinder with a high-resolution 2.36M-dot OLED panel providing real-time exposure previews and overlays (magnification 0.71x, 100% coverage). The flip-out 3-inch TFT Xtra Fine color LCD with 1229k dots aids in creative angles and detailed playback. The EVF particularly benefits manual focusing-intensive tasks like macro or astrophotography, giving focus peaking aids and exposure simulation absent in the K-5 II.

For me, the EVF environment of the Sony feels modern and immersive but can introduce slight motion blur in fast action. The Pentax optical viewfinder remains vital for purists preferring natural views and zero latency.

Autofocus Systems Under the Lens

Precision and speed in autofocus define the usability envelope for virtually all photographic genres.

The Pentax K-5 II encompasses an 11-point phase-detect AF system, 9 of which are cross-type sensors, plus contrast-detect AF in live view. It supports continuous and single AF, face detection, and basic tracking. In daylight and controlled environments, it proves accurate and consistent, though it struggles somewhat in dim lighting and against erratic motion due to fewer focus points and limited AI algorithms.

The Sony A99, utilizing a hybrid AF with 19 phase-detection points (11 cross-type), benefits from its SLT design to enable continuous AF during video capture and live view shooting without mirror blackout. It excels in tracking moving subjects, delivering reliable focus acquisition for wildlife or sports under a wider variety of lighting conditions. The enhanced processor and phase detection array produce quick, confident AF locks and better low light sensitivity.

From my field tests, Sony’s AF elevates the user experience during fast-paced action and unpredictable focus demands, whereas Pentax remains suited for slower, deliberate shooting.

Performance in Photography Genres

Diving into genre-specific performance sheds light on practical camera matches.

Portrait Photography: Capturing Souls and Expressions

The Pentax K-5 II’s 1.5x crop sensor inherently offers tighter framing with telephoto lenses, useful for headshots without needing ultrafast primes. Its sensor stabilization aids slower shutter speeds handheld, but the relatively lower resolution (16MP) slightly restricts large print sizes or extensive cropping.

Sony A99’s full-frame sensor and higher resolution (24MP) render skin tones with natural smoothness and more nuanced bokeh owing to wider apertures and shallower depth of field control. The EVF assists in manual focus critical for subject isolation, while upgraded AF supports eye detection aided in portraits.

In practice, if you primarily shoot studio or portraits demanding ultimate image detail and shallow DOF, Sony pulls ahead. Pentax is still commendable for portraits on a budget but less refined in background separation.

Landscape Photography: Embracing Light and Detail

The K-5 II shines in weather sealing, effectively sealed against dust and moisture - ideal for adventurous landscapes in adverse environments. Its dynamic range at 14.1 EV rank enables solid highlight retention, with sharpness adequate for prints up to 16x20 inches.

Sony A99’s superior dynamic range (14.0 EV) and higher resolution capture extraordinary detail in complex scenes. Full-frame size offers wider angle lens compatibility, imperative for sweeping vistas.

The Pentax’s single SD card slot versus Sony’s dual slot system, which provides redundancy and storage management during extended sessions, is another consideration for landscape professionals frequently in the field.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Speed and Precision

A decisive victory for Sony here. The 10 fps burst rate, combined with advanced AF tracking, make the A99 formidable for fast wildlife action or sports events. The full-frame sensor also maximizes telephoto lens reach and resolution, critical in wildlife where distance is a factor.

The Pentax K-5 II’s 7 fps burst and limited cross-type points can capture action but are less forgiving with erratic subjects or poor light. Still, for hobbyists or wildlife observers on a budget, Pentax’s sensor stabilization and durable build offer a solid platform.

Urban and Street Photography: Stealth and Responsiveness

For street photographers, discretion, responsiveness, and weight matter acutely.

Pentax’s smaller body and quieter shutter pulses (due to mechanical design and no SLT) are advantageous in candid environments. Weather sealing builds confidence for unpredictable urban climates.

Sony’s larger frame and louder operation might attract unwanted attention, although the EVF aids in composing quickly in variable lighting and the articulated screen opens creative shooting angles.

Battery life is notable: K-5 II offers nearly double the shot count (980 vs. 500) on a single charge, a huge plus when roaming city streets or traveling light.

Close-up and Macro: Focusing Up Close

Precise focusing and steady shooting are imperative here.

Pentax’s sensor-shift stabilization greatly benefits handheld macro shots, compensating subtle shakes actively. Its live view and focus peaking aid (albeit less advanced) support this genre modestly.

Sony’s articulated screen and EVF focus aids, along with faster AF, might edge ahead for complex macro setups demanding critical focus. However, weight and price might weigh against casual macro shooters.

Night and Astrophotography: Grace Under Low Light

Sony’s higher native ISO and cleaner noise performance at ISO 3200+ give it an edge for night skies and low-light environments. The EVF preview allows for real-time exposure adjustments, crucial in astro settings.

Pentax’s sensor dynamic range and stabilization are assets too, but limited ISO headroom and noisier output make astrophotography more challenging to master.

Movie-Making Capabilities: Motion and Sound

Video shooters will note clear distinctions.

Pentax K-5 II offers Full HD 1080p at 25fps using Motion JPEG codec, which is file-size heavy and less efficient for professional editing workflows. It lacks headphone jacks, limiting audio monitoring, though it retains a microphone input.

Sony A99 supports 1080p at 60fps, multiple codec options (MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264), and offers both microphone and headphone ports, allowing for better sound control - important for serious videographers.

Durability, Battery, and Practical Considerations

Both cameras have weather sealing but no full waterproofing. Pentax impresses with its longer battery life and lighter weight.

Sony’s dual card slots and GPS built-in enhance professional workflows, especially for location tagging and data management.

Storage-wise, Pentax relies on SD cards only, while Sony adds Memory Stick Pro compatibility, an important factor for legacy users.

Real-World Shooting: Sample Images Showdown

Reviewing side-by-side photos brings theory to life, highlighting color reproduction, detail, noise control, and dynamic range.

Pentax K 5 II front Pentax K 5 II screen back Sony A99 front Sony A99 screen back

You’ll notice Sony’s images carry a slight edge in tonal depth and highlight preservation, particularly in full-frame’s ability to differentiate subtle textures. Pentax files stay true to vibrant colors with punchy contrast but occasionally clip bright areas under harsh sunlight.

Performance Ratings Summarized

Let’s quantify performance across key technical specs as derived from lab and field testing:

The Sony A99 scores higher overall - thanks to sensor prowess, autofocus, and video. Pentax remains competitive, especially in handling and battery efficiency.

Recommended Cameras by Photography Type

Photographers expect different strengths from their gear. Here’s how each fares in popular genres:

Sony A99 is best for:

• Wildlife and sports (tracking, frame rate)
• Portraits (dynamic range, bokeh)
• Video professionals
• Night/astro photography
• Professionals needing telephoto reach

Pentax K-5 II excels in:

• Landscape (weather sealing, ruggedness)
• Travel (weight, battery)
• Street photography (discretion, ergonomics)
• Enthusiast portraits on a budget
• Macro (sensor stabilization)

Final Thoughts: Which Advanced DSLR Wins Your Heart?

After exhaustive hands-on testing across disciplines, here’s my take:

• Choose the Pentax K-5 II if you want a durable, well-built APS-C DSLR that offers excellent battery life, solid image quality, and weather resistance at a very attractive price point (~$830). It’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, street shooters, and those valuing portability without sacrificing performance. Its sensor stabilization is a rare and valuable feature in this class.

• Pick the Sony A99 if your workflow demands a full-frame sensor for superior image quality and low-light capability, a cutting-edge autofocus system for fast action, and professional-grade video features. Weighing in with a heftier price (~$2000), it’s suited for professionals or enthusiasts ready to invest in an advanced hybrid still/video system and larger lens ecosystem.

Both cameras demonstrate expert craftsmanship in their own right. Your ultimate choice boils down to priorities: budget vs. sensor size, rugged reliability vs. AF and video sophistication, and portability vs. pro features.

Practical Tip: Testing Before Buying

Nothing substitutes for personal trial. If possible, handle both cameras in-store or rent them for a few days. Pay attention to grip comfort, menu navigation, AF responsiveness in your typical shooting conditions, and how files integrate into your editing workflow. These qualitative factors often sway long-term satisfaction far beyond specs on paper.

I trust this comparison offers clarity grounded in experience and rigorous inspection. Choosing your camera is a creative partnership that shapes the stories you tell - make sure your new gear inspires and supports your photographic journey every step of the way. Feel free to reach out with your specific questions or shooting scenarios, and I’d be glad to provide tailored advice. Happy shooting!