Pentax K-5 vs K-5 IIs: A Close Look at Two Advanced DSLRs from the Same House

When Pentax launched the K-5 back in late 2010, it quickly became a beloved classic among enthusiasts who wanted a robust, versatile DSLR without the fuss of over-the-top gimmicks. Fast forward three years, and the K-5 IIs arrived, a refinement built on the same solid foundation. But is this upgrade just a marketing tune-up, or does it offer real-world benefits that justify switching or investing?

Having spent well over a year testing both bodies extensively across different genres - portrait, landscape, wildlife, you name it - I’m here to unpack how these two Pentax stalwarts compare in practice, and help you decide which one fits your photographic pursuits (and wallet) best.

Let’s dive right in.

Getting Familiar: Size, Feel, and Handling

If you’re like me, the tactile feel of a camera is non-negotiable. You want something that feels reassuringly solid, but without causing hand cramps after an afternoon of street shooting or macro work.

Physically, the two are nearly indistinguishable. Both share a mid-size SLR body type with dimensions of approximately 131x97x73mm, putting them comfortably in the hands without being bulky. The K-5 tips the scales at 740g, while the K-5 IIs is a touch heavier at 760g, but honestly, you won’t notice the 20-gram difference in day-to-day use - probably just two extra batteries in your pocket.

Ergonomically, the grip and button placements are nearly identical. Pentax has always been commendable about providing good mechanical feedback on buttons and dials, with neither the K-5 nor K-5 IIs sporting illuminated buttons (a tiny downside in dim conditions). They both feature a classic pentaprism optical viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.61x magnification, which feels bright and natural when you're shooting outdoors. If you’re used to Pentax DSLRs, it’s a familiar, no-nonsense control layout.

Looking from above, the control layout remains unchanged between the two models, a nod to user continuity but perhaps a missed chance to modernize slightly.

To sum up: If you found the K-5 comfortable to shoot with, you’ll love the K-5 IIs just as much.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Here lies the most significant difference and also the most contentious - Pentax’s decision to drop the anti-aliasing (AA) filter on the K-5 IIs sensor, which the original K-5 retains.

Both cameras pack a 16 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, measuring 23.7 x 15.7 mm (about 372mm² sensor area), complemented by the same Prime II image processor. This means that, on paper, the image resolution maxes out at 4928 x 3264 pixels for both.

Pentax’s marketing for the K-5 IIs highlights the lack of an AA filter to promise crisper, more detailed images - particularly appealing for landscape photographers and anyone chasing ultimate sharpness. But this decision has trade-offs.

The classic AA filter reduces moiré patterns in images by slightly blurring fine detail, essentially pre-processing the scene to avoid digital interference patterns. The K-5’s AA filter-equipped sensor scores very well in terms of color depth (23.7 bits) and dynamic range (14.1 EV), showcasing Pentax’s longstanding sensor engineering prowess. Meanwhile, the K-5 IIs, sans AA filter, edges ahead in color depth at 23.9 bits but maintains the same dynamic range at 14.1 EV. Low-light ISO sensitivity is fractionally improved on the IIs (1208 vs. 1162 on the K-5).

What does this mean in practice?

From real-world shooting and pixel-peeping side by side, the K-5 IIs images show noticeably improved micro-contrast and sharper fine detail rendering. Textures in foliage and fabric appear more textured and defined - a treat for macro and landscape shooters who want every leaf and blade crisply detailed. But beware if you’re shooting patterns prone to moiré, like certain textiles or architectural mesh. The absence of the AA filter means the K-5 IIs can produce slight moiré in these conditions, though Pentax’s in-camera processing and RAW converters do a respectable job mitigating it.

For portrait shooters, the K-5’s AA filter creates a more forgiving skin rendering that masks minor blemishes without losing overall crispness, whereas the IIs may make skin texture appear a little sharper, which can be a double-edged sword depending on the aesthetic desired.

Viewing and Composing: The LCD Screen and Viewfinder

Both cameras share a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD monitor with 921k dot resolution, which - though not the most cutting-edge panel by today’s standards - is crisp, clear, and reliable for image review and menu navigation.

Live view is supported on both, with contrast detection autofocus kicking in while composing via screen - especially helpful for macro and studio work. Neither offers a touchscreen, which feels outdated today but was perfectly acceptable in their release era.

The optical viewfinder experience is equally solid and traditional on both cameras. Personally, I prefer an optical pentaprism finder for dynamic shooting; it’s brighter and shows the scene without lag or latency. This shared trait makes either model equally pleasant for situations requiring quick framing or continuous following of fast-moving subjects.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking Your Subject

Here, too, both cameras use an 11-point autofocus system with 9 cross-type sensors, employing a mix of phase- and contrast-detection methods, workable for most enthusiast needs.

I often tested both in wildlife and sports scenarios - with the same lenses, naturally - and found the autofocus acquisition and tracking speeds quite similar. The 7 fps burst rate shoots a respectable sequence without stuttering or buffer lag, a solid choice for fast-action photography.

However, neither camera offers animal eye-detection autofocus or the extensive customization of point selection seen in modern rivals, so wildlife shooters might find the focusing system a bit limiting - though capable in good light.

Still, if you rely on autofocus precision for crucial sports or bird-in-flight pics, I’d recommend taking a close look at sample images and focusing behaviors.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ready for the Elements

Like a trusty hiking buddy, both the K-5 and K-5 IIs come with affordable, high-grade weather sealing, making them dust and moisture resistant (though not waterproof or shockproof).

Pentax’s environmental sealing adds peace of mind for landscape, travel, and outdoor wildlife photographers who often find themselves in less-than-ideal weather. With a robust magnesium alloy body, these cameras endure rough use without complaint.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: The Glass That’s Going On

One of Pentax’s strongest suits is its deep, diverse lens lineup spanning decades - both modern autofocus lenses and a treasure trove of vintage glass via adapters.

Both cameras mount lenses through the Pentax KAF2 mount, compatible with 151 different lenses - covering wide-angle primes, all the way to super-telephoto beasts.

If you already have Pentax glass, either camera integrates seamlessly with your collection. If you’re starting fresh, you’ll find several outstanding lenses to suit your style, whether you’re after creamy portrait bokeh or razor-sharp macro detail.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: How Long and How Easy?

Both cameras share the same battery model, the D-LI90 lithium-ion pack, rated for about 980 shots on a single charge - a commendable figure for enthusiast DSLRs.

Storage sits with one SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, which is somewhat limiting if you like built-in redundancy. Connectivity-wise, neither model offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, relying instead on USB 2.0 and HDMI ports for data transfer and external monitors.

In 2024 terms, wireless absence might feel restrictive, but for serious photographers focused on image quality and reliability, this likely won’t be a deal-breaker.

Video Capabilities: Modern Enough for Casual Use

Video specs remain modest on both the K-5 and K-5 IIs:

• Max 1080p Full HD recording @ 25 fps (Motion JPEG format)
• Additional 720p modes and lower resolution options
• Microphone input (but no headphone jack for monitoring)

Neither supports 4K video, nor advanced codecs or frame rates, meaning video professionals might find these lacking. But for casual shooting, tutorials, or quick behind-the-scenes clips, they do the job.

Evaluating Performance Across Photography Genres

Having rattled off the specs and quirks, let's talk use - how do these cameras hold up for specific photographic styles?

Portraits

The K-5 IIs’s sharper sensor output yields images with distinctly crisper detail in skin texture and eyes. The difference is subtle but noticeable in controlled lighting and close-ups. Meanwhile, the K-5’s AA filter softens skin blotches without masking overall sharpness - better if you want flattering, less clinical portraiture.

Both enjoy excellent color depth for skin tones, and the in-body sensor-shift image stabilization helps maintain hand-held sharpness at wider apertures.

Landscapes

This is where the K-5 IIs shines. Without optical low-pass filtering, landscapes burst with detail, especially when paired with Pentax’s high-quality primes. The same 14.1 EV dynamic range as the original K-5 means you’ll retain shadow and highlight information well, a vital factor in high-contrast scenes.

Weather sealing on both means you can shoot in rain or dust without worrying. The slightly improved ISO performance on the IIs also aids in tricky light.

Wildlife and Sports

Both cameras shoot at 7 fps, balanced for many enthusiast needs. Autofocus tracking works well in good lighting but doesn’t match modern mirrorless or high-end DSLRs for focusing sophistication.

Telephoto lens compatibility is identical. The K-5 might edge out ever-so-slightly for tracking reliability due to the presence of the AA filter potentially helping the autofocus system handle patterns - but this is marginal.

Street Photography

Here, size, weight, and quick operation matter. Both cameras weigh about the same and have a discreet profile. The 7 fps burst rate is more than enough for catching decisive moments.

Low light autofocus is decent but not exceptional, so prime lenses with large apertures are recommended. The lack of silent shutter or touchscreen means some compromises versus more modern mirrorless cameras.

Macro

Thanks to sensor-shift stabilization and detailed images from both models, macro shooters receive solid results.

The K-5 IIs’s lack of AA filter means even finer capture of intricate textures - e.g., insect wings, flower petals. Focus precision can be challenging with narrow DOF, but live view with contrast-detection autofocus helps.

Night and Astro Photography

Between these two, both provide good dynamic range and reasonable ISO performance up to native 12800 (extendable to 51200 boost). The K-5 IIs slightly edges ahead in low-light ISO performance and color fidelity.

Both have timelapse recording modes, useful for star trails or nightscape sequences.

Image Quality in the Real World: Sample Shots and Scores

I put both cameras through their paces in controlled and natural settings, ranging from detailed landscapes to candid street moments.

Pentax K 5 front Pentax K 5 screen back Pentax K 5 IIs front Pentax K 5 IIs screen back

Images from the K-5 IIs show crisper micro-detail and more punchy colors without looking unnatural. The K-5 produces smoother transitions and lower risk of moiré, though sometimes with slightly less fine sharpness.

The DxOmark-style original sensor scores (82 overall, with color depth 23.7 and dynamic range 14.1) hold true here - both cameras are neck and neck on most metrics, with slight variation due to the AA filter.

Price-to-Performance: Which One Delivers Better Bang for Your Buck?

As of current pricing, the K-5 IIs sells for around $750, slightly cheaper than K-5 standard at $799. Given the more specialized nature of the AA filter removal on the IIs, this pricing seems fair. The original K-5 might be better for photographers wary of moiré or who value a gentle skin rendering, while the K-5 IIs is ideal for those chasing maximum resolution and texture.

Both are mid-sized, robust cameras that beat many entry-level DSLRs in build and performance. However, for professionals or enthusiasts demanding the latest tech, they aren’t on the bleeding edge today - but still hold considerable value for those appreciating classic DSLR craftsmanship.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which?

• Choose the Pentax K-5 if:

  • You prioritize consistent autofocus behavior across diverse shooting situations.
  • You’re mainly a portrait, event, or street photographer who prefers smoother skin tones and reduced moiré risk.
  • You enjoy Pentax's renowned ergonomics and in-body stabilization with a slight edge toward forgiving image processing.
  • You want a camera that balances sharp detail with reliability in various lighting and pattern conditions.
  • You appreciate a camera with a long-tested, durable build and solid user interface without learning a new control scheme.

• Choose the Pentax K-5 IIs if:

  • You’re a landscape, macro, or product photographer seeking razor-sharp images and the finest detail possible from a 16 MP APS-C sensor.
  • You’re confident in post-processing skills to handle occasional moiré or are shooting subjects unlikely to cause interference patterns.
  • You value slightly better color depth and low-light sensitivity.
  • You want a rugged, weather-sealed body that excels in natural, textural detail rendering.
  • You don't mind the modest upgrade in weight and are happy to sacrifice a few autofocus niceties for ultimate image fidelity.

A Look Forward - and Closing Quips

While both Pentax K-5 models are approaching classic status themselves, they remain fantastic options on the used market and for enthusiasts who want strong DSLR performance without stepping into the modern mirrorless arms race. Their strengths lie in reliable, tactile operation, vast lens compatibility, and excellent image quality for many photography disciplines.

If you’re after a flexible, solidly built camera with respectable video capabilities and a proven sensor, you can’t go far wrong here. Just inspect sample images carefully, consider your genre priorities, and match them with what these cameras uniquely bring to the table.

It’s a case where both models share DNA and craftsmanship but serve slightly different visual appetites. And really - isn’t that just like a good family? A little different, but equally cherished.

Hope this helped clarify the two Pentax K-5 siblings with a dash of practicality and no-nonsense storytelling. If you’re curious about how the latest mirrorless models stack up against these veterans, that’s a whole other story. But for now - the Pentax K-5 and K-5 IIs remain serious contenders for photographers who value classic reliability wrapped in fine imaging.

Happy shooting!