Following up on last week’s K-r announcement, Pentax has announced its Big Daddy DSLR, the K-5.
The K-5’s weather resistant body is similar – if not the same – as the K-7 except for a dial mode that sits a smidge higher for easier controls. Using Sony’s 16.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, the K-5 rattles off 7fps with an ISO that’s expandable to 51200 (100 to 12800). Other improvements have been made to the HDR mode and SDXC compatibility. Video capture has been bumped up to full HD (1080p) at 25fps.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNCee0R1sow]
We’ve recently handled the K-5 and can say that it’s a mild but adequate improvement from the K-7. Pentax will continue to sell the K-x along side the K-r and K-5 until stock has been depleted.
The K-5 will be available next month for $1600 (body only) or bundled with an 18-55mm kit lens for $1750.
Press release after the jump.