Digital Home Thoughts: Pentax Announces K-5 DSLR; Incremental Improvements Abound

"Pentax has announced the latest member of its DSLR line-up, the K-5. The new model is based on the Japanese manufacturer's current flagship DSLR, the K-7."

The new Pentax K-5 is an improvement over the K-7, despite the lower number. Notable additions include a 16 megapixel sensor that goes to ISO 50k (twice that of the D7000's, for instance), 1080p video at 25FPS, and a 7 FPS continuous mode. What gets taken away though, is AA battery support; the new camera uses a rechargeable lithium ion battery. At least the in-body lens stabilisation that everyone seems to love is still present, along with the ability to mount just about every K-mount lens out there (with exceptions and different levels of functionality). Though at US$1600 for the body only, it is going to have some stiff competition from the cheaper Nikon D7000. I like Pentax a lot; they have smart UI and design, but what was very competitive (the K7 was designed to match heavy hitting DSLRs like the Nikon D300) is not so now. I hope they can pull through though. Hit the link for a hands-on by DPReview.com

Also introduced is the Pentax smc 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6ED AL IF DC WR (what a collection of alphabets) lens. It's a weather resistant lens meant for APS-C cameras, that basically does the 28-300mm range on 35mm cameras.