Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black)

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

I tried for the Special Edition of this model and as I could not get the same I have to opt for the regular Model. I am bit unlucky in getting the Spl. edition of Pentax K-5. Any way this is a solid weather sealed product than my previous K-x model. I will be waiting for Pentax's spl edition.

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

Hi, I´m a med student from Guatemala. This is my first DSLR. In fact it is my first camera at all. Prior purchasing it I received a photographic course of one month. That time I used a Canon 5D which a dear friend borrowed me.

First of I would like to say that BH has a great customer service. Not at all comparable to any shopping experience I had before, 10 points on that.

Second, I was spoiled as my first experience in the DSLR world was with such a nice camera. So I wanted to buy a good camera. After a really long research and after an exhaustive reading I chose the Pentax K5. To the opinion I forged it was the best value for its quality. I did a jump of faith and a decision based on the pile of information found on the internet. Here in Guatemala there is no Pentax retailer and maybe no Pentax K5 owner at all, so it was impossible for me to try it before purchasing it.

Third thing to say is telling my experience with the K5 after 1 month. I red the entire manual and complemented it occasionally with readings at pentaxforums. The manual is a well built guide to the operability of the camera. It allows you to discover all the functions. Then it is up to you to explore and understand the full amplitude of each function. In that regard the manual is straightforward. As it comes to the camera itself, well what can I say besides that I really love it? It´s very intuitive and produces great photos, I´m really happy of my choice. I won´t expand on the camera itself because much has been said on other reviews and in the internet, by people much more capable than me.

I would like to conclude saying that I extended more on the experience of buying my first DSLR than in the camera itself. Because of all these new photo lovers who are getting in the world of DSLR and struggle on which brand they should buy.

Well even if Pentax isn´t a well heard brand it is an excellent camera with great lenses worth of considering it in your list!

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

I agree with most reviews here, even since its release in late 2010, it's the best APS-C camera for the $ to date. I shoot landscape, wildlife, portrait, night scenes and I rarely shoot sports or any distances requiring -f3, +300mm with optical stabilization, for that I'd say nikon or canon. But any other camera in the price range for the specs, I'd say get the K-5. Fully weather resistant w/wr lens, small solid metal body, excellent high iso quality, 7fps, excellent ergonomics and button/interface access, etc. I have yet to note any cons, my K-5 works butter smooth even after going through down-pours on hikes and being hit with salt water at the beach. To have this kind of camera for around $1K, that's a bargain! I couldn't be happier.

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

I bought the Pentax K-5 as an upgrade from my K-100D. It offers better resolution and image quality than my old camera. I look forward to taking advantage of the weather sealing during travel in inclement weather. It will also give me the abiilty to shoot short video segements during my travels. It is a more complicated camera to operate,but it does offer a lot more features than my old K-100D.

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

Upgraded from a K7 so not much of a learning curve. This camera took all the things I love on the K7 and gave me better image and iso capability. This is a solid felling camera, the weather resistant features allows me brave the elements when trying to capture our families outdoor activities, the low light performance is amazing

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

I'm primarily an outdoor photographer and this camera fits the bill completely. Very easy to use with many functions to learn to enhance your craft.
The possibilities are endless with this camera. Also it is very comfortable to hold and compact without compromising its ruggedness.

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

Overall it a great camara, and with a little time you will learn to use all the feature.

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

This is one nice camera. It is built extremely well and the ergonomics are perfect. I love the fact that you can use any lense Pentax ever made. I've tried an screww mount ( with an adapter)50 mm F1.4 and I was very happy with the results. The kit lense performs well and is weather resistant. can't wait to get more lenses and shoot more.

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

Great camera - the right size and very high quality. I struggled whether to go for a similar Cannon or Nikon, but decided the Pentax. This camera is quick and takes fantastic pictures, and anything (lenses, flashes, etc.)from Pentax from the past is interchangeable and still usable as well - great!. Highly recommended, no faults found yet (although video in low light appears to not be the best - but its a camera first). I only hope Ricoh the new parent company lets Pentax continue with its tradition of excellent design and build quality. Dont forget to buy the bolt on battery back that allows for simple and cheap) AA battery use - great addition.

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

Having learned photography back when film was the standard, I've come to appreciate ergonomics in a camera. This one has it, the definition of ergonomics. Everything is exactly where it should be--with one exception, which shouldn't apply to most. All the dials, back panel, top panel readouts, shooting modes, menu toggles, are all great EXCEPT the live view button IF you are a left eyed shooter like me. (My nose hits the live view button and activates it at the most inopportune times, but I'm getting used to avoiding it...NOT a deal breaker by any means.) To put it in terms of Nikon users: This camera performs at a level between a D700 and a D3S. Yes, it's that good. An APS-C, you say? Yes. If you get good glass and good lighting, it performs just as well as a D700, and nearly as well as a 3X more expensive D3S. Read the DXOmark review, it'll confirm what I'm saying. Besides the nose problem, there is one thing I'd like to see improve. Image quality isn't it. Stunning images up to 6400 ISO. In extremely low light situations, it hunts for focus a little. Even with either of my DA*16-50, or my DA*50-135...it hunts a little. With a flick of the switch, use your eyeballs and save $2,500.00. In adequate to bright light, spot-on in an instant. I've used it for landscape, nature, event photography, runway, portfolio work...it does it all happily. If you are considering Pentax, do a little more homework on what their premium "workhorse" lenses (DA*, to be more specific) run versus Canon and Nikon counterparts. Exceptional glass at about half the price, and weather/dust sealed to boot! And I love the camera snob factor. Canikons turn up their nose at this camera when they see me shooting with it. Then, when everyone posts finished work...my work is finished first (minimal need for photoshop), and it BLOWS THEIR WORK OUT OF THE WATER. I've even had: "Is that the same camera you shot with the last time?" many times...they can't believe it. Buy this camera with some good DA* lenses to snap on, get some good lighting to go with it...and you're set. My pro set has the following in it: 1-K5 body, 1-K-7 Body, 16-50 DA*, 50-135 DA*, a k-mount SMC 50mm f2.0, a k-mount SMC 28mm 2.8, and a vivitar 85mm 1.4. Lighting: 1 360FGZ speedlight, 1 metz 50af-1 speedlight. The only purchases made new were the k-5 and the metz 50af-1, the rest used. Out the door less than $5,000.00 total. Soooo....in Canon or Nikon that gets you a body and one lens for about the same performance...right? Hmmmm. Pretty sure I made the right decision. Check it out yourself.

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

I upgraded to have a DSLR that also could do some video from my *ist D. I have had Pentax cameras since way back starting with the MX. With several compatible lens already, I chose to stay with the Pentax brand and I am very happy, so far (2 weeks) with the K-5.

Having been a Pentax owner, the transition only involves all the new options, overall it has been pretty easy switch from my *ist D.

The Kit lens included is reasonably good, though the wobbliness of the front section is a bit annoying. No deal killer.

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

I use the camera for photos and video of my grandkids and their activities, nature photography and parties.
I like the video that I don't have on my k200. The pictures are sharp and clear and once I learn more about the choices I have I expect to get even better photos.
I did discover that when using the video I will need to use a tripod, the anti shake did not do well for me hand held. I suspect a person with steadier hands would not have this problem.

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

Shot at the Washington state international kite festival, and this performed better than expected. I'd suggest this to anyone who needs more than a digital point-and-shoot. Got the battery grip and a second battery as well, and after about 2000 pictures, the battery indicator still hasn't moved off full, with the flash on about 1/4 of the time, shooting in raw.

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

We love using this camera. It is very easy to use and takes EXTREMELY good photographs, even on mind-blowing ISOs.

Adjusting the settings is all really handy ... and the big screen is a plus.

We haven't even read the manual yet, and keep discovering new features that impress us. When we read the manual, I am sure our minds will really be blown. :)

Seriously I HIGHLY recommend this camera. It is awesome!

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

Was thinking of upgrading from my kx to the k7 but after reading several reviews on the Pentax k5 decided to spend the extra money and get the k5. I only had the camera for a few weeks and used it on vacation to Acadia national park in Main and was very pleased with the picture quality. I liked the fact that it was fully weather-sealed because we had some rain one afternoon but was still able to get out and take some great pictures. I had the Pentax DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 WR lens for my kx and was able to use that on the day it rain also.
I believe that the Pentax k5 ranks right up there with Cannon and Nikon.

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

I think that the K-5 is very user friendly. I a matter of time, I was able to use my caméra. I like the high quality video mode. It takes multiple shots with no problems. It focuses very fast, which make it easy to shoot action shots. The images are crisp and clear. I like the way it records the light that enters the frame. Over all, I love my new K-5 Phentax.

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

Drove myself crazy deciding between the K-5, Nikon D7000 and Canon 7D. Finally, I just had to make the decision - so I simplified, boiled it down to a few of the most important features for me. All three cameras would do essentially the same job, same quality, same results [or so I felt after an exhaustive research project]. The price drop at B&H also helped me with the decision.

I don't think it's too much to ask a piece of equipment in this price range to handle some environmental conditions. I take pictures when it is cold, rain, hot -- in all kinds of weather. Really, you never know when the weather will change, so the weather sealing and operating temps were important. Maybe the 7D is somewhat comparable in this respect, but the K-5 won me over on this factor.

I also think at this price point an all metal body and a great sensor aren't too much to ask. Again, maybe the 7D would have worked, but the price and DXOMark information again made the K-5 a winner.

Comfort and control layout was another important factor. I'm a pretty big fellow with good sized hands. While this was a big concern considering the dimensions of the K-5, I've found the K-5 very comfortable to hold on to. The layout of the controls and menu system just make sense. I've used the D7000 and the 7D and knew the D7000 control layout was lousy. The 7D was okay, but the K-5 just lays out everything in the right place.

Add in the incredible Pentax glass and forget about the whole "investing in a system" business the Canikon folks try to sell. Even if you do plan to go FF down the road, much of the APS-C gear simply isn't going to perform well on a FF camera.

I also enjoy not having something the every Tom, Dick and Harry is carrying around. At the end of the day (and after all the madness), the choice really was simple. The K-5 killed the competition.

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

I bought this camera to be able to shoot in the winter time when it is below 32 degrees. I already had a Canon MkII & 7D. I thought for winter photos this would be fine, I took it out for several weekends and was blown away by the image quality and the ability of the 18-50 and th 50-200 lenses. The results at high ISO are really remarkable. I highly recommend this camera. As usual shopping at B&H was a pleasure.

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

Great camera value compared to competition. Legacy glass. Goog semi-pro performance.

Comments about Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera W/18-55mm Zoom Lens (Black):

Weather resistant, HD movie, huge ISO range, user function assignable buttons, RAW + JPEG simultaneous capture, smaller and lighter than the other two players in this range (Nikon & Canon) though it is a bit big for a Pentax - the ME was the perfect size camera.