Pentax Ricoh today announced its flagship digital SLR cameras-Pentax K-5 II and K-5 .The cameras are designed to advance the company’s well-received K-5 camera, launched in October 2010. These new dustproof, weather-resistant and cold-resistant cameras digital SLR cameras include a newly developed SAFOX X AF sensor that delivers the broadest autofocusing EV range (-3 EV to +18 EV) in its class. In addition, the Pentax K-5 IIs is offered without an anti-aliasing filter, making it the perfect solution for photographers who practice commercial and studio photography where camera settings, lens selection, lighting, and other shooting conditions are controlled.
The new Pentax K-5 II / K-5 IIs offer a compact, solid body that delivers high quality image reproduction, especially when working in low light conditions. The camera’s new, highly sensitive AF sensor enables photographers to work with a luminous flux based on F2.8 levels in addition to F5.6, which increases the AF accuracy when using fast lenses. The AF sensor also includes an upgraded AF algorithm as well as the Select-Area Expansion feature, which automatically tracks the subject when it deviates from a pre-assigned selection point, by assessing data from neighboring sensors.
The K-5 II features a glass pentaprism finder with a 100% field of view and approximately 0.92-times magnification (with a 50mm F1.4 lens at infinity) for an exceptional view of the entire image field and improved accuracy while photographing. The camera is also equipped with the Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen to facilitate manual-focus operation.
The new Pentax K-5 II will be available from October 2012 with a suggested retail price of $1,199.95 for body only, $1,349.95 for the K-5 II kit including the DA 18-55mm WR zoom lens and $1,549.95 for the K-5 II kit including the DA 18-135mm WR zoom lens. The K-5 IIs will also be available in October with a suggested retail price of $1,299.95 for body only.
