Pixiq

Say hello to Pentax’s newest dSLR, the K-5. If you’re used to a K-7, the K-5 will feel familiar because it has been built on that, but Pentax has beefed up its spec and added a couple of tasty morsels to tempt you a bit more. Fancy taking a closer look?

First up is the new CMOS sensor that has been slotted into the body, and works with the PRIME II imaging engine. Pentax reckons that this 16.3 megapixel sensor will be able to offer excellent low-noise images. You’ll be able to shoot seven frames per second, too.

It has a standard ISO range of 100 to 12,800, but you can extend that to 80 to 51,200. That means you’ll be hoping that the noise management system is as good as Pentax says it is, with the analogue to digital conversion taking place within the sensor.

They’ve put a SAFOX IX+ 11 point autofocus sensor in there. That’s the same as in the 645D medium format camera. If you like shooting in live view mode, you can set up your autofocus points anywhere. That’s if you like shooting in live view mode, of course.

And now for the fun stuff. There are nine custom image modes, 18 different filters that you can apply one on top of the other if the mood so takes you, three cross-processing options, and an HDR function. You’ll be able to sepia-tone your toy camera-style images until your heart is content.

Lots of functionality on the Penatx K-5

And of course, the now ubiquitous HD movie function is there, with a 25 frames per second speed.

All of this, an 18-55mm lens, and a bit more can be yours for £1199.99, from mid-October 2010. More details from Pentax.