Pentax k5 opinions

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Was all set to buy a 650D but a friend is selling his k5 with 18-55 and 50-200. I do not know a lot about Pentax but how does the K5 stack up against the 650? Are the lenses mentioned any good?

Thanks in advance!
 
The Pentax can be very good as it uses the Sony 16Mb chip plus it has a massive range of older lens on it that can be used.

HOwever before you buy I would give it a check out first espically with the focusing. I have a friend who has one (he is a Pentax nut) and has sent his back 3 time for focus calibration and apparently some of the K5's do suffer from this.

If the K5 is good and works then yes it is great camera.
 
Having a google search brings up a few more issues than most cameras, lens release button falling off, mirror flop and the problem you have pointed out.

Hmmm, maybe I should go for the Canon!
 
Excellent camera, uses the same sensor as your D7000 (Pentax actually squeezed out a tiny bit more performance though). I have one (along with a Canon 50D) and I pick up the Pentax 90% of the time because it's dynamic range and ISO performance is better than Canons crop bodies (and that includes the newest models).

AF speed is still slightly lacking against other makes though and they currently have no lenses over 300mm (although there is always Sigma). Build and handling is top notch
 
Thanks for your input, it only has the standard DA lenses with it, these ok to get going with?

Was looking for fairly quick AF as going to take some show jumping pics.
 
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Mike.P said:
Surely you can have a good play with it if it's a friends camera anyway?
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I have someone who wants pics taking next week so if I want to go the 650D route I'm running out of time to order!
 
JJ! said:
Thanks for your input, it only has the standard DA lenses with it, these ok to get going with?

Was looking for fairly quick AF as going to take some show jumping pics.
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AF will be fine for that, I'm really talking about very fast stuff running towards you but then most cameras struggle with that anyway. The 2 lenses are pretty good but at the end of the day they are basic kit lenses.

How much is he asking (are they the WR lenses)
 
I really like the k5 and k30 they are also weather sealed and in body stabilisation.
 
I got a K5 a couple of months ago. I like the weather sealing, the small size and the high ISO performance. The AF could be improved but it depends what kind of photography you are into, e.g. sports, if that makes a difference.

Some early K5s did have issues with sensor stains but that was sorted out in later production runs. No shutter buttons falling off and mirror flopping for me so far!
 
£650!

Unless there is anything really wrong with the K5 (and as a friend I'd hope he would tell you if there is) bite his hand off up to the elbow.

Dave
 
Mike.P sold gave me the final push to Pentax about a year and a half ago. Haven't regretted it one tiny bit. I wouldn't compare the 650D to a K5. The D7k is much closer to it but I prefer the K-5 much more.

BTW why don't you like your D7K?
 
Needed to sell the D7K for financial reasons that have now changed - plus the grip was pretty poor for my hands.

Tried the K5 and the grip was so much nicer. Im guessing the K5 is head and shoulders above the 650D?
 
rc_hammer said:
I got a K5 a couple of months ago. I like the weather sealing, the small size and the high ISO performance. The AF could be improved but it depends what kind of photography you are into, e.g. sports, if that makes a difference.

Some early K5s did have issues with sensor stains but that was sorted out in later production runs. No shutter buttons falling off and mirror flopping for me so far!
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I am after it for sports, well horses to be more exact - will this cause the K5 any issues!
 
JJ! said:
I am after it for sports, well horses to be more exact - will this cause the K5 any issues!
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I've used my K5 at a football match and found using the centre focus point the K5 was pretty good at locking on focus. The Canon and Nikon AF systems are supposed to have the edge but I found I was getting plenty of keepers so I'm happy.

One thing - it rained during the match and the K5 weather sealing meant I could just carry on shooting. You need to spend a lot more money on Canon and Nikon equipment to get the weather resistance of the Pentax K5 so this may also be a factor for you if you are shooting horses outside.
 
Well, that is another factor as my wife's friend want some photos done of her in a sand school.
 
That's some extreme testing lol!
 
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