Pentax
K-5
Legendary weather-sealed APS-C DSLR with 16MP sensor and exceptional build quality.
$1,099
Launch priceReleased Sep 2010
Pentax
K-5 IIs
APS-C flagship without AA filter for maximum sharpness — a cult favorite among Pentax stills shooters.
$1,099
Launch priceReleased Sep 2012
K-5 IIs is 2 years newer.
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Wins
K-5
Wins
K-5 IIs
17 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BK-5 IIs has lower Weight (710 g vs 750 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareK-5
131 × 97 × 73 mm
750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
K-5 IIs
131 × 97 × 73 mm
710 g (1.57 lb / 25.04 oz)
K-5 and K-5 IIs share virtually identical body dimensions.
K-5 is 40 g heavier than K-5 IIs.
Depth (front-to-back): 73mm K-5 · 73mm K-5 IIs
Sensor size, to scale
K-5
23.7 × 15.7 mm · APS-C
372 mm² area
K-5 IIs
23.7 × 15.7 mm · APS-C
372 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
K-5
✓ more lensesPentax K
70+
native lenses available
K-5 IIs
✓ more lensesPentax K
70+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
K-5
AA filter
Only K-5 supports it
Reasons to choose
K-5 IIs
Weight
710 g vs 750 g — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 16.3 MP
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 101
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 100 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
K-5
Pros
- ✓Legendary build
- ✓Weather sealed
- ✓Excellent JPEG engine
- ✓Compact pro DSLR
Cons
- –16MP very dated
- –Slow AF
- –DSLR niche
K-5 IIs
Pros
- ✓No AA filter
- ✓Weather sealed
- ✓Excellent build
- ✓Strong JPEG engine
Cons
- –16MP dated
- –Slow AF
- –DSLR declining
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the K-5 and K-5 IIs at major authorized retailers.
Pentax K-5
Pentax K-5 IIs
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for portraits, K-5 or K-5 IIs?
K-5 scores 5.5/10 versus 5.5/10 for K-5 IIs — Eye AF locks focus on subjects reliably.
What's the resolution difference between the K-5 and K-5 IIs?
Both cameras share the same 16.3 MP resolution.
Do the K-5 and K-5 IIs have in-body image stabilization?
K-5 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while K-5 IIs has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the K-5 or the K-5 IIs?
K-5 reaches 15 fps electronic. K-5 IIs reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the K-5 and K-5 IIs?
K-5 weighs 750 g and K-5 IIs weighs 710 g, so the K-5 IIs is 40 g lighter.
Do the K-5 and K-5 IIs record 4K video?
K-5: 4K up to 60p. K-5 IIs: 4K up to 60p.
Are the K-5 and K-5 IIs weather sealed?
K-5: Yes. K-5 IIs: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the K-5 and 640 shots for the K-5 IIs, giving the K-5 IIs the edge.
How much does each cost?
Both launched at $1,099.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way K-5 vs K-5 IIs vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.