Pentax K-5: Tough on the outside, snappy on the inside

We're hope you're ready for some serious camera newsage, because camera show Photokina is in full swing this week and we've got Crave-worthy new snappers coming out of our ears. First up is the Pentax K-5, a new 16-megapixel dSLR that's tough and clever.

The K-5 is based on the K-7 body, and is made of magnesium alloy with a chassis of stainless steel. It's designed to tough out inclement weather down to temperatures as low as -10 degrees Centigrade.

Inside the tough exterior is a heart of photographic gold. The sensor is a 23.7x15.7mm CMOS, backed by a PRIME II imaging engine. The autofocus system boasts 11 sensor points with nine cross-type sensors in the middle.

It shoots up to 22 images in one burst of up to 7 frames per second. There's a range of bracketing options, plus noise reduction and dynamic range expansion. Low light shooting goes from ISO 80 to expanded ISO 51,200. Stick a DA, DFA or FA Limited-series lens on the front, and the camera will automatically correct purple fringing.

Video is here too. The K-5 shoots 1,920x1,080 high-definition video at 25 frames per second.

The K-5 arrives in mid-October and will set your back £1,200 with an 18-55mm WR kit lens, or £1,300 if you add a 50-200mm lens. A kit including the body and a new 18-135mm lens costs £1,700.