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

The first of today's new camera deluge is the Pentax K-5, a new 16-megapixel dSLR that's both tough and clever.

Richard Trenholm
Richard Trenholm was CNET's film and TV editor, covering the big screen, small screen and streaming. A member of the Film Critic's Circle, he's covered technology and culture from London's tech scene to Europe's refugee camps to the Sundance film festival.
Richard Trenholm
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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.

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The side of the camera, including a button to switch to raw format.
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The K-5 is based on the K-7 frame.
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The body features 77 seals to keep things dustproof, waterproof and cold-proof.

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