K-5 II / K-5 IIs

General Description

Being a “hardware update” of the K-5, the design of the K-5 II(s) remained unchanged. Most features like the highly-regarded 16 MP image sensor, the magnesium alloy body, or the user interface remained unchanged. However, the K5 II(s) did bring 3 good nwes:

Maybe the most important good news is the newly developed high-sensitivity “SAFOX X” auto-focus module with improved low-light capabilities and improved accuracy. The working EV range now strechtes from -3 EV to +18 EV. Unlike its SAFOX predecessors, SAFOX 10 is able to work with luminous flux based on F2.8 levels in addition to that of F5.6. This increases the AF accuracy when using fast lenses. Also, new algorithms shall do a better job for all lenses.

The second good news is the option to choose between the K-5 II and the K-5 IIs, i.e. between a model with built-in anti-aliasing filter and a model without that filter. While the anti-aliasing filter helps to avoid sampling artifacts when taking pictures of periodic structures or patterns, it also reduces detail resolution. Without this filter, the K-5 IIs achvieves a superior level of resolution and clarity – however at the risk of artifacts and/or incorrect colours when taking pictures of periodic patterns.

The third good news is a better visibility of the 3-inch LCD monitor (921,000 dots) under brightly-lit conditions. This is achieved by the eleminiation of the reflecting air-gap. between the (coated) front glass panel and the LCD screen. The gap is filled by a resin layer that effectively cuts down reflections, reducing ghost images and brightness loss. The front panel is made of tempered glass to keep it free of scratches and abrasions.

Technical Specifications