PENTAX Announces the K-5 DSLR, 18-135mm Lens

Today at Photokina, scrappy camera manufacturer Pentax announced the upcoming K-5, a new flagship DSLR for their K-series lineup.

The new K-5 replaces the previous K-7 model and uses the same exterior body. It's weather resistant and is made from a stainless steel frame that's been clad in a magnesium outer layer. Seventy-seven different seals help keep out moisture and dust.  Since the two bodies are the same, the K-7 will use the optional Pentax battery grip that's already out on the market.

Specifications:

• Sony-sourced 16.3MP CMOS sensor
• 7 FPS burst rate
• ISO range of 100-12800 - expandable to 80-51200
• SAFOX IX+ 11-point autofocus system
• SDXC card compatibility (via future firmware update)
• 3-inch LCD with 921,000 dots
• Shutter speed maximum of 1/8000
• HDMI out for displaying images and video on an external display
• 720p video at 25 and 30 frames per second, 1080p video at 25 frames per second
• Pentaprism viewfinder offers 100% field of view and 0.92X magnification
• In-body shake reduction (image stabilization)

The Pentax body-only K-5 carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1,599.95, a three hundred dollar increase over last year's flagship K-7. Partnered with a weather sealed 18-55mm lens, and the kit price jumps to $1,749.95.

Along with the new K-5 DSLR, Pentax announced the new 18-135mm DA series lens.  Weather resistant to match their higher-end DSLRs, the new lens comes in with an MSRP of $529.95. Both camera and lens will be available in October.

Be sure to read our exclusive First Look coverage of Pentax's new K-5 DSLR here!