So how good is the K-5 sensor

have you not seen any images from the k7 even the very high iso shots are cracking ken.

There's an interesting thread over on DPR about recovering what appears to be a black frame from a K5, very impressive.
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1036&thread=36806297

Fully agree, just talking to a friend last week on this very subject and both concluded that sensor manufacture 'in house' may not offer the best options in the long term, better to choose from a pool of sensor manufacturers that do what they do best.
Looking at CCD camera manufacturers for astronomical use, these companies just tend to upgrade the chip (usually Kodak chips) as technology improves while the camera body architecture remains much the same.

Could it be with the rapid improvements being made in sensor technology that the FF sensor will become obsolete , a small efficient chip taking full advantage of the sweet spot in any optic attached.

FF sensor ...obsolete??

Think I'm gonna get flamed...

Mike

Not at all, you've got a fair point.

I've just had a spell with the K-r and that was stupendous. Just fell in love with it instantly and I'm so tempted to go for it for professional as well as amateur use.

What the label is that it's given doesn't matter in the slightest, it's how it works for the photographer that counts.

How was the viewfinder on it John? Did you notice a difference between it with the pentamirror and a camera with a pentaprism?

I too was tempted by it - especially at that price - but I'm glad I went for the K-5 (I think :blush.

I see that you have removed 'PROUD owner of a K5', Gwyn! Had 2nd thoughts?!
Andy

Not at all, the signature was getting on my nerves, but the camera isn't. I still love it

You THINK ?

I just had the credit card bill . I feel a bit guilty about it, that's all.

Ah yes .. having to pay for it is the hard part.

And to make it worse by the time the credit card bill arrives the camera is old and used.

Should have bought hubby an ironing board .. eases the guilt

Can I borrow it for when mine arrives on Monday

John, yes I seriously considered the K-r, especially the alternative battery option, very useful for travel photography. Checked all the boxes except the fly in the ointment for me was the lack of a timer cable release socket for extendeded exposures otherwise perfect camera. (Not sure a remote release will do extended exposures, never used one ).
Anyway looks like the K5 for me in the New Year and going by the sensor test results on the link provided by Mike the K5 shows a favourable comparison to the Nikon D700, a camera long known in the astronomical community for producing good results in low light conditions.

Mike

Glad to hear that! And understand the 'guilt-factor' on having to pay for it!
Andy

There's been plenty of real world pics from the K-5 posted already

These DXO scientific tests simply reinforce the great quality of the pics I've seen already.