Hello Jonathan, hope you're enjoying your K-x and the PU website!

I upgraded from a K-x to a K-5 about 7 months ago and have also kept the K-x. Here's what I think.

Notwithstanding features, the K-5 is a better camera because of the following:

1. K-5 colour depth is better
2. Images are more detailed (not massively so, though)
3. K-5 is better constructed, metal, not polycarbonate
4. K-5 is better at high ISO, but K-x is very, very good also in this regard and is a great low light tool
5. K-5 is weather-sealed, K-x is not, although I've used mine in light rain with no issues, I wouldn't want to take it out in anything other than drizzle
6. Shutter is very quiet and smooth on the K-5, important if you like taking wildlife shots
7. K-5 is massively better on the autofocus front - quicker and more accurate
8. K-5 is more ergonomic and handles better
9. K-5 has a lock on the mode adjustment dial - this may seem like a small thing but it's invaluable when out in the field as you can't accidentally change settings
10. K-5 has a better screen (higher resolution) and it's easier to review images on the camera

In short, I love the K-5 and it's a big step up from the K-x but doesn't take that much getting used to after owning a K-x for a year or so. However, the K-x is a superb camera and whether or not it is worth you upgrading depends how enthusiastic you are and what you intend to use the camera for. I actually prefer my K-x for some types of shots, macro is one area where its light weight and small size can be an advantage. I have no plans to sell the K-x at present and it still gets used a lot, but make no mistake, the K-5 is a different and better beast.

I hope this is helpful!

Regards
David

Well done Shaun, does this bring any financial rewards or just good publicity?

Regards
David

Hi Nigel, no there was no exposure compensation here, but the ones shot with the Sigma 105 had the assistance of a polarising filter. This is why the colours are rich and also why I could not get away with a smaller aperture as I specifically wanted to keep the ISO low. It's always a series of compromises, I just need to learn which ones are most important!

Thanks very much for the comments John, much apreciated. Shot 2 is definitely not over-exposed, but I agree with you on the bright green background. This is a consequence of the angle of view on this one which was different to all the others. It's all a matter of personal taste as I know that some people prefer a backgorund without distractions like the green one on that shot. Personally I prefer something more muted and interesting.

Regards
David

Cheers Stuey; we must have a day out sometime in the not too distant future. I'm off up to the Lakes Friday / Saturday this coming week if you've got any spare time.

Regards
David

Absolutely superb. The model's lipstick is a bit over-applied on #2 in the corner of her mouth, but I can't see anything else I don't like. I think these demonstrate real skill and I would not have a clue how to go about shooting images as good as this.

Regards
David

I have similar experiences with the the K-m, but it produces lovely images at anything from ISO 400 down. In fact, it's better than the K-x at low ISO, but obviously cannot compete with the K-5.

Regards
David

Thanks very much for the feedback Dr. O, I'll try to get some butterfly shots the other way round! I'm not sure if we'll get any more opportunities this year as we get closer to Autumn.

Regards
David

They look pretty good to me Charlotte, especially #1 and #4. Have you given up on the K-r now and sent it back to Amazon, or is this still ongoing?

Regards
David

Regarding the Electronic Level and Horizon Adjustment on the K-5, it is unreliable - i.e. working one day and way off the next. I too never really used it very much either, but the point I was making earlier (don't think I explained very well) is that it was making my images come out lop-sided. I didn't even realise I had the Horizon Correction turned on in the menu, and couldn't understand why all my pictures were 10% tilted to the left! So even if you don't use it, it can still affect the images!

Having said this, if it is a designed feature of the camera it should work. Pentax, why have you not sorted this out? Surely a firmware upgrade could fix it, or at the very least could provide the user with a way of re-calibrating if it went off.

Regards
David

Not sure what's going on there Alan, I've never had an 'authority' message?

Thanks for your reply and vote.

Regards
David