Replacing the two-year-old K5, the K-5 II boasts a new AF sensor claimed to offer a broader AF working range of -3EV to +18EV.

Like its predecessor, the K-5 II incorporates a 16.28-million-pixel APS-C size imaging sensor.

The newcomer’s AF module is coupled with an ‘upgraded’ AF algorithm to provide features including a select-area expansion function.

‘This automatically tracks the subject even when it moves away from a pre-assigned select point,’ claimed Pentax in a statement.

‘This function is enabled as the distance data is assessed when collected by neighbouring focus sensors.’

Housed in a magnesium-alloy body, the K-5 II – like the K-5 – sports a 3in, 910,000-dot LCD screen.

Also on board is an optical viewfinder, a top shutter speed of 1/8000sec and a maximum burst rate of around seven frames per second (for up to 30 shots).

A custom function allows access to modes such as Bleach Bypass and Cross Process.

Also new is the K-5 IIs which, according to Pentax UK, dispenses with the K-5 II’s anti-aliasing filter to create ‘rich, detailed imagery and supreme resolution levels’.

The K-5 II and the K-5 IIs are due out in October carrying body-only prices of £799.99 and £949.99 respectively.

K-mount, Q and medium-format lenses

Pentax is also due to roll out a raft of new lenses: a K-mount 560mm f/5.6 ED AW (priced £5,999.99 and due in December); a 90mm f/2.8 ED AW SR macro costing £3,799.99 (designed for Pentax medium-format DSLRs and expected next month); and an 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 ED SDM K-mount, due to go on sale in November costing £699.99.

The 560mm and 90mm macro include a new ‘HD coating’, claimed to offer ‘increased light transmittance with reduced reflection’.

Pentax is also poised to unleash a 15-45mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom designed to be used with the Q-series.

Claimed to produce the 35mm viewing angle equivalent of an 83-249mm
lens, this is due out in the middle of next month, priced £249.99.

Pentax Q10 boasts ‘faster AF’

Pentax has also tonight announced the birth of the Q10, the next in Pentax’s Q-series of compact system cameras – boasting faster AF operation and a redesigned body.

The 12.4-million-pixel Q10 features a newly designed back-illuminated CMOS imaging sensor and a revamped AF algorithm – claimed to enable much faster AF, ‘even when using a telephoto lens or shooting in dimly-lit locations’.

A face recognition mode aims to automatically detect up to 12 faces and pinpoint focus on the main subject.

The Q10’s redesigned body incorporates a ‘special grip for more stable hold… improved operability and manoeuvrability,’ adds Pentax.

Features borrowed from the original Q model include a top burst rate of five JPEG frames per second. Nine custom image modes include Bleach Bypass.

The Q10 is due out in October (in white, black and red versions), priced £379.99 in a kit that includes a 5-15mm lens.

• An adapter allowing photographers to attach K-mount lenses on Pentax Q models, extending the focal length of Q lenses by around 5.5x [in 35mm format], is also set for UK release – priced £249.99.

The Adapter Q features manual aperture control and a mechanical shutter designed to ‘prevent rolling shutter distortion’, according to Pentax.