A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Sony A7R II vs Pentax K-5

The Sony Alpha A7R II and the Pentax K-5 are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in June 2015 and September 2010. The A7R II is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the K-5 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a full frame (A7R II) and an APS-C (K-5) sensor. The Sony has a resolution of 42.2 megapixels, whereas the Pentax provides 16.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Sony A7R II
versus
Pentax K-5
Sony A7R II   Pentax K-5
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Sony E mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
42.2 MP – Full Frame sensor 16.1 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/25p Video
ISO 100-25,600 (50 - 102,400) ISO 100-12,800 (80 - 51,200)
Electronic viewfinder (2400k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1229k dots 3.0" LCD – 921k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second 7 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
290 shots per battery charge740 shots per battery charge
127 x 96 x 60 mm, 625 g 131 x 97 x 73 mm, 760 g
logo
Check A7R II offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check K-5 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Sony Alpha A7R II and the Pentax K-5? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

ad

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Sony A7R II and the Pentax K-5 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Sony A7R II vs Pentax K-5
Compare A7R II versus K-5 top
Comparison A7R II or K-5 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Pentax K-5 is somewhat larger (4 percent) than the Sony A7R II. Moreover, the K-5 is markedly heavier (22 percent) than the A7R II. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the A7R II gets 290 shots out of its Sony NP-FW50 battery, while the K-5 can take 740 images on a single charge of its Pentax D-LI90 power pack. The power pack in the A7R II can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
2.
 
Pentax K-5 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2010 1,099ebay.com
3.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
4.
 
Pentax K-50 130 mm 97 mm 71 mm 650 g 410 Y Jun 2013 599ebay.com
5.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
6.
 
Pentax K-30 130 mm 97 mm 71 mm 650 g 410 Y May 2012 849ebay.com
7.
 
Pentax K-5 II 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
8.
 
Sony A7R V 131 mm 97 mm 82 mm 723 g 530 Y Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
9.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7R IVA 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A7S III 127 mm 97 mm 81 mm 699 g 600 Y Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A7R IV 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7R III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7S II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 627 g 370 Y Sep 2015 2,999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7R 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 465 g 340 Y Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The K-5 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 66 percent) than the A7R II, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Sony A7R II features a full frame sensor and the Pentax K-5 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the K-5 is 57 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Sony A7R II and Pentax K-5 sensor measures

With 42.2MP, the A7R II offers a higher resolution than the K-5 (16.1MP), but the A7R II has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.52μm versus 4.81μm for the K-5). However, the A7R II is a much more recent model (by 4 years and 8 months) than the K-5, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the A7R II has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A7R II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7R II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 39.8 x 26.5 inches or 101 x 67.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 31.8 x 21.2 inches or 80.8 x 53.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 26.5 x 17.7 inches or 67.3 x 44.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Pentax K-5 are 24.6 x 16.3 inches or 62.6 x 41.5 cm for good quality, 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The A7R II has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Sony Alpha A7R II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax K-5 are ISO 100 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-51200.

In terms of underlying technology, the A7R II is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the K-5 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

A7R II versus K-5 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under review, the A7R II provides substantially higher image quality than the K-5, with an overall score that is 16 points higher. This advantage is based on 2.3 bits higher color depth, 0.2 EV of lower dynamic range, and 1.6 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
2.
 
Pentax K-5 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.714.1116282
3.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
4.
 
Pentax K-50 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.713.0112079
5.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
6.
 
Pentax K-30 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.713.0112979
7.
 
Pentax K-5 II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.814.1123582
8.
 
Sony A7R V Full Frame 60.2 9504 63368k/24p26.514.83187100
9.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
10.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
11.
 
Sony A7R IVA Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
12.
 
Sony A7S III Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/120p23.713.9252086
13.
 
Sony A7R IV Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
14.
 
Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
15.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
16.
 
Sony A7S II Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/30p23.613.3299385
17.
 
Sony A7R Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.614.1274695
padding

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the A7R II provides a higher video resolution than the K-5. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/25p.

ad

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A7R II has an electronic viewfinder (2400k dots), while the K-5 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the A7R II has a higher magnification than the one of the K-5 (0.78x vs 0.61x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Sony A7R II, the Pentax K-5, and comparable cameras.

scroll hint
Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
2.
 
Pentax K-5optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
4.
 
Pentax K-50optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
6.
 
Pentax K-30optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Pentax K-5 IIoptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Sony A7R V9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
9.
 
Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
11.
 
Sony A7R IVA5760 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
12.
 
Sony A7S III9440 n3.0 / 1440 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Sony A7R IV5760 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7R III3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A7S II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A7R2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

One feature that is present on the K-5, but is missing on the A7R II is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the A7R II is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Pentax K-5 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The A7R II writes its imaging data to SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, while the K-5 uses SDXC cards. The A7R II supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the K-5 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

ad

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Sony Alpha A7R II and Pentax K-5 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
2.
 
Pentax K-5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
3.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
4.
 
Pentax K-50Ymono / mono--micro2.0---
5.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
6.
 
Pentax K-30Ymono / mono---2.0---
7.
 
Pentax K-5 IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Sony A7R VYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
9.
 
Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
10.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
11.
 
Sony A7R IVAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
12.
 
Sony A7S IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
13.
 
Sony A7R IVYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
14.
 
Sony A7R IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
15.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
16.
 
Sony A7S IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony A7RYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
padding

It is notable that the A7R II has a headphone jack, which is not present on the K-5 This port makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-5 (unlike the A7R II) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the A7R II and the K-5 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The K-5 was replaced by the Pentax K-5 II, while the A7R II was followed by the Sony A7R III. Further information on the features and operation of the A7R II and K-5 can be found, respectively, in the Sony A7R II Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax K-5 Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Sony A7R II or the Pentax K-5 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Sony Alpha A7R II:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (42.2 vs 16.1MP) with a 62% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (16 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (2.3 bits more color depth).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.6 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/25p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.61x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 921k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 135g or 18 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years and 8 months of technical progress since the K-5 launch.

ilogo

Reasons to prefer the Pentax K-5:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (7 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (740 versus 290) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (66 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2010).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A7R II is the clear winner of the match-up (20 : 10 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

A7R II 20:10 K-5

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Sony A7R II and the Pentax K-5 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the A7R II and the K-5 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
2.
 
Pentax K-54/5....83/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2010 1,099ebay.com
3.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
4.
 
Pentax K-505/5......5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 599ebay.com
5.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
6.
 
Pentax K-304/5....78/1004.5/54.5/5 May 2012 849ebay.com
7.
 
Pentax K-5 II5/5....80/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
8.
 
Sony A7R V5/5+ +4.5/592/100.... Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
9.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7R IVA5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A7S III4.5/5+ +5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A7R IV5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7R III..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7S II5/5+....4.5/55/5 Sep 2015 2,999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7R5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

logo
Check A7R II offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check K-5 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Sony A7R II vs Pentax K-5

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Sony A7R II Pentax K-5
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Sony E mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
    Launch Date June 2015 September 2010
    Launch Price USD 3,199 USD 1,099
    Sensor Specs Sony A7R II Pentax K-5
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 24.0 mm 23.7 x 15.7 mm
    Sensor Area 861.6 mm2 372.09 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 28.4 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 42.2 Megapixels 16.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 7952 x 5304 pixels 4928 x 3264 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.52 μm 4.81 μm
    Pixel Density 4.90 MP/cm2 4.32 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/25p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 102,400 ISO 80 - 51,200 ISO
    Image Processor BIONZ X PRIME II
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 98 82
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.0 23.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.9 14.1
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3434 1162
    Screen Specs Sony A7R II Pentax K-5
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.61x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2400k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1229k dots 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Sony A7R II Pentax K-5
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 7 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy500 000 actuations100 000 actuations
    Electronic ShutterYESno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium MS or SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I no
    Connectivity Specs Sony A7R II Pentax K-5
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in no NFC
    Body Specs Sony A7R II Pentax K-5
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Sony NP-FW50 Pentax D-LI90
    Battery Life (CIPA)290 shots per charge740 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 127 x 96 x 60 mm
    (5.0 x 3.8 x 2.4 in)
    131 x 97 x 73 mm
    (5.2 x 3.8 x 2.9 in)
    Camera Weight 625 g (22.0 oz) 760 g (26.8 oz)
    logo
    Check A7R II offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check K-5 offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Sony A7R II vs Pentax K-5