Pentax K-5

The biggest news with the Pentax K-5 is its 16.3-megapixel image sensor. Testers at DxOMark.com call it "simply the best APS-C we have tested so far" (APS-C is the type of sensor often found on under-$2,000 digital SLRs). Experts say the K-5 is also more full-featured than the earlier Pentax K-7 and Pentax K-x -- now replaced by the Pentax K-r (*Est. $630 with kit lens), and DPReview.com calls it "a no-brainer upgrade" from either one. The Pentax K-5 delivers better autofocus, faster burst speed and the ability to shoot 1080p HD video at 25 frames per second (fps). Testers find it intuitive to use, with highly customizable settings and a good range of quality lenses (it's backwards-compatible with all Pentax lenses).

The K-5's vaunted new image sensor shows magnificent dynamic range in tests, with dim-light images at high ISOs that are "finally É up to speed with the competition," says PhotographyBlog.com, although the K-5 still can't quite measure up to advanced, full-frame cameras such as the Canon EOS 5D Mark II (*Est. $1,900 body only). The Nikon D7000 (*Est. $1,000 body only) offers a similar sensor to the Pentax K-5 for a slightly cheaper price, and -- unlike the Pentax -- the Nikon can autofocus while shooting video.

Top review sources have paid plenty of attention to the Pentax K-5. Photography specialist sites DPReview.com, Imaging-Resource.com and PhotographyBlog.com test and evaluate every aspect of the camera in minute detail. DxOMark.com tests the Pentax K-5's new image sensor in even greater detail. Amazon.com is a good place to find user feedback for this camera.