The Pentax X-5 is a digital "bridge" and superzoom camera from Japanese camera maker Pentax, featuring a 16 megapixel sensor and 26 times zoom for a final 35mm focal length equivalent of 580mm, as well as 1080p video capability. It was announced in August 2012 and became available in September 2012.^[1] The previous X-designated camera in Pentax' line-up was the Pentax X90.

The Pentax X-5 furthermore includes a tiltable LCD display, uses standard AA batteries (four at a time for an estimated 330 images per battery charge)^[2] and shoots continuous images at up to 10 frames per second.^[3]

Video modes

The Pentax X-5 allows recording 1080p video at 30 frames per second as well as a high-speed mode (120 frames per second, VGA, for maximum 15 seconds duration). It also has inbuilt functionality to record time-lapse video at 15 frames per second and VGA resolution (25 minutes maximum duration).^[4]

Reception

DigitalCameraInfo.com says the Pentax X-5 may be "the most comfortable ultrazoom ever" (to hold), and lauds its "half-sized price tag". However, it also suggests that the X-5's image stabilisation is ineffective at longer focal lengths, and criticises the lack of controls on the lens barrel,^[5] which puts focus adjustment under automatic or camera-menu^[4] control.^a In closing, the reviewer requests that Pentax should "stick with that K-5 body shape no matter what".^[5]

ePhotoZine describes the camera as "stylish", and mentions the "ample rubber grips".^[2] Steve's Digicams cites "low noise up to 6400 ISO" and macro down to 0.4 inches (1 cm) as features of the camera.^[3]

Notes

a. ^ Zoom is controlled by a dedicated lever surrounding the shutter button.

References