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Robust yet lightweight, with a weather-sealed body and similarly protected 18-55mm kit lens, the K-5 fits like a glove in the hand and is a joy to use.

Packed with high-end features, the K-5 boasts Full HD (1080p) movie recording with optional stereo input, a very good in-camera HDR mode, Live View and a great selection of more advanced features too.

I’m not sure why more manufacturers don’t offer the ‘more unusual’ exposure modes that Pentax stocks its mode dials with. Sensitivity Priority in particular makes perfect sense as a semi-automatic mode: you select the ISO you want and the camera chooses the aperture and shutter speed accordingly – a useful option if you’re not ready for full manual operation.

Image quality is superb under all manner of conditions – take a look at my selection of test shots to get a taste of what the K-5 can do. For my full review, in-depth ISO and white balance tests and the opportunity to scrutinise full-res images, check out issue 105 of Digital Photographer magazine.