Hands-on with the Pentax K-50 and K-500

A look at both cameras at the Pentax HQ

By PF Staff in Articles and Tips on Jun 16, 2013

On Friday, our journalist was invited to the Pentax HQ in Tokyo to get a hands-on look at the new Pentax K-50, K-500, and Q7 (more information about these products can be found here).  In addition, Pentax USA has sent us a production copy of both the K-50 and the Q7 cameras, so we expect to be able to bring you some full-size sample photos on Tuesday or Wednesday. In-depth reviews will of course follow.

Until then, we have prepared preview videos of both new Pentax DSLRs.

The Pentax K-50 is the new weather-sealed / upper entry-level offering from Pentax.  It will compete with the Canon T4i/T5i and Nikon D5100/D5200 DSLRs.  The K-50 and the K-30 share the same specifications except that the K-50 has gotten its ISO limit boosted to a maximum of 51,200.  In addition, the K-50 ships with weather-sealed kit lenses and has an updated design.  Its button layout remains the same, however.  The K-50 can now be pre-ordered for $699.

The Pentax K-500 represents Pentax's return to the entry-level market.  Owners of this new camera will basically get to enjoy the same image quality and features that the K-50 has to offer.  The $180  price difference is justified by the fact that the K-500 lacks weather sealing, an electronic level, and AF point display in the viewfinder.  In the US, the K-500 will ship with a AA battery holder rather than a D-LI109 battery, though it is compatible with both. 

Canon's Rebel SL1 and Nikon's D3200 are comparable to the K-500.

The K-500 will not be available as a body only; the 18-55mm kit can be pre-ordered for $599.

One key selling point of both the K-500 and K-50 cameras is that they feature pentaprism viewfinders with 100% coverage.  At 0.92x magnification, they are also slightly larger than what the competition has to offer.  Check out or K-30 vs T4i vs D5100 comparative review to learn more about the pros and cons of Pentax, Nikon, and Canon entry-level DSLRs.