Author: | | Forum Member Registered: February, 2014 Location: Zagreb Posts: 73 2 users found this helpful | Review Date: October 7, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 10 |
Pros: | Best entry level camera for the price. Simple. | Cons: | No viewfinder AF point illumination | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 8
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
| | I bough this camera a year ago and it was and is my first DSLR. Prior to purchase, I've spent 2 weeks of my life studying all the various entry-level cameras from all brands out there, comparing shots, noise levels, and learning all about ISO/aperture/shutter speed/focal length in the process, only to come to the same conclusion as anyone else out there who's done their research:
The K-500 is by far the best camera for the money. The 6fps, the pentaprism VF, the amazing high ISO performance in RAW, the HDR modes, exposure bracketing, timelapse, 2 user modes, 2 function dials, the ability to use AA batteries in a pinch, etc... most of these features only available on much more expensive DSLR's.
But don't take my word for it. Do your own research and compare it to similar offerings from Canon/Nikon and Sony. Nobody comes close the rugged build, feature set and overall sensor quality at this price point.
Keep in mind though; A camera body is only around 30% of the overall image quality. Without a good lens, it will never show it's true potential. The Pentax kit lens is a step above most out there and is great for learning and with a little experience you can get some great pictures with it, but for real quality and a taste of the famous Pentax primes I recommend the Pentax DA 35mm f2.4 AL as your first prime lens (amazing IQ and very cheap). That was my first prime, and also the first lens that showed my what my K-500 is really capable of
Needless to say, I fell in love with this camera and would recommend it to anyone starting out with photography or anyone looking for a lot of camera for very little money. So unless you're a die hard Canon/Nikon fan or you're already heavily invested in another brand, there is no reason not to try the K-500 (or the K-50, if you require a weather sealed camera).
Here are a few shots I've made with the K-500:
For more examples, check out my Flickr Page | | | | | Junior Member Registered: November, 2020 Posts: 34 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: December 8, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $480.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Durable, versitile, light weight, great lens selection | Cons: | Not supported by the pentax community | Years Owned: 6 years
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 8
User Interface: 7
Autofocus: 9
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
| | | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2012 Posts: 13 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: August 6, 2015 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | price, size, pentaprism finder | Cons: | At its price, none at all+ | Years Owned: 1
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 7
User Interface: 7
Autofocus: 6
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| | I was looking for a backup body for my k-5 and found a great deal on a k-500 from Broadway Camera in Vancouver.
While it lacks the rugged build, LCD display and other features of the K-5, including some in the AF set (eg. illuminated, red focus point in finder) it retains some weather sealing. This includes crucial seals at the battery and card compartments but none in the included version of the Pentax 'kit' lens. I've never been crazy about the plastic zoom and immediately sold it to bring down the cost of the body even further. I have a collection of glass including: Tamron, current DA and Limited lenses, vintage Takumar and Pentacon m42 focal lengths. In most situations, using the same lenses, I can't detect any difference in IQ between my k-500 and my k-5 The small primes and small body are a terrific, all-day, walk-around combination.
While it's a down-market model with fewer features and a plastic body compared to a k-5 or K-3, the K-500 still retains the killer features of a proper, pentaprism finder and dual control wheels. Neither are found in any other company's model lineup at the same price. The K-500 (k-30 or K-50 for that matter) is a stunningly complete and able camera at the price it sells for.
There are occasions (shooting with a vintage, small or pancake prime) when I reach for it rather than my K-5 I think that says it all. | | | | New Member Registered: October, 2014 Location: Grenoble Posts: 22 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: December 4, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $455.00
| Rating: 10 |
Pros: | Ease of use | Cons: | None | Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 6
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
| | Bought this as a replacement for my K100D which I still have. Like the fact that all my lenses from my screw mounts upto the latest ones can fit. Not too bothered by no red spot on the focus point as I set it to the centre spot position so I know where it is. Still learning all the quirks but upto now I really like it. Not overly sophisticated but enough of a step up for me. Ther auto focus can hunt in poor light but I switch to manual focus in these situations so not really a problem. Just have to use the older skills learned on my KM 35mm slr. Like the fact that both f stop and shutter speed can be controlled by seperate dials in manual mode.
| | | | | New Member Registered: July, 2010 Location: Phoenix Arizona Posts: 14 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: November 10, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $499.00
| Rating: 10 |
Pros: | Great value, excellent low light capabilities, ability to use older K and M mount lenses. | Cons: | its difficult to use live view at night | Years Owned: 9 months
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 9
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| | My first camera was a K1000 (still functional ready for a roll of film). I also owned several other Pentax film cameras including a Program Plus, an ME, and a ZS-5. Of course, I also accumulated several lenses which have sat idle since switching to digital. Up until the K500, I was unable to afford to get back to a Pentax DSLR body, so when I started shooting at night and had horrible experiences with the camera I was shooting, I researched the existing DSLRs out there and concluded that the K500 was a fit for my needs, and, it was in a price range that fit my budget. I primarily shoot long exposures and night photos, always in manual mode, so my old K mount lenses all work just fine. So far, I am very happy with my K500 and would recommend this to anyone.
| | | | New Member Registered: March, 2014 Location: Lisboa - Portugal Posts: 20 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: July 31, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $375.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Touch and Feeling, High ISO, 6 fps, 100% VF, Unexpensive | Cons: | Omission of the red AF points on VF | Years Owned: 6 Months
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| | As a amateur and beginner it was for me a perfect match between price and functionality.
I've got it with DAL kit lens (18-55 and 50-200mm) for 450€.
It give me very good photos. Colors are superb.
| | | | Veteran Member Registered: March, 2014 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 890 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: July 6, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $469.00
| Rating: 10 |
Pros: | Inexpensive. Class leader for features and quality at the price point | Cons: | No viewfinder AF point illumination. Only 3 shots in bracketed mode. | Years Owned: 8 mos.
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 9
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| | I've had Pentax since my very first camera (ME Super film camera) and my first DSLR was a Pentax (K110D). I've always thought of Pentax as the leader in delivering a well engineered product with industry leading features sets and the K500 does not disappoint. The 16.3mp sensor, while impressive, is not what drew me to the K500 -- it was the promise of a usable wide ISO range giving the ability to shoot at high ISO and get low noise shots! That and the ability to take burst mode shots at a faster pace with more of shots before the buffer filled. Well in those respects, it has not disappointed one bit. Don't get me wrong the K110D was a fine unit, but everything that held that unit back has been addressed in the K500. Features, Programability, Picture Quality, and Versatility, are all top notch and industry best for its class. At this price, you can't have everything. I understand that, but that does not mean one can't wish for more ...
1. Viewfinder AF point illumination (it was on the K100 and K110, but vanished on the K500).
2. The top mounted LCD display. (Just got used to it and found it helpful as a quick check of system status)
3. The DOF preview button as part of the shutter button. (Sure the RAW/FX button does that, but the placement on the shutter button area just seemed more intuitive)
4. Wish we could include more shots in the auto-bracket mode. Having 3 (- 0 +) is a minimum, it would have been nice to have 5 or 6 shots in a bracketed set w/o having to play around with EV compensation to work around it.
5. Wish it and other Pentax units had a better focus screen. (It's appears to be the same as the K100/K110 as well as other current Pentax DSLRs, but oh how these older eyes miss the Split Prism screen that was on my ME Super.)
All-in-all, it's the best camera I have owned. Excellent build, and its ability to take great pictures coupled with the expansive feature-set, delivers an entry-level DSLR platform that punches well above its weight class.
If only Pentax marketed as well as they engineered ...
** Note -- purchase price included DA L 18-55mm and DA L 55-200mm
| | | | Senior Member Registered: August, 2013 Location: Prague Posts: 272 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: May 10, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $650.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | uncomplicated. uncluttered tough and ready to to go | Cons: | could be more flash friendly, | New or Used: New
| | Vorsord, my k-500 has been totally reliable since I purchased it in July 13. I think the camera is an exceptional value considering what Pentax put into it. You must realize that the K-500 is also weather sealed! Yes, not all 81 points no, not like its bigger brothers, but in strategic points it is! It does miss some features from the k-5, like better flash syncing (if that is important to you). It is only PTT, no slot for a flash cable. If you are not a serious flash user, it is not a big issue.
I have not had an issue yet with the camera, shoots wonderfully,good response, reliable, no issues with buttons or dials. Love how the camera feels in hand. Works happily under many conditions not complaints. A worthwhile investment!
| | | | New Member Registered: October, 2009 Location: NC Posts: 2 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: February 24, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $449.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Very nice upgrade from a K100D Super | Cons: | None so far | Years Owned: 1 Mo
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 10
New or Used: New
| | I bought it as an upgrade an still be able to use my old screw mount from my spotmatic days. So far was a good buy, I bought this over K50 because none of my old lens are weather sealed anyway. as far as having a few less features than the K50, I won't miss what I never had.
| | | | New Member Registered: March, 2015 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 16 | Review Date: December 18, 2017 | Not Recommended | Price: $350.00
| Rating: 7 |
Pros: | picture quality, features, size, versatility | Cons: | aperture lever failed before 28000 shutter count | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 5
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 10
Features: 10
Value: 5
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
| | Aperture lever failed before 28000 shutter count. Now I can't use lenses unless they have manual aperture; can't use most Pentax DA series. But I can use ancient Takumars.
| | | | New Member Registered: October, 2016 Location: Porthtowan Posts: 17 | Review Date: October 30, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $600.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Excellent specification and value for money | Cons: | The odd quirk... | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 9
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: New
| | I've given it a 9 for ergonomics and user interface because it's better than most digital cameras and is customisable. In an ideal world it would have a shutter speed dial and the lenses would have aperture rings... can you guess how old I am yet? Like another reviewer I'd like the depth of field preview button to be closer to the shutter release. Perhaps I could reassign that green button? Or the focus/expose lock button? I don't use either of them.
The odd quirk I mentioned - why on Earth would anybody want the exposure compensation setting to apply in manual exposure mode? For several minutes I thought it'd developed a fault. Have they always done this?
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