[kurt1968]

hi, k-500 prices came down to 350€ brandnew with 18-55MM, a mint k-01 would set me back 250.
k-500 has the duo control wheel , i think i would like that , plus the good grip.
Is there a difference in IQ?
Why no k-500 section on Pentaxforums???

[Kozlok]

IQ is the same. The K-01, K-30, K-50, K-500 and K-5 all have essentially the same IQ and use the same sensor. The Nikon 7000 uses the same sensor, too.

There is no K-500 section because the K-500 is exactly the same as the K-50, except missing the weather seals and the focus point confirmation. The K-500 is the better choice of these two, but if you can, save up just a little more and get the K-50. The focus point confirmation is worth the extra money!

[Wild Mark]

I love both camera models (except I have the K30 not K50) and I actively use both.

But they have their strengths and weaknesses. If you intend to shoot outdoors and 'compact' is not a need then go for the K500 (optical viewfinder is far superior to the LCD only display on the K01). If you are inside then I would recommend the K01 hands down especially with a FA43 or the like. I used the K01 with a FA31 on the weekend (outside) and it was very fun and very effective.

I am now beginning to use my K01 as my backup although there are times when the roles reverse as I found on the weekend. I can concur - IQ is not different.

Perhaps one thing to keep in mind is the K01 is 12 Bit while the K5, for instance, is 14 Bit. This makes a difference in the number of colours in the colour palette with 14Bit being exponentially better - perhaps an arguement for the K5 over the K50 .....

[kurt1968]

weathersealing might be good , i go fishing too.
btw ,can either of these camera's be triggered by a wireless remote ?

[link81]

btw ,can either of these camera's be triggered by a wireless remote

they both can. i believe the sensor is on the front of the camera though, so if you need to use the remote from behind, it might be tough.

[RonHendriks1966]

IQ is the same. The K-01, K-30, K-50, K-500 and K-5 all have essentially the same IQ and use the same sensor. The Nikon 7000 uses the same sensor, too.

That is a little to fast. K-01, K-30, K-50 and K-500 share the PRIME M imgae engine wich is different from PRIME II and have all 12-bit RAW processing. So they are different from K-5 (not to speak about other brands). From these the K-01 has the slimmest AA-filter and thus is for the PRIME M series the sharpest in Image Quality. Not that everyone would see it or all lenses would get the most out of it.

[Wild Mark]

That is a little to fast. K-01, K-30, K-50 and K-500 share the PRIME M imgae engine wich is different from PRIME II and have all 12-bit RAW processing. So they are different from K-5 (not to speak about other brands). From these the K-01 has the slimmest AA-filter and thus is for the PRIME M series the sharpest in Image Quality. Not that everyone would see it or all lenses would get the most out of it.

It is interesting that you should mention the K01 as having the potential to be the sharpest. Without being able to justify I have noticed differences in sharpness between my K01 and K5. I thought I was imagining things but perhaps not.

[Kozlok]

That is a little to fast. K-01, K-30, K-50 and K-500 share the PRIME M imgae engine wich is different from PRIME II and have all 12-bit RAW processing. So they are different from K-5 (not to speak about other brands). From these the K-01 has the slimmest AA-filter and thus is for the PRIME M series the sharpest in Image Quality. Not that everyone would see it or all lenses would get the most out of it.

For a beginner with kit lenses, the differences would be hard to spot, which is why I added "essentially" the same. Near enough same to equate to no,practical difference, in the present discussion.

[kurt1968]

today a k-50 kit with 2 lenses(18_55+55_200) turned up (new) for 450euros.