Pentax K-50 DSLR Preview

Pentax has announced the K-50 DSLR, its latest mid-level DSLR compatible with K-mount lenses.  A large 16.28 megapixel CMOS image sensor -- great for low light scenarios thanks to its ISO range of up to 51200 as well as the PRIME M imagining engine -- tops the feature list. Full 1080p HD Video recording is a must for modern DSLRs, but here you get your choices of 30, 25, or 24 fps frame rates. There's also an SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, a "state of the art" SAFOX IXi+ AF (Auto Focus) sensor module, 19 Scene Modes, 11 Custom Image Modes, 19 Digital Image Filters, and a 6 frames-per-second High Speed Shooting capabilities.

Photography fans may have also noticed similarly appointed K-500 in Pentax's press release because both the K-50 and K-500 share many features and performance specifications.

So why does the K-50 cost $100 more than the K-500?

Simple, the K-50 may share parts and performance features with its cheaper sibling, but the biggest differences are all external. Thanks to Pentax's Color to Order™, you can order a K-50 DSLR in any one of 120 color combinations. If that doesn't really excite you, I can understand, but series photographers will appreciate the K-50's 81 weather resistant body seals that make the camera dustproof and able to operate in temperatures as low as -10°C.

Pentax's K-50 DSLR is available today in a choice of 120 color combinations at www.pentaximaging.com. Or look for them in retail outlets starting this July (2013). Expect to pay $699.95 (MRSP) for the body-only version, $779.95 (MSRP) for a kit that includes the DA-L 18-55mm WR lens, or $879.95 for the dual lens kit that includes the DA-L 18-55mm WR lens as well as the DA-L 50-200mm Lens.