Pentax K-50 DSLR Review
Review posted 10/09/2013
Quick Take |
Pros |
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Cons |
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Bottom Line |
| The rugged, weather-sealed K-50 offers high image quality, speedy burst modes, and low noise at high ISO settings. Two dials for quick navigation, many customizable functions, and a good selection of digital effects round out the offering. You also get good-looking HD video (as long as you don't need continuous AF). Read more in our Full Conclusion. |
In mid June of this year (2013), Pentax announced the K-50 DSLR, their 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 their SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism built into the body, 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 K-50 DSLR Features
- Available in 120 color combinations K50
- Via Pentax Color to Order™
- 81 weather-resistant seals on the body
- dustproof
- cold-resistant down to -10°C
- 16.28-megapixel CMOS image sensor (APS-C: 23.7mm x 15.7mm)
- PRIME M imaging engine
- 3.0-inch LCD monitor
- Full HD (1920 x 1080) Video Recording
- H.264 format
- 30, 25, or 24 frames per second
- ISO 100-51200
- 6 frames-per-second High-speed Continuous Shooting
- Shake Reduction (SR) Mechanism)
- Automatic Horizon Correction
- Composition Adjustment function
- ASTRO TRACER mode (requires optional O-GPS1 GPS unit)
- SAFOX IXi+ AF sensor module
- Auto Picture
- 19 Scene Modes, including:
- Night Scene Portrait
- Pet
- Backlight Silhouette
- Portrait
- Landscape
- Macro
- 11 Custom Image Modes (Image Processing), including
- Bleach Bypass
- Cross Process
- 19 Digital Filters
- 77-segment multi-pattern metering system
- DR (Dust Removal) Mechanism for the CMOS image sensor
- RAW Data Retrieve Function
- RAW/Fx Button
- Compatible with Eye-Fi LAN SD memory cards
- Compatible with all K-mount lenses
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 for $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.
What's in the box?:
What's in the box?:
- K-50 camera body
- Lens or lenses if purchased as a kit
- USB Cable I-USB7
- Strap O-ST132
- four AA batteries
- AA Battery Holder D-BH109
- Sof tware (CD-ROM) S-SW138 <Mounted on the camera>
- Hot shoe cover FK
- Body Mount Cover
- Note: Our K-50 unit came with a Li-ion battery pack and charger, not AA batteries
Additional Product Images
Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.
