Pentax K-50 Review | 108 Data compared

The Digitalkamera.de review highlights the Pentax K-50 as a robust, weather-sealed (81 seals) DSLR offering high-end, enthusiast-level features like a 100% viewfinder and dual dials at an entry-level price point. Its 16-megapixel sensor delivers excellent image quality, clean high-ISO performance, and sturdy build quality suitable for challenging outdoor conditions. However, the camera shows its age with a limited 11-point SAFOX IXi+ autofocus system, which struggles with tracking, and lacks modern features like an articulating screen or HDMI port. Furthermore, video capabilities are restricted to 1080p at 30fps with a mono microphone and no external input, making it a dedicated, but dated, stills-only tool.

The CHIP review concludes that the Pentax K-50 is a highly commendable mid-range DSLR, despite achieving a slightly weaker overall test score than its predecessor, the K-30. It is highly praised for its extensive features and exceptional weatherproofing, boasting 81 protective seals against water, dust, and frost—a premium quality that remains remarkably rare within its price segment. The camera offers generous technical capabilities, including an expanded sensitivity up to ISO 51,200, a swift minimum shutter speed of 1/6,000 second, and a rich dynamic range of up to 12.3 stops. Furthermore, its continuous shooting rate reaches 5.3 frames per second, and its battery life delivers an impressive performance of up to 1,190 shots when utilizing the sharp 3-inch high-resolution optical viewfinder. However, the review outlines several prominent drawbacks regarding its physical construction, speed, and overall sensor output. The K-50's external body suffers from a smooth, cheap-feeling plastic finish, complemented by frustratingly sharp edges on its pop-up flash. In terms of performance, the 11-point autofocus system is criticized for being too sluggish and rigid for spontaneous snapshots, exhibiting slow response times in...

a little longerThe Pentax K-50Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. is evaluated as an excellent, feature-rich entry-level DSLR that offers top-tier weather sealing at a competitive price of around €650. Reviewer Thomas Probst highlights that the camera body is completely sealed against dust and moisture, making it highly reliable for outdoor photography in heavy rain. Geared toward beginners and hobbyists, it can be uniquely customized via an online configurator offering 120 vibrant color combinations. Key advantages include its straightforward handling, dual control dials for manual exposure, a dedicated side "RAW/Fx" button for instant format toggling, and extensive features like HDR, interval shooting, and an electronic horizon level. Additionally, it boasts a strong battery performance of 450 to 1,190 shots per charge when utilizing the optical viewfinder. Conversely, the review identifies notable disadvantages regarding the camera's material build and high-sensitivity performance. The exterior body casing features a very smooth surface that yields a cheap "plastic-bomber" feel, and the pop-up flash has surprisingly sharp edges when extended. Performance limitations include a steep drop in battery longevity to just 220–490 shots...

The COMPUTER BILD review rates the Pentax K-50 entry-level DSLR as "good" (Testnote 2.4), highlighting it as a highly capable and robust companion for outdoor enthusiasts. A major standout feature is its comprehensive weather-sealing, boasting 81 individual seals across the camera body, battery compartment, and kit lens to protect against rain and moisture. Equipped with a 16-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and an in-body image stabilizer that works universally with all attached lenses, the camera delivers highly detailed, crisp test images with minimal image noise, even in low-light environments up to ISO 51,200. Additionally, it features a powerful built-in flash, a rapid daytime autofocus speed of 0.2 seconds, a continuous shooting mode of 3.27 frames per second, and flexible power options that support either a standard rechargeable battery or four AA batteries. Style-conscious users can also customize the camera from a massive selection of 120 potential color combinations. Despite its excellent still-photography performance, the review identifies significant drawbacks, particularly regarding the camera's mechanics and video capabilities. The most prominent flaw is its exceptionally loud autofocus system, which is loud enough to...

summary of the Pentax K-50 review: The Pentax K-50 is highlighted as a highly durable, compact, and weather-sealed APS-C DSLR tailored for outdoor and sports photography. Built with a robust stainless steel chassis rather than a magnesium alloy, it features 81 weather seals that provide reliable protection against heavy rain and harsh elements. Performance-wise, the camera delivers solid image quality with a 16-megapixel sensor, continuous shooting speeds of up to six frames per second, and an impressive optical viewfinder offering near 100% field coverage. Unique standout features include an integrated intervalometer for stop-motion or time-lapse photography, the choice of 120 body colour combinations, and a highly versatile battery compartment capable of holding four standard AA batteries. A major advantage (pro) of the camera is its in-body image stabilization system, which reduces equipment weight and allows users to buy more affordable, non-stabilized lenses. The autofocus system is generally reliable, and the camera avoids the annoying focus-hunting issues common in some competing systems. However, a notable drawback (con) is that the autofocus speed can feel a bit sluggish, which the reviewer attributes...

However, the camera falls short in performance speed and modern video features. The "Safox IX+" autofocus system operates both sluggishly and audibly, with a measured shutter delay of 0.59 to 0.71 seconds that actually makes it slower than its predecessor. This sluggishness is even more pronounced in Live View, where the sensor-based contrast-detection autofocus takes a lengthy 1.22 seconds to find focus. Reviewers also criticized the lack of an articulating or tilting LCD monitor and pointed out that its Full HD video capabilities are restricted to monaural audio recording with no external microphone input. While image quality remains excellent with an impressive dynamic range of up to 12.3 stops, a conservative noise filter causes photos to look noticeably grainy starting at ISO 800. At launch, the camera was priced around €650 for the body alone, with weather-sealed lens kits ranging from €700 to €800.

The Pentax K-50 is an entry-level DSLR camera featuring a 16.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and an effective in-body image stabilization ("Shake-Reduction") system that delivers up to three stops of compensation. The camera excels in performance and build quality for its class, offering weather sealing against dust and spray water via 81 separate seals. It delivers excellent image quality with very low noise up to ISO 1,600, remaining usable at ISO 3,200. Its operational speed is impressive, boasting a continuous shooting rate of up to 6.1 frames per second in RAW mode and an autofocus speed of 0.21 seconds. Additionally, it features a bright optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% field coverage, dual control dials, a highly detailed 3.0-inch display, and a maximum shutter speed of 1/6,000 second. Despite its strengths, the K-50 is held back by its inclusion of a underwhelming SMC DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 WR kit lens. This lens experiences heavy sharpness drops at the edges, noticeable barrel distortion, and significant vignetting at wide angles unless stepped down by at least one stop. Video functionalities are also lacking, as...

The Pentax K-50 is highlighted as a rugged, weather-sealed DSLR with premium features like a 100% pentaprism viewfinder and dual-dial controls, rare in its class. It offers impressive, stabilized 16.3-megapixel imaging up to ISO 51,200, according to the review on Heise online. Conversely, the camera features an antiquated video system lacking external mic input and suffers from a slow, loud autofocus system in low light. Other drawbacks include a fixed, non-articulated rear display, and the requirement of a separate adapter to use AA batteries.