Pentax K-500 Review | 108 Data compared

The Pentax K-500, reviewed by ePHOTOzine, is a high-performing, entry-level DSLR featuring a 16.28-megapixel APS-C sensor that delivers excellent image quality, accurate metering, and exceptional noise control. Based on the K-30, the camera boasts a solid, comfortable build and superior ergonomics compared to competitors in its price range. Key compromises for the budget price point include the lack of weather sealing and the absence of illuminated autofocus points in the viewfinder. Despite these limitations, the K-500 is deemed a superior entry-level option, providing, as noted in the review, outstanding value for money.

The What Digital Camera review identifies the Pentax K-500 as a highly capable entry-level DSLR, highlighting its impressive image quality, clean high-ISO performance up to ISO 3200, and robust feature set. Key advantages include its comfortable rubberised handgrip, dual control dials, 6fps burst shooting, and a 100% field-of-view pentaprism viewfinder. Conversely, the review notes significant limitations, most notably the lack of active AF point illumination in the viewfinder, making it hard to track focus points. Other cons include a loud autofocus motor on the 18-55mm kit lens, a dated menu interface, and a slight tendency for the 77-zone metering to underexpose bright scenes.

The Pentax K-500 is an entry-level digital SLR camera that delivers premium features at a remarkably low price of approximately £350 with an 18-55mm kit lens. In his review for Expert Reviews, Ben Pitt highlights that the K-500 shares the exact same advanced image-processing pipeline, sensor, and rapid shot-to-shot performance as its higher-end sibling, the K-50. Notable pros include its exceptional, high-magnification optical viewfinder with a 100% field of view—a feature typically restricted to cameras costing nearly triple the price. Additionally, it boasts tactile, dual-command exposure dials, a fast burst-rate speed of up to 5.8fps, and convenient functions like saving a RAW file immediately after shooting a JPEG. Despite its high-value internal performance, the camera suffers from several notable cons stemming from cost-cutting measures. Unlike the K-50, both the K-500 camera body and its bundled kit lens completely lack weather-sealing protection. It also strips away the virtual horizon tool and the orientation sensor, meaning portrait-oriented photos do not auto-rotate on a computer screen. Most critically, Pentax omitted red illuminated autofocus points inside the optical viewfinder, forcing users into tedious guesswork...

The Pentax K-500 is an entry-level DSLR equipped with a 16.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and the PRIME M processing engine, both inherited from the older K-30 model. A major benefit of this camera is its body-based Shake Reduction system, which stabilises images across almost any attached K-mount lens and allows for shutter speeds up to three stops slower. Additionally, it offers a standout low-light sensitivity reaching up to ISO 51,200, a respectable 6fps burst shooting speed, and a glass pentaprism viewfinder providing a 100% field of view. Another highly practical feature is its versatile battery compartment, which accepts either the included rechargeable Lithium-ion pack or four standard AA batteries via an optional adapter. However, the camera falls short in a few key areas compared to its contemporary rivals. Its 16.3-megapixel count feels underwhelming when measured against competitors like the 24MP Nikon D3200. To cut costs from the mid-range K-50 sibling, Pentax omitted weather sealing on the K-500 body. Furthermore, while the SAFOX IXi+ autofocus system features 11 points (including 9 cross-type), the camera suffers from a major handling drawback: it...

The PCMag UK review highlights the Pentax K-500 as an exceptional entry-level DSLR that brings high-end features to a budget-friendly price point. It is highly praised for its top-notch image quality from a 16-megapixel APS-C sensor, superb high ISO performance, and a fast 5fps burst shooting capability. A major standout feature is its large glass pentaprism viewfinder providing 100% frame coverage, an luxury typically reserved for more expensive midrange cameras. Advanced photographers will also appreciate the customisable dual control dials and in-body shake reduction, which stabilizes any attached K-mount lens spanning nearly 40 years of glass history. Another unique advantage is its out-of-the-box support for AA battery power, delivering up to 1,250 shots on a single set of lithium cells. However, the camera makes several compromises to maintain its low price tag. Significant drawbacks include a fixed rear LCD screen that limits flexible shooting angles, no dedicated microphone input, and a slow autofocus response when recording video. Additionally, unlike its sibling (the K-50), the K-500 lacks weather-sealing and does not display the active autofocus point inside the optical viewfinder, forcing...

The Pentax K-500 is an entry-level DSLR that delivers premium, mid-range features at a budget-friendly price point, including a 16.3-megapixel sensor, dual control dials, 6 fps shooting, and a 100% field-of-view glass pentaprism viewfinder. Key advantages highlighted include in-camera Shake Reduction (SR) for all lenses, excellent high-ISO performance, and shared core image quality with the higher-tier K-50. Conversely, to maintain a lower price, the review notes the K-500 lacks weather-sealing, an electronic leveler, and active autofocus point indicators in the viewfinder. Additional drawbacks include slow, noisy video autofocus, no dedicated video button, and a lack of an external microphone jack.