Pentax K-500 Specs and Scores
General
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Pentax K-500
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Price | |
Brand | Pentax |
Model | K-500 |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2013 |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | June 12, 2013 |
Camera Type | |
Camera Size | |
Camera Weight |
The Pentax K-500 receives a score of 54 out of 100, a modest rating for this DSLR camera. Launched in 2013 with a price tag of $600, it has been available for quite some time. The camera measures 130 x 97 x 71mm and weighs 646g (1.42lbs), making it a decent size for a DSLR. Considering its age, the K-500 still holds its ground in today’s market, offering satisfactory specifications for those seeking a reliable camera.
Pentax K-500 Overview and Optics
The optics of the Pentax K-500 received a score of 62 out of 100. The camera has 16.28 megapixels, a shooting speed of 6 frames per second, and a CMOS sensor. Additionally, the camera is equipped with a Prime M processor, a DXOMARK sensor score of 79, and an APS-C sensor size. The Pentax K-500 also features a Pentax KAF lens mount, image stabilization, and a 3:2 aspect ratio.
In the current market, the Pentax K-500’s optics specifications are somewhat average. The 16.28 megapixels and 6 FPS shooting speed provide decent image quality and performance, but they may not stand out among other cameras with higher megapixel counts or faster shooting speeds. The CMOS sensor, Prime M processor, and 79 DXOMARK sensor score contribute to the camera’s overall image quality, but may not be exceptional compared to other models available.
The Pentax K-500’s optics specifications are satisfactory for casual photographers and those on a budget. The camera offers a reliable set of features, including its APS-C sensor size, Pentax KAF lens mount, image stabilization, and 3:2 aspect ratio. While it may not be a top choice for professionals or enthusiasts, the Pentax K-500’s optics provide a solid foundation for capturing quality images.
Optics
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Pentax K-500
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 16.28 MP |
Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4928 x 3264 px |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.7 x 23.7 mm |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 6 fps |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Pentax KAF |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Prime M |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 51,200 |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 51200 |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 6000 s |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 11 |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentaprism) |
Pentax K-500 Video Performance
The Pentax K-500 receives a video score of 57 out of 100. This camera’s maximum video resolution is Full HD with dimensions of 1920 x 1080, allowing users to capture high-quality footage. The maximum video frame rate is 30fps, which is standard for most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras in today’s market.
This camera also features built-in time-lapse functionality, providing an added creative option for videographers. However, considering the rapid advancements in video technology, the K-500’s capabilities may not be as competitive as other cameras available today. Many cameras now offer 4K resolution and higher frame rates, surpassing the K-500’s video performance.
Despite its average video performance, the Pentax K-500 remains a reliable option for those seeking a camera with decent video capabilities and additional features such as time-lapse functionality.
Video
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Pentax K-500
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | |
Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 px |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 30 p |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4 |
Pentax K-500 Features and Benefits
The Pentax K-500 received a feature score of 41 out of 100. This score reflects the camera’s capabilities and functionality in relation to other models available in the market. The K-500 has a screen size of 3 inches with a resolution of 921,000 dots. However, it lacks a touchscreen and flip screen, which are desirable features in modern cameras.
Additionally, the K-500 does not include GPS or Bluetooth capabilities. It does have WiFi connectivity, which is a valuable feature for transferring images and controlling the camera remotely. Considering these specifications, the Pentax K-500 offers some useful features but falls short in comparison to other cameras in today’s market.
The Pentax K-500, despite its low feature score, remains a functional camera for certain users. However, those seeking more advanced features may want to explore other options available in the market.
Features
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Pentax K-500
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | |
External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | |
Screen Type | LCD |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | |
Screen Size | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 921,000 dots |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. | |
Wi-Fi | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | |
Pentax K-500 Storage and Battery
The Pentax K-500 scores 32/100 in storage and battery. It has one memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. The camera’s battery life lasts for 710 shots, powered by 4 AA batteries. However, it lacks USB charging capabilities.
In today’s market, the Pentax K-500’s storage and battery specifications fall short compared to competitors. Most modern cameras offer more memory card slots and advanced battery options, such as rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and USB charging. The reliance on AA batteries is outdated and inconvenient for users.
The Pentax K-500’s low score in storage and battery reveals its limitations in these areas. Potential buyers should consider these drawbacks when evaluating the camera against current market offerings.
Storage and Battery
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Pentax K-500
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
Dual Memory Card Slots | |
Battery Type | 4 x AA batteries |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 710 shots |
USB Charging |
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Pentax K-500
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |
Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 23.7 bits |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 13.1 EVs |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 1087 |
Scores
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Pentax K-500
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User Scores
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Pentax K-500
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B&H photo video |