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Pentax K-50 and K-500 photos and photo samples

These two dSLR cameras are fundamentally the same as the K-30 they replace.

Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Lori Grunin
K500-ovr.jpg
1 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

K-500: Cheaper and unprotected

The main differences between the K-50 and the K-500 are the lack of weather sealing and the basic black coloring of the latter.
K500-top.jpg
2 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

K-500 top controls

Like most Pentax dSLRs, the K-500 includes Pentax's TAv mode, which changes ISO sensitivity to adjust exposure.
K500-back.jpg
3 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

K-500 back controls

Here they are. On the back.
K50-back.jpg
4 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

K-50 back controls

They do stand out a lot more in color, I'll say that.
K50-top.jpg
5 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

K-50 top controls

Can I beg people not to choose this color?
k50-100.jpg
6 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

K-50, ISO 100 JPEG

This looks pretty typical for ISO 100.

(Note: this was shot with preproduction firmware.)
K50-400.jpg
7 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

K-50, ISO 400 JPEG

The camera fares well at ISO 400, as I'd expect from a dSLR in its class.

(Note: this was shot with preproduction firmware.)
k50-3200.jpg
8 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

K-50, ISO 3200 JPEG

I probably wouldn't shoot ISO 3200 with this camera.

(Note: this was shot with preproduction firmware.)
k50-scaled-400.jpg
9 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

K-50, ISO 400 JPEG

This is a scaled-down ISO 400 shot, included just because I liked it.

(Note: this was shot with preproduction firmware.)
k500-200.jpg
10 of 10 Lori Grunin/CNET

K-500, ISO 200

I didn't realize at the time that I was shooting only raw with this camera -- Pentax uses DNG for raw so it was supported by software even though the camera hasn't shipped yet -- and this looks pretty good.

(Note: this was shot with preproduction firmware.)

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