PENTAX K-500 - Description
Easy-to-use and high-quality performance
This cost-efficient model inherits such remarkable features as a compact, lightweight, easy-to-hold body; high-resolution image reproduction with approximately 16.2 effective megapixels; super-high-sensitivity shooting at ISO 51200; and high-speed continuous shooting at approximately six images per second, making it an ideal imaging tool for all casual digital photographers.
Pentax K-500 Video
Check out our latest video showing the new Pentax K-500 in actionHigh-resolution, super-high-sensitivity shooting at ISO 51200
The K-500 features the state-of-the-art CMOS image sensor with a large image-capturing area measuring 23.7mm by 15.7mm, to assure high-speed image data readout. This image sensor is coupled with PRIME M — the same high-performance imaging engine incorporated in upper-class models — to deliver super-high-resolution, rich-gradation digital images with approximately 16.28 effective megapixels. The K-500 also offers super-high-sensitivity shooting at a top sensitivity of ISO 51200, allowing the photographer to handhold the camera for beautiful nighttime snapshots.
Innovative SR mechanism
The PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism effectively compensates the adverse effect of camera shake to deliver sharp, blur-free images, even under shake-prone conditions such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without flash illumination, or taking landscapes in twilight. This innovative mechanism works with almost all PENTAX interchangeable lenses — even those developed for film-format cameras.* It is also the key to some special functions, including the ASTRO TRACER mode that simplifies astronomical photography in combination with the optional O-GPS1 GPS Unit.
* Lenses compatible with this mechanism: PENTAX K, KA, KAF, KAF2 and KAF3mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645 and 67system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.
High-speed continuous shooting, at approximately 6 fps
The K-500’s high-speed continuous shooting function captures active, fast-moving subjects — such as athletes, stage performers and wildlife — in a series of images, at a maximum speed of approximately six images per second (in the JPEG recording format).
High-quality movie recording
The K-500 records high-resolution, full HD movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels) in the H.264 recording format, with a choice of frame rate (30, 25 or 24 frames per second). It even offers creative image-processing tools** like Custom Images, and useful movie-recording features such as an interval movie recording function, for the production of more personalized movies.
** The frame rate may vary when nonstandard image processing is required.
Optical finder with approximately 100% field of view
Despite a compact body common to all entry-class models, the K-50 features a glass prism finder with nearly 100% field of view and approximately 0.92-times magnification (with a 50mm F1.4 lens at infinity) to cover the entire field of view for easy focusing and framing. Since it delivers a clear view of the subject even in bright sunshine and eliminates parallax and time lag in the viewfinder image, the K-50 responds efficiently and reliably to demanding applications and subjects, such as landscapes requiring delicate, high-precision framing, and sports scenes where the timing of shutter release is critical.
Effortless, user-friendly Auto Picture and Scene modes
The PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene from Portrait, Landscape, Macro and other distinctive shooting modes. Since the K-500 sets all vital camera settings — such as shutter speed, aperture, white balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness — the photographer can concentrate on image composition and the shutter chance. The K-500 also offers 19 Scene modes, including Night Scene Portrait, Pet and Backlight Silhouette, to simplify the photographing of subjects and scenes too complicated or too demanding for entry digital SLR photographers.
High-precision autofocus
The K-500 features the state-of-the-art SAFOX IXi+ AF sensor module, which assures responsive, high-precision autofocus operation with 11 sensors (including nine cross-type sensors in the middle). It also features a spotbeam projector to assist AF operation in poorly lit locations. Its select-area expansion function keeps the sensor module tracking a moving subject, even when it moves out of a pre-assigned auto-tracking area, by assessing distance data collected by neighboring focus sensors. As the result, not only the accuracy and speed of detecting moving subjects during autofocus operation, but also the auto-tracking performance of moving subjects when using a telephoto lens, have been greatly improved.
A selection of tools for creative, personalized expression
The K-500’s custom image function allows the user to easily and quickly select the desired finishing touch for a particular image, with a choice of 11 custom images. The K-500 also provides 19 distinctive digital filters to add distinctive visual effects to captured images and produce creative, artistic images without the need for a computer.
Choice of two power sources
In addition to the standard rechargeable lithium-ion battery capable of capturing approximately 480 images with a single recharge,*** the K-500 can also be powered by four AA-size batteries with the use of the optional D-BH109 AA Battery Holder. Since AA-size batteries can be easily obtained almost anywhere around the world, there’s no worry about battery shortages, even when on the road.
*** Under testing conditions prescribed by PENTAX, using the D-LI109 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery with no flash discharges.
Other features
- Large, wide-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots
- 77-segment multi-pattern metering system for extra-accurate light measurement
- DR (Dust Removal) mechanism to shake dust from the surface of the CMOS image sensor
- PENTAX-designed Hyper control system to assure flexible, unfailing response to the photographer’s creative intentions
- RAW data retrieve function to save an original raw data of a just-recorded JPEG-format image
- Compatibility with Eye-Fi wireless LAN SD memory cards
- SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0 LE for PENTAX RICOH IMAGING(RAW-data processing engine developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) included, together with the K-500’s in-body RAW data processing capability
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♦ Designs and specifications are subjects to change without notice.
