Pentax K-50
Announced June 12, 2013
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Pentax K-50 is a rugged, weather-sealed DSLR that offers enthusiast-level controls and a comfortable, deep grip at an accessible price point. While it delivers excellent still image quality and fast burst performance, the camera struggles with noisy operation and lacks modern video features like an external microphone input.
Weighted from 15 reviewer scores
Pros
- Weather-sealed and dustproof construction for use in harsh conditions
- Bright, 100-percent coverage pentaprism viewfinder
- Ergonomic design with dual control dials and deep grip
- Fast 6fps continuous shooting and responsive autofocus
- In-body image stabilization compatible with various lenses
Cons
- Subpar video quality with rolling shutter and moire issues
- Lack of external microphone input and monaural audio recording
- Noisy operation from both the shutter and kit lens
- Fixed, non-articulated rear LCD screen
- High ISO image noise and inaccurate color reproduction
- Launch price $699.95 (USD)
- Sensor 16.3MP APS-C CMOS
- Video 1080p 30p
What the Reviewers Say
All 15 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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Pentax’s cameras are always hard to compare to those from other manufacturers; it opts for more rugged designs and often eschews the trendy features du jour.
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Once again, Pentax has created a camera that enthusiast photographers will enjoy using.
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The Pentax K-50 delivers excellent image quality in a weather sealed body.
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The Pentax K-50 is a very minor refresh of 2012's K-30 DSLR camera, additionally offering support for Eye-Fi wireless cards, an extra ISO 51200 setting, more sober styling than the "aggressive" K-30, and the option to uniquely customise the colour to one of 120 combinations.
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The Pentax K-50 is a fully weather-sealed D-SLR camera with an big optical viewfinder and fast burst shooting capability.
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The best thing about this camera is its weatherproofing credentials, so to get the most of it, partner it with the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 WR (weather resistant) optic.
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While the weather-sealing is a nice addition that adds to the already quality feel of the K-500, it’s perhaps the fact that the AF points are superimposed in the viewfinder that transforms the performance of the camera, making it a lot more satisfying and pleasurable to use [...]
- CNET 7.4/10
Essentially a tweaked version of its predecessor, the K-30, that can be two-toned to your heart’s delight, the Pentax K-50 doesn’t seem like much of an update apart from the colors and a nonspecific update to the autofocus system.
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The Pentax K-50 has a lot to like, with its tank-like, sturdy design and plethora of settings and controls. But color reproduction and noise levels at high ISOs make images a mixed bag.
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Like its predecessor, the K-50 will suit a wide range of photo enthusiasts with different levels of expertise. It is particularly appealing to cost-conscious buyers, for whom it represents excellent value for money.
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The Pentax K-50 makes for a good starter option, and we were impressed with the lightning quick speed of its operation at this price point - with auto focus being particularly impressive.
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Taken on its own terms, though, it’s impossible not to admire the K-50. It offers the best shooting experience of any SLR in this price bracket, and its image quality is more than up to scratch.
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[T]he Pentax K-50 is a good enthusiast DSLR camera, and with its weather sealing, the quick focus system, and nice burst rate, it's sure to be responsible for grabbing some great shots.
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In the end, I'm sounding like a broken record. I am very impressed with this camera, very impressed with the capabilities, the features, and the controls and the performance of the Pentax K-50.
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We took some photos with it, we were super impressed with them. It takes really really really good photos and it's a definitely a nice little body and a nice little camera, so I'd highly recommend it.
