First impressions and real-world samples from the Pentax K-50

Fresh from the Pentax Ricoh launch event in New York, we’ve put together a real-world samples gallery from the Pentax K-50. The 16MP mid-range DSLR builds on the very likeable K-30 and promises improved image processing. We take a closer look at the K-50 and its similar sibling, the K-500, to see just what they bring to the table, as well as presenting a selection of full-resolution sample images.

Click here to find out more about the K-50 and K-500 and see the samples gallery

Comments

All those great features but no dedicated movie button? How do they expect to ever win DPR’s coveted Gold Award?

I see you are still complaining about d5200 review. You do keep a grudge long time.

I was making a joke that is popular in the Pentax forum. It has zero to do with the D5200 (which has a movie button) but is a reference to the K-30 review where DPR criticized the excellent K-30 for not having a dedicated movie button.

I see that you have nothing better to do than stalk other users, but please won’t you give it a rest. I’m just trying to enjoy the website. Go work on your gallery or find someone else to play with.

Unlike Canon and Nikon, Pentax does not need drill another hole in camera body to make that happen.
Pentax has always had a green button. If the new software (hopefully, in Ricoh GR’s fashion) allows the green button to be more programmable than what it used to be, I don’t see why it can’t be used for direct movie capture.

At last, Pentax has built a camera that can capture those difficult yellows.

I would’ve liked to see an articulated screen at last but maybe I’m not in their target group then.

Really good suggestion. Didn’t realize it was missing.

In trying to be “different” from the rest of the homogeneous running field, Pentax has strayed into Pikachu territory, thereby risking it’s chances of even being in healthy competition with the rest of the pack…

If you’d buy a K-500 in black then the other colours are irrelevant and you’ve still got a two-dial, pentaprism DSLR for $600.

That sounds pretty competitive to me.

I think they look good in the colours.

I agree Richard. Pentax have found an opening with Entry Level cameras. Pentaprism, twin dials and sealing (or for less, no sealing). Partner the body with excellent legacy primes and even M42 talumars with the adapter, and you have a very fine camera indeed.

still one of those who thinks camera should be black and only black? come on~ if you are PENTAXIAN, you already don’t care what people think of what camera you are using (else you will be buying CaNikon already), then why is PENTAX offering colors DSLR bothering you?

Hey, they dumbed down the shape of the thing to be as bland as a rebel now for the canikon sheeple. You want them all to just be black too so the entire industry can produce the exact same lame camera?

So funny how photography is suppose to be a creative art, yet photographers refuse to allow any creativity in their camera bodies. Make sure you stifle anything unique!

You can skip the colors and just enjoy the fact that you have an entry-price camera with WR, focus peaking, pentaprism, dual wheels (LOVE TaV), great ISO performance and IBIS. Or you can skip the WR and get all those features for even less. From a marketing standpoint, the biggest drawback I see is that they undercut the K-5ii models. Hopefully Pentax has plans to address that.

It’s not like they aren’t offering it in black… Geeezzz… An orange one for me, please…

In addition to what’s been mentioned as competitive differentiators, these cameras also have image stabilization for any lens you mount and focus peaking making macro photography and use of old manual lenses more powerful/covenient. People need to look at the content/features of the of the camera, and not get worked up about its color (black is available for those who want it).