Pentax K-500 announced, Price, Specs, Release Date, Where to Buy

Pentax K-500

Pentax has refreshed its entry level DSLR lineup with the announcement of K-500. The K-500, meanwhile, gets most of the K-50‘s features – the main loss being weather sealing – in a less expensive package.

PriceWhere to BuySpecs | Release Date | Sample Images | Product Images

Pentax K-500 Price

Pentax K-500 Price – $596.95.

Where to Buy Pentax K-500
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Pentax K-500 Features and Specifications
  • 16 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor: A high performance 16 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor strikes the perfect balance between resolution and image quality.
  • PRIME M Image Processing Engine: PRIME M image processing engine is optimized for HD video capture, smooth live view, low chromatic noise, and low energy consumption.
  • 6 frames per second continuous shooting with optional standard lithium-ion battery: A fast 6 FPS frame rate captures fast action shots in dynamic shooting situations, if used with optional, rechargeable, standard-lithium ion battery.
  • Fast Shutter speed up to 1/6000: A maximum 1/6000 second shutter speed freezes sports and fast action without subject movement blur.
  • ISO Speeds up to 51200: High sensitivity shooting up to 51200 ISO range improves noise performance throughout, even in low lighting.
  • High Precision SAFOX IXi+ Auto Focusing: Advanced SAFOX IXi+ autofocus engine, with AF assist lamp and light source detection sensor, features improved optical components, including a diffraction lens, for responsive autofocus in any lighting.
  • Pentaprism Viewfinder for 100% Field of View & 4 optional Focusing Screens: What you see is what you get with the low profile glass pentaprism viewfinder, with four interchangeable focusing screens, achieves a 100% optical field of view for framing accuracy in a highly compact form factor.
  • Innovative In-body Shake Reduction (SR) Mechanism: The PENTAX in-body, sensor-shift Shake and Dust Reduction technology ensures sharp, image stabilized, auto-leveled, and dust-free imaging with any mounted lens.
  • K-Mount Compatible with 25 Million PENTAX lenses: The PENTAX K-mount is compatible with every single K-mount lens ever made. Choose from over 25 million PENTAX lenses to use with your K-500-whether you’re a novice or an expert, there’s a PENTAX lens that lets you capture your interesting view of the world.
  • Eye-Fi Card Compatibility: With Eye-Fi wireless LAN SD memory cards, the user can automatically transmit recorded images to a smartphone. New built-in menus allow the user to easily enable automatic transmission of images and video to a smartphone for rapid sharing. Users can even favorite images and resize them before transmission
  • Full 1080p h.264 HD video recording: Full 1080p HD video capture at 30 frames per second (60 FPS for 720p) features efficient h.264 compression, flexible exposure control, and HDR finishing options for stunning video quality.
  • In-body raw development and HDR shooting: Enjoy in-body raw development and in-camera HDR shooting mode, featuring multiple blending options to bring out the detail in wide gamut still imaging.
  • Programmable front & rear e-dials: Programmable front and rear e-dials enable PENTAX renowned Hyper Program and Manual modes, as well as other rapid no-look setting changes.
  • Enhanced Creative Modes, multilayer filtering opportunities: Choose from 11 types of custom image modes and 19 digital filters, all with multi layering capabilities, for more creative expression than you ever dreamt of. The K-500 lets you show off your unique visions with real, high-resolution images.
  • Large High Resolution 3 inch LCD: Large 3 inch LCD with brightness and color adjustments is wide angle viewable, and features 921,000 dots of resolution.
  • Dual-axis electronic level: For high precision horizontal and vertical alignment, use the electronic dual-axis level to make sure your shot is perfectly aligned with the horizon or framed just the way you want it. Measure both side-to-side and forward to backward tilt for the ideal shot
  • Energizer Ultimate Lithium-ion AA-size batteries included, with option to use a rechargeable standard lithium-ion battery.: Compatible with both rechargeable Li-Ion and AA batteries for plentiful power athome or while travelling. Standard rechargeable L-ion batter available for purchase.
  • 77 segment metering system: Highly accurate 77 segment metering system produces beautifully exposed images and video, even in complex lighting situations.
  • Traditional, Auto Picture and Scene modes: Traditional shooting modes feature PENTAX Sensitivity Priority (Sv) and Shutter and Aperture Priority (TAv) for outstanding flexibility, while powerful automatic modes like Auto Picture and Scene modes take the guesswork out of great photography.
Sensor Type CMOS with primary color filter, integrated Shake/Dust Reduction sensor movement system
Sensor Size 23.7 x 15.7mm (APS-C)
Sensor Color Depth 8 bits/channel JPG, 12 bits/channel RAW
Effective Pixels 16.3 MP
Total Pixels 16.5 MP
Dust Removal Sensor movement with SP coating on low pass filter
Pixel Mapping Yes
Image Stabilization (Shake Reduction) Sensor-shift SR with rotational compensation (3 stops avg CIPA, 4 stops max)
Lens Mount PENTAX KAF2 bayonet stainless steel mount
Usable Lenses PENTAX KAF3, KAF2, KAF, and KA (K mount, 35mm screw-mount, 645/67 med format lenses useable with adapter and/or restrictions)
SDM Function Yes
Power Zoom Function n/a
Focus Type SAFOX IXi+ TTL phase-detection 11 point (9 cross) wide autofocus system with light wavelength sensor and diffraction lens
Sensitivity Range EV -1 to 18 (ISO 100)
Focus Modes AF.A (auto), AF.S (single, w focus lock, focus/shutter priority selectable), AF.C (continuous, w focus/FPS priority selectable), Manual
Focus Point Adjustment Auto 11 pt., Auto 5 pt., User-Selectable (with Expanded Area AF), Center
AF Assist Yes via dedicated LED AF assist lamp
Focus Peaking Yes (n/a during active video recording)
Metering System Type: TTL open aperture 77 segment metering
Sensitivity range: EV 0 to 22 (ISO 100, 50mm F1.4)
Metering patterns (multi, center, spot): Multi 77, Center, Spot
Exposure compensation: +/- 5 EV (1/3 and 1/2 steps)
Exposure lock: Yes
Exposure bracketing: 3 frames, up to +/- 3 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps
Shutter Type: Electronically controlled, vertical-run, focal plane shutter
Shutter speed: Auto: 1/6000 to 30 sec., Manual: 1/6000 to 30 sec. (1/3EV steps or 1/2EV steps), Bulb
Viewfinder Type: Pentaprism
Coverage (field of view): 100%
Magnification: 0.92X (w 50mm F1.4 at infinity)
Standard focusing screen: Natural-Bright-Matte III (interchangeable)
Diopter adjustment: -2.5m to +1.5m
Depth of field preview: Optical (diaphragm stop-down), digital
LCD Monitor Type: 3.0″ TFT color LCD w brightness/color adjustment
Resolution: 921,000 dots
Wide angle viewable: Yes
Live View Type: TTL by CMOS image sensor
Field Of View: 100%
Display Modes: Magnification (2-6X), Grid Overlay (4×4, Golden Ratio, Scale), Bright/Dark Indication, Histogram
Built-In Flash Type: Retractable P-TTL pop-up flash
Guide number: 12m (ISO 100), Synchronization speed: 1/180 sec
Angle of View/Coverage: Wide Angle (Equivalent to 28mm in 35mm format)
Flash modes: P-TTL, Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Trailing Curtain Sync
High-Speed and Wireless Sync are also available with PENTAX dedicated external flash.
Flash exposure compensation: -2 to +1 EV (1/3 steps)
External Flash Type: Hotshoe (P-TTL), high speed sync and wireless with PENTAX dedicated flash
Synchronization speed: 1/180 sec
Storage Media Internal memory: n/a
Removable memory: SD, SDHC, SDXC, (Eye-Fi Card compatible)
Interfaces Ports: USB 2.0 hi-speed, AV out, Cable Switch
Video output format: NTSC, PAL, USB Connection: MSC/PTP
Microphone: Built-in monaural
Image File Recorded resolutions: 16M (4928×3264), 12M (4224×2816), 8M (3456×2304), 5M (2688×1792) RAW (4928×3264)
Quality levels: Best, Better, Good
File formats: RAW (DNG), JPG (EXIF 2.3), DCF 2.0 compliant, DPOF, PIM III
Color space: sRGB, AdobeRGB
ISO Sensitivity Auto: 100-51200 (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), auto range selectable
Manual: 100-51200 (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps)
White Balance Type: Image sensor detection with light wavelength sensor detection
Auto preset modes: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, (D: Daylight Color, N: Daylight White, W: Cool White, L: Warm White), Tungsten, Flash, CTE Manual mode(s): a) 3 manual settings can be configured and saved, b) Kelvin color temperatures can be selected, c) WB settings can be copied from a captured image WB fine adjustment: +/- 7 steps A-B axis or G-M axis
Program Mode Selection Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Shutter & Aperture Priority, Manual, Bulb
Auto Picture Modes Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Night Scene, Blue Sky, Forest
Scene Modes Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Sunset, Blue Sky, Forest,Night Scene, Night Scene HDR (JPG), Night Snap, Food, Pet, Kids, Surf & Snow, Backlight Silhouette, Candlelight, Stage Lighting, Museum
Custom Image Modes Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross Processing
Green Simplified Mode Available n/a
Face Detection Available Yes
PASMB P, A, S, M, B (extended modes Sv, TAv)
Date Stamp n/a
Digital Filters Capture Extract Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Color
Dynamic Range Adjustment Highlight, shadow
File/Folder Customization Folder name (standard, date), create new folder, embed copyright
Drive Modes Mode Selection Single, Continuous (Hi, Lo), Self-Timer (12s, 2s), Remote (0s, 3s), Exposure Bracketing (3 frames)
Drive Modes Continuous FPS Continuous Hi: approx. 6.0 FPS (30 JPG, 8 RAW)
Continuous Lo: approx. 3.0 FPS (unlimited JPG, 10 RAW)
Other Modes Multi-exposure: 2-9 shots, auto exposure adjustment
Interval: 999 shots, 3 sec to 24 hr interval, time delay
HDR: Auto, HDR 1, HDR 2, HDR 3, pixel alignment, exposure bracket +/- 1-3 EV (1/1 steps)
Cable switch: Yes CS-205 (sold separately)
Playback Mode Selection Single frame, Multi-image display (4, 9, 16, 36, 81 segmentation), Display magnification (up to 16x, scrolling and quick magnification available), rotating, histogram, bright/dark area warning, copyright display, calendar filmstrip, display, folder display, slideshow, Eye-Fi transfer
Playback Mode Pallet Image Rotation, Digital Filter, Resize, Cropping, Index Print, Protect, Slideshow, Save as Manual WB, Save Cross Processing, RAW Development, Movie Edit, DPOF
Playback Digital Filters Monochrome, Extract Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Color, Tone Expansion, Sketch Filter, Water Color, Pastel, Posterization, Miniature, Soft, Starburst, Fish-eye, Slim, Base Parameter Adjustment
Video Capture Image File Information Recorded resolutions/FPS: 1920x1080p30/25/24, 1280x720p60/50/30/25/24, 640x480p30/25/24
Quality levels: Best, Better, Good
File formats (compression): MOV MPEG-4 AVC (h.264)
Sound: Audio gain adj
Video Capture Modes Custom Image modes: Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Bleach Bypass,Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross ProcessingDigital filters (capture): Extract Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Color
Video Capture Modes cont. Interval movie: 3 sec., 5 sec., 10 sec., 30 sec., 1 min., 5min., 10 min., 30 min., 1 hr.
Recording time: 4 sec. to 99 hr., Start Interval setting: immediately, from the set time, Motion JPEG(AVI)
Movie editing functions: Movie Divide, Delete Selected Frames
File Storage (Based on 4GB Memory) Still 16MP (3:2) RAW: 150 images
Still 16MP (3:2) Best Image Quality: 421
Video 1080p30 Best Image Quality: 0:16:21
Video 1080p24 Best Image Quality: 0:20:21
Video 720p60 Best Image Quality: 0:16:21
Video 720p30 Best Image Quality: 0:28:18
Customazation (20 Custom Functions available)
RAW/Fx Button (One Push File Format, Exposure Bracketing, Optical preview, Digital Preview, Composition Adjustment, Select AF Point), USER Mode (up to 2 settings can be saved)
Language Support English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian
System Requirements Windows: Windows XP(SP3 or later 32-bit Home/Pro), Vista (32-bit,64-bit), Win 7 (32-bit, 64-bit) Win 8, (can be run as a 32-bit application on any 64-bit edition of Windows). Mac: MacOS X, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8
Primary Construction Materials Reinforced polycarbonate over stainless steel chassis
Operating Temperature 14-104°F (-10 to 40°C)
Ruggedized Features Fully weather sealed throughout body, coldproof
Battery Rechargeable Li-Ion battery D-LI109 (included), AA battery holder D-BH109 for 4 AA batteries (sold separately)
Battery Time Stills Li-Ion approx. 480 (410 w 50% flash, CIPA), AA lithium approx. 1250 (710 w 50% flash, CIPA)
Battery Time Movie Playback Li-Ion approx. 270 min, AA lithium approx. 560 min
Battery Time Movie Recording 25 min max time per clip
AC Adapter Available Yes. K-AC128 (sold separately)
Body Dimensions (WxHxD) 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.8″
Body Weight 20.8 oz (589.67g) without battery or removable memory
22.9 oz (649.20g) loaded and ready

Pentax K-500 Release Date

The Pentax K-500 starts shipping in July 21, 2013.

Pentax K-500 Sample Images

Coming soon.

Product images

Pentax K-500 top