Pentax Refreshes DSLR Lineup

2013.06.14

Pentax just revealed two new updates to their DSLR lineup. First up is the K-50, a minor upgrade to the K-30 with nearly identical specifications except for an updated processing engine, allowing for a maximum ISO of 51200. The look of the K-50 has also been refined to something more elegant. It obviously keeps the 100% coverage viewfinder, dual control-dial, weather-sealed and freeze-proof body.

The K-50 is immediately available in 120 color-combinations, allowing the buyer to customize the body and grip colors separately. It can be ordered for a suggested price of $599. Allow a few weeks for custom color configurations.

Second is the K-500 which is a K-50 without the weather-sealed body. It will be available next month, in black only, for a suggested price of $599 including a kit 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 lens. This is an exciting entry-level model and the cheapest DSLR to ever feature a 100% coverage viewfinder and the cheapest one to feature dual control-dials. As far as improving your photography goes, the 100% coverage viewfinder goes a long way and those dual control-dials make this the most efficient entry-level DSLR on the market.

Both the K-50 and K-500 features Pentax's unique AA and Lithium-Ion power options. The K-50 is supplied with a proprietary battery giving it 410 shots-per-charge according to CIPA. It can also use AA batteries for 710 shots-per-charge. The K-500 is not supplied with any batteries and but takes AAs out-of-the-box for 710 shots-per-charge. It can also take the proprietary battery for 410 shots-per-charge. Given the incredible convenience of AAs, we do not expect many people to use the Lithium-Ion option.

• Digital Camera