Pentax K-500 features 16.3 megapixel APS-C-sized CMOS sensor and PRIME M image processing, high sensitivity level of ISO 51200, full-resolution continuous shooting rate of 6 fps, the pentax K-500 captures Full HD 1080p video recording is supported in multiple frame rates up to 30 fps as well as HD 720p recording up to 60 fps. more details below
Pentax K 500 Major Features
- 16.3MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- PRIME M Image Processing Engine
- 3.0″ 921k-Dot LCD Monitor
- Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 30 fps
- SAFOX IXi+ Autofocus System
- Continuous Shooting Up to 6 fps
- In-Camera Shake Reduction System
- In-Camera HDR and RAW Image Processing
the K-500 offers in-camera RAW (DNG) image processing is available as well as HDR shooting capabilities, housed within a polycarbonate-covered camera body that is supported by a stainless steel chassis. 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.
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Press Release
PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-500 digital SLR camera. With its solid basic specifications and outstanding value for price, this new model is designed to extend the joy of high-quality digital SLR photography to everyone.
The PENTAX K-500 was developed based on the PENTAX K-50 digital SLR camera (launched in June 2013). 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.
Major Features
High-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 six images per second
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 image-processing 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
Pentax K-500 Full Specification
| 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 Processing
Digital 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 |
