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Pentax K-500 announced, Price, Images, Press Release and Full Specification

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.

Pentax K-500 Price and availability

Buy Pentax K-500 from Amazon

Buy Pentax K-500 from B&H

Pentax K-500 Images

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

  1. Large, wide-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots
  2. 77-segment multi-pattern metering system for extra-accurate light measurement
  3. DR (Dust Removal) mechanism to shake dust from the surface of the CMOS image sensor
  4. PENTAX-designed Hyper control system to assure flexible, unfailing response to the photographer’s creative intentions
  5. RAW data retrieve function to save an original raw data of a just-recorded JPEG-format image
  6. Compatibility with Eye-Fi wireless LAN SD memory cards
  7. 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