Ideal for families and casual photographers looking for more than just the basics, the PENTAX K-500 features a 16.28 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor, fast continuous shooting, high sensitivity shooting up to ISO 51200, 100% field of view, in-body shake reduction, and an advanced auto focus module. The K-500’s wide selection of simple user-modes and creative tools enable limitless personalized expressions while its intuitive ergonomics and menu layout make the K-500 approachable and comfortable to use.

    K-500 Features

  • High-resolution, super-high-sensitivity shooting at ISO 51200
    The state-of-the-art CMOS image sensor with a large image-capturing area measuring 23.7mm by 15.7mm assures high-speed image data readout. This image sensor is coupled with PRIME M imaging engine to deliver super-high-resolution, rich-gradation digital images with approximately 16.28 effective megapixels. High sensitivity shooting up to ISO 51200 improves noise performance throughout, even in low lighting.
  • High-speed continuous shooting, at approximately six images per second
    The K-500 allows you to record active, fast-moving subjects in a series of images, at a maximum speed of approximately six images per second (in the JPEG recording format). A maximum 1/6000 second shutter speed freezes sports and fast action without subject movement blur.
  • Pentaprism Viewfinder for 100% Field of View
    Despite its compact size, K-500 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. It delivers a clear view of the subject even in bright sunshine and eliminates parallax and time lag in the viewfinder image.
  • 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 at twilight. This innovative mechanism works with almost all PENTAX interchangeable lenses — even those developed for film-format cameras.* The K-500 offers features to assist you during shooting, including and the ASTROTRACER mode to simplify 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-precision autofocus with SAFOX IXi+ AF module
    The K-500’s state-of-the-art SAFOX IXi+ AF sensor module 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 at 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 the distance data collected by neighboring focus sensors.
  • Eye-Fi Card Compatibility
    With Eye-Fi wireless LAN SD memory cards, you can automatically transmit recorded images to a smartphone. New built-in menus allow you to easily enable automatic transmission of images and video to a smartphone for rapid sharing. You can even select favorite images and resize them before transmission.
  • High-quality movie 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 colour adjustments is wide angle viewable, and features 921,000 dots of resolution.
  • 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 settings changes.
  • Standard Lithium-ion battery or optional use of AA-size batteries
    Compatible with both rechargeable Li-Ion and AA batteries (via optional D-BH109 AA Battery Holder) for plentiful power at home or while travelling.

K-500 Specifications

Type TTL autofocus, auto-exposure SLR digital-still camera with built-in retractable P-TTL flash
Sensor Type: CMOS with primary colour filter, integrated Shake/Dust Reduction sensor-movement system
Size: APS-C (23.7 x 15.7mm)
Effective Pixels: 16.28 megapixels
Total Pixels: 16.49 megapixels
Sensitivity Auto: 100-51200 (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), auto range selectable
Lens Mount PENTAX KAF2 bayonet stainless steel mount
Usable Lens PENTAX KAF3, KAF2, KAF, and KA (K mount, 35mm screwmount, 645/67 med format lenses useable w/adapter and/or restrictions)
SDM function: Yes
Recording & Image Formats
Image Sizes JPEG：16M(4928x3264),12M(4224x2816),8M(3456x2304),5M(2688x1792)
RAW：16M(4928x3264)
File Formats Still: RAW (DNG), JPG (EXIF 2.3), DCF 2.0 compliant
Quality Level RAW (12bit): DNG
JPEG: ★★★ Best, ★★ Better, ★Good

RAW + JPEG: simultaneously recordable
Colour Space sRGB, AdobeRGB
Storage Media SD, SDHC, SDXC(Eye-Fi Card Compatible)
Focusing System
Type SAFOX IXi+ TTL phase-detection 11 point (9 cross) wide autofocus system with light wavelength sensor and diffraction lens
Brightness Range EV-1 to 18 (ISO 100)
AF Modes Auto AF (AF.A), Single AF (AF.S), Continuous AF (AF.C)
Focus priority or shutter priority mode for AF.S
Focus priority or FPS priority mode for AF.C
Focus Point Adjustment Auto 11 pt, Auto 5 pt, User-Selectable (w/Expanded Area AF), Center
AF assist Dedicated LED AF assist light
Exposure Control
Metering System TTL open aperture, 77 segmented metering, center-weighted and spot metering
Metering Range EV 0 to 22 (ISO 100, 50mm F1.4)
Exposure Compensation ±5EV (1/3 and 1/2 steps)
Exposure Bracketing 3 frames, up to ± 3 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps
AE Lock Yes (available via programmable AF/AE-L button)
Capture Modes Mode selection: Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority (Av), 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 (JPEG only), 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

Face detection available: Yes

PASMB: P, A, S, M, B (extended modes Sv, TAv)

Digital filters (capture): Extract Colour, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Colour, Colour

Dynamic range adjustment: Highlight, shadow

File/Folder customization: Folder name (standard, date), file name (standard, customizable), embed copyright
Playback Modes Mode Selection: Single image, Multi-image display (4, 9, 16, 36, 81 segmentation), Display magnification (up to 16x, scrolling and quick magnification available), histogram, bright/dark area warning, copyright display, calendar filmstrip, display, folder display, slideshow, Eye-Fi transfer

Delete: Single image, all images, select & delete, delete folder, delete instant review image

RAW Development: File Format (JPEG), Image Capture Settings(Aspect Ratio, Recorded Pixels, Quality Level, Color Space), Lens Correction(Distortion Correction, Lateral Chromatic Aberration Correction), Custom Image, White Balance, Sensitivity, High-ISO NR, Shadow Correction

Edit: Resize, Cropping (Aspect ratio and Slant adjustment available), Index, Capture a JPEG still picture from a movie, Saving the RAW file data in the buffer memory

Digital Filters (Playback): Monochrome, Extract Colour, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Colour, Colour, Tone Expansion, Sketch Filter, Water Colour, Pastel, Posterization, Miniature, Soft, Starburst, Fish-eye, Slim, Base Parameter Adjustment
Video Capture
File Format MPEG–4 AVC／H.264
Recorded Pixels Full HD(1920x1080,16:9,30fps/25fps/24fps),
HD(1280x720,16:9,60fps/50fps/30fps/25fps/24fps),
VGA(640x480,4:3,30fps/25fps/24fps)
Quality Level ★★★ Best, ★★ Better, ★Good
Sound Built-in monaural microphone, Recording Sound Level
Recording time Up to 25 minutes; automatically stops recording if the internal temperature of the camera becomes high.
Capture Modes Custom Image modes: Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross Processing
Digital filters (capture): Extract Colour, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Invert Colour, Colour
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
 
White Balance Type: Image sensor detection w/light wavelength sensor detection
Auto preset modes: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, (D: Daylight Colour, 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 colour 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
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
Drive Modes Mode selection: Single frame, Continuous (Hi, Lo), Self-timer (12sec., 2 sec.), Remote Control (0 sec., 3 sec.), Auto Bracketing (3 frames)
Continuous FPS: Approx 6 FPS (JPG, Continuous Hi), Approx 3 FPS (JPG, Continuous Lo)
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 colour LCD monitor w/brightness/colour adjustment
Resolution: 921,000 dots
Wide angle viewable: Yes
Live View Type: TTL by CMOS image sensor
Field Of View: 100%
Display Modes: Magnification (2x, 4x, 6X), Grid Overlay (4x4, Golden Ratio, Scale), Bright/Dark Indication, Histogram
Built-in Flash Type: Retractable P-TTL pop-up flash
Guide number: 12m (ISO 100)
Coverage: 28mm wide angle (equiv 35mm)
Flash modes: P-TTL, Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Trailing Curtain Sync
Flash exposure compensation: -2 to 1 EV (1/3 steps)
External Flash Synchronization Hotshoe (P-TTL), high speed sync and wireless w/PENTAX dedicated flash
Synchronization speed: 1/180 sec
Custom Function 20 custom-programmable functions available
Interfaces Ports: USB 2.0 hi-speed, AV out
USB Connection: MSC/PTP
Video Output: NTSC, PAL
Microphone: Built-in monaural
Power Sources Power source: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery D-LI109 (included), AA battery holder D-BH109 for 4 AA batteries (sold separately)
Recordable images: Li-Ion approx 480 (410 w /50% flash, CIPA)* AA lithium approx. 1250 (710 w/50% flash, CIPA)*
Playback time: Li-Ion approx 270 min*, AA lithium approx. 560 min
Movie recording time: 25 min max time per clip*
AC adapter available: Yes (sold separately)
* Tested in compliance with CIPA standard. Actual results may vary depending on shooting conditions/circumstances
Dimensions (W x H x D): 129.0 mm × 96.5 mm × 70.0mm
Weight Without battery or removable memory: 590g
Loaded and ready: 650g w/dedicated battery & SD memory card
Primary Construction material(s) Reinforced polycarbonate over stainless steel chassis
Weather Resistant n/a
Operating temperature 0 to 40°C (32-104°F)
Time World Time: 75 cities (28 time zones)
Language English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian

K-500 Accessories

  • AC Adapter Kit K-AC128U
    Model No. 38823
  • Battery Charger Kit K-BC109U
    Model No. 39033
  • Rechargeable L-ION Battery D-LI109
    Model No. 39066
  • PENTAX AA Battery Holder D-BH109
    Model No. 39100
  • Focusing Screen Frame Matte MF-60
    Model No. 38578
  • Focusing Screen Divided Matte ML-60
    Model No. 38579
  • Focusing Screen Scale Matte MI-60
    Model No. 38580
  • Focusing Screen Plain Matte ME-60
    Model No. 38581
  • Magnifying Eyecup O-ME53
    Model No. 30150
  • AV Cable I-AVC7
    Model No. 39552
  • Cable Switch CS-205
    Model No. 37248
  • Remote Control F
    Model No. 37377
  • Waterproof Remote Control O-RC1
    Model No. 39892
  • Hand Strap O-ST128 (Black)
    Model No. 39987

What’s In the Box

  • K-500 body
  • Battery Charger Kit K-BC109
  • Li-Ion Battery D-LI109
  • USB Cable I-USB7
  • Strap O-ST132
  • Hotshoe Cover FK
  • Body Mount Cover
  • Eyecup FR
  • Software CD-ROM
Model No. 15526 - K-500 Black w/ DA L 18-55mm WR Lens

Image Gallery

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