Picture quality
Sensor type |
CMOS |
Sensor format |
Advanced Photo System type-C (APS-C) |
Image stabilizer location |
Body |
Image formats supported |
RAW, JPG |
Image sensor size (W x H) |
23.7 x 15.7 mm |
Image stabilizer |
Y |
Total megapixels |
16.49 MP |
Maximum image resolution |
4928 x 3264 pixels |
Megapixel |
16.28 MP |
Camera type |
SLR Camera Body |
Video
Maximum video resolution |
1920 x 1080 pixels |
Motion JPEG frame rate |
60 fps |
Video recording |
Y |
Camera
Self-timer delay |
2, 12 s |
Scene modes |
Sunset, Candlelight, Close-up (macro), Landscape, Museum, Night landscape, Night portrait, Pet, Portrait |
GPS (satellite) |
N |
Photo effects |
Neutral, Muted |
Shooting modes |
Shutter priority, Manual, Lens priority, Aperture priority |
Diopter adjustment (D-D) |
-2.5 - 1.5 |
Image editing |
Rotating, Resizing, Crop |
Histogram |
Y |
Camera playback |
Slide show, Single image, Movie |
Focusing
Auto focusing (AF) modes |
Continuous Auto Focus, Single Auto Focus |
Auto Focus (AF) points selection |
Manual, Auto |
Auto Focus (AF) lock |
Y |
Focus |
TTL |
Auto Focus (AF) points |
11 |
Focus adjustment |
Auto/Manual |
Light exposure
Light metering |
Centre-weighted, Evaluative (Multi-pattern), Highlight-weighted |
ISO sensitivity (min) |
100 |
ISO sensitivity (max) |
51200 |
Auto Exposure (AE) lock |
Y |
Light exposure modes |
Shutter priority AE, Manual, Auto, Aperture priority AE |
Light exposure control |
Program AE |
Shutter
Shutter speed settings |
B |
Slowest camera shutter speed |
30 s |
Camera shutter type |
Electronic |
Fastest camera shutter speed |
1/6000 s |
Battery
Battery life (CIPA standard) |
480 shots |
Flash
External flash connector |
Y |
Shoe mounting point |
Y |
Flash exposure correction |
-2EV - +1EV (1/2 EV step) |
Flash exposure compensation |
Y |
Flash sync-speed |
0.005 s |
Flash guide number |
12 m |
Display
Vari-angle LCD display |
N |
Display aspect ratio |
3:2 |
Field of view |
100% |
Viewfinder
Viewfinder type |
Optical |
Magnification |
0.92 x |
Packaging content
Battery charger included |
Y |
Hand strap |
Y |
Batteries included |
Y |
Audio
Built-in microphone |
Y |
Noise reduction |
Y |
Voice recording |
Y |
Ports & interfaces
USB version |
2.0 |
HDMI |
N |
PictBridge |
N |
Weight & dimensions
Weight (including battery) |
675 g |
System requirements
Mac operating systems supported |
Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard |
16.28MP, 4928×3264, 23.7 x 15.7mm, FullHD 1920×1080, HD 1280×720, VGA 640×480, 51200, 1/6000sec, ± 5EV (1/2EV 1/3EV), MPEG–4AVC/H.264, Lithium-ion, USB
<b>The PENTAX K-50 is the perfect partner</b>
for all types of active shooting, and a talented guide to a brand-new photographic experience
A camera that is amazingly mobile and spor ty, one that can preserve all your memories in beautiful images. An elegantly contoured body that fits per fectly in the hand, and is comfor table to carry.
With a weather- resistant construction that withstands the rain, exceptional imaging power even in the dark, high-speed continuous shooting to capture a once- in-a- lifetime moment, and a large viewfinder image, the PENTAX K-50 takes you everywhere — even beyond the conventional boundaries of photography!
<b>In-body SR mechanism to minimize camera shake with any lens</b>
Featuring the PENTAX- original SR (Shake Reduct ion) mechanism, the K-50 minimizes camera shake with all compatible lenses - from wide-angle to telephoto - to assure sharp, blur-free images, even in such demanding situations as when using a telephoto lens or photographing dimly lit scenesISO100
<b>Super-high-sensitivity shooting at ISO 51200 to capture low-light scenes and freeze fast-moving subjects</b>
The K-50 oers super-high-sensitivity shooting with a top sensitivity of ISO 51200 (when expanded) to record well -defined images with minimal noise. You can handhold the K-50 to capture nightscapes without the help of a flash or tripod. With active subjects such as athletes, pets and stage performers, you can raise the shutter speed to prevent subject shake.
<b>The PENTAX K-50 is the perfect partner</b>
for all types of active shooting, and a talented guide to a brand-new photographic experience
A camera that is amazingly mobile and spor ty, one that can preserve all your memories in beautiful images. An elegantly contoured body that fits per fectly in the hand, and is comfor table to carry. With a weather- resistant construction that withstands the rain, exceptional imaging power even in the dark, high-speed continuous shooting to capture a once- in-a- lifetime moment, and a large viewfinder image, the PENTAX K-50 takes you everywhere — even beyond the conventional boundaries of photography!
<b>In-body SR mechanism to minimize camera</b>
<b>shake with any lens</b>
Featuring the PENTAX-original SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, the K-50 minimizes camera shake with all compatible lenses — from wide-angle to telephoto — to assure sharp, blur-free images, even in such demanding situations as when using a telephoto lens or photographing dimly lit scenes.
Super-high-sensitivity shooting at ISO 51200
to capture low-light scenes and freeze
<b>fast-moving subjects</b>
The K-50 offers super-high-sensitivity shooting with a top sensitivity of ISO 51200 (when expanded) to record well-defined images with minimal noise. You can handhold the K-50 to capture nightscapes without the help of a flash or tripod. With active subjects such as athletes, pets and stage performers, you can raise the shutter speed to prevent subject shake.
<b>Auto Picture mode for hands-off selection</b>
<b>of the best shooting mode</b>
When the mode dial is set to the AUTO position and the shutter release button is pressed, the K-50’s Auto Picture mode automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene — such as Portrait, Landscape or Moving Object — and optimizes all camera settings, assuring beautiful results, even for SLR beginners.
<b>Scene modes to produce professional-quality</b>
<b>images with ease</b>
With its 19 scene modes, the K-50 automatically optimizes camera and exposure settings for a particular scene or subject to produce a beautiful, professional-quality image.
PRIME M imaging engine with 16.28 effective megapixels to deliver true-to-life, high-resolution images
The K-50 features a large APS-C-size CMOS image sensor to produce a beautiful bokeh effect. With approximately 16.28 effective megapixels, this sensor performs superbly in high-sensitivity ranges, while minimizing annoying noise. The PENTAX-original PRIME M imaging engine then makes the best use of the image data collected by the sensor. It raises the sensitivity to as high as ISO 51200 to compensate for the graininess of low-light scenes, while applying delicate processing to the subject’s outlines, to produce natural, true-to-life images.
<b>Large, easy-to-view viewfinder with nearly 100%</b>
<b>field of view and 0.92-times magnification</b>
Thanks to the incorporation of a high-quality glass pentaprism, the K-50’s optical viewfinder offers an approximately 92% magnification to assure a large, clear view of the subject — even with the fast-moving subjects found in sports. In addition, the viewfinder offers a nearly 100% field of view for quick, accurate image composition.
<b>11-point AF for speedy, pinpoint focusing on the subject</b>
With its 11 sensor points, the K-50’s AF system lets you compose the image exactly the way you like it. It features nine cross-type sensors in the middle for accurate, unfailing detection of the subject.
<b>77-segment multi-pattern metering for faithful</b>
<b>reproduction of high-contrast scenes</b>
The K-50’s advanced metering system makes extremely accurate measurement of illumination levels across the image field. By assessing such factors as the camera’s alignment (horizontal or vertical), the subject’s distance and position, and the lens’s magnification, it then calculates the optimum exposure level for a given scene, assuring the best balance between subject and background, highlights and shadows. The K-50 also offers the option of center-weighted and spot metering.
<b>SAFOX IX i+ AF module</b>
<b>for exceptional autofocusing accuracy</b>
The K-50 features the state-of-the-art SAFOX IX i+ as its AF module. It assures extra-accurate autofocusing by minimizing chromatic aberrations within the module with the use of a refraction lens. Its light source sensor also compensates for the minute focusing errors caused by the different wavelengths of various sources. Because of this, the K-50 captures the subject in sharp, crisp focus, even under artificial light sources.
<b>Select-area expansion to track</b>
<b>a moving subject</b>
When photographing a moving subject in the AF.C (Continuous) mode, this function keeps tracking the subject even when it moves away from a pre-assigned select point by assessing the distance data collected by neighboring focus sensors. This prevents erroneous focusing on the background.
<b>1/6000-second high-speed shutter to</b>
<b>freeze the action</b>
With its top speed of 1/6000 second, the K-50’s high-speed shutter lets you freeze the split-second action of fast-moving subjects, such as athletes and pets. When shooting in bright sunshine, it also lets you open up an aperture to intentionally throw the background out of focus without overexposing the subject.
<b>High-speed burst shooting at six images per second for the best shot of a moving subject</b>
The K-50’s burst shooting mode captures a maximum of six images in a single second.* Whether it’s composition, focus or expression, this mode gives you a better chance of capturing the best shot of a moving subject within a series of recorded images.
<b>DR mechanism to always keep the image sensor clean</b>
The surface of the CMOS image sensor is treated with PENTAX-original SP (Special Protect) coating to minimize the clinging of dust. Any dust that does adhere to the surface is then effectively removed by the DR (Dust Removal) mechanism, which shakes the dust off the sensor using high-speed vibration to prevent any annoying dust spot from appearing on captured images.
<b>Weather-resistant, dustproof,</b>
<b>cold-resistant body for dependable</b>
performance even in harsh conditions
Since the K-50 features a dependable weather-resistant, dustproof construction, you can bring the camera along for all kinds of picture-taking, regardless of location or weather. Thanks to cold resistance down to -10°C, you can even use it for mid-winter outdoor shooting.
<b>WR/AW-series lenses** for all-weather, all-location shooting</b>
Newly added to the WR series, the DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6AL WR and DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6ED WR lenses feature a simplified weather-resistant construction to repel a light splash of water. A selection of the DA AW series featuring a more rugged weather-resistant, dustproof construction is also available. By coupling the K-50 with any of these lenses, you can create a highly dependable, all-weather digital imaging system.
<b>Dual power supply to prevent battery shortages</b>
In addition to the standard rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the K-50 can also be powered by four AA-size batteries using the optional battery holder. Even when the standard battery runs out of charge, you can easily replace it with easy-to-obtain AA-size batteries and resume shooting without any delay.
Digital filters for easy image modifications
A digital filter can change the tone or gradation of your image to give it a more striking impression. You can choose one of seven filters during shooting, or apply one of 19 filters later to a recorded image. You can experiment with different filters until you find the desired visual effect. You can even apply multiple filters to a single image, or fine-tune the parameters of a specific filter to explore your own creative possibilities.
<b>Recording of Full HD and interval movies,</b>
<b>with a choice of creative tools</b>
The K-50 captures beautiful Full HD movie clips (at 30 frames per second, in MPEG-4 format). You can add various visual effects using custom images and digital filters, and also remove unwanted segments using simple-to-use editing tools. The K-50 also provides the interval movie mode, which captures a series of movie clips at a fixed interval, then edits them into a single movie (in Motion JPEG). This mode lets you dramatize familiar, everyday events, such as the blossoming of a flower, by compressing the progress of the event into a shorter timeframe.
<b>Flexible Live-View shooting, with easy tracking</b>
<b>of the subject on the LCD monitor</b>
Low-and high-angle shooting is often a troublesome task with the optical viewfinder. The K-50’s Live-View mode, however, makes it easier and more comfortable for you, since it lets you angle the camera more freely. It also allows you to more accurately visualize the final image (such as brightness and tone) on the LCD monitor. You can even take advantage of such handy tools as the Face Recognition AF mode and a grid display during Live-View shooting.
<b>Multiple exposure for easy composition of</b>
<b>dramatic images</b>
You can tell a fascinating story simply by combining several scenes in a single image. The K-50 lets you compose a single picture from as many as nine separate images. During Live-View shooting, you can even check an existing composite image on the LCD monitor when framing the next image, for easy composition of the entire image.
<b>HDR Shooting to prevent pitch-black shadows and whitewashed highlights</b>
The K-50’s HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode works effectively in high-contrast scenes, as it captures three images at different exposure levels (normal, over and under), then selects the ideally exposed areas from these images to produce one extra-wide-gradation composite picture free of excessive shadows and highlights. With this mode, you can create an image with a gradation similar to human vision, or add a dynamic, artistic expression with exaggerated contrast.
<b>In-body RAW development and buffer RAW filing for flexible post-recording image development and storage</b>
Since the K-50 offers in-body, computer-free development of RAW-format files, you can create the most satisfying image by choosing the desired custom image or adjusting white-balance settings. It also has a buffer RAW filing function that stores the last-captured JPEG-format image as RAW-format data, allowing you to make desired adjustments after shooting, without compromising image quality.
Dual electronic dials for
effortless fingertip control
A pair of electronic dials are strategically positioned — one at the front and another to the back of the camera grip — to allow instant shift of aperture and shutter speed with fingertip control. This intuitive control system makes picture-taking more fun and spontaneous than ever before.
<b>An array of customization features to</b>
<b>personalize camera operation</b>
The most frequently used functions often differ from user to user. That’s why the K-50 offers the flexibility of assigning user-preferred functions to the two electronic dials and the RAW/Fx and AF/AE-L buttons. By assigning a function demanding frequent setting changes to your choice of dial or button, you are assured of speedy, intuitive control. You can also assign your favorite settings to the USER mode to eliminate the need to set individual functions separately.
<b>Flexible exposure system for easy control of light</b>
<b>and shadow, bokeh effect and subject motion</b>
The K-50’s Hyper Program mode lets you choose one of the three auto-exposure modes (Program, Aperture-priority and Shutter-priority) without the need to turn the mode dial. The K-50’s comprehensive exposure control system also offers such options as the Metered Manual (with Hyper Manual control for simplified manual exposure operation), Sv (Sensitivity-priority) and TAv (Shutter and Aperture-priority) modes to satisfy individual preferences.
<b>Custom images to add distinctive</b>
<b>finishing touches</b>
The K-50’s custom image mode lets you choose the desired finishing touch for a captured image, from a choice of 11 custom images including Vibrant, Radiant and Bleach Bypass. With each custom image, you can make minute adjustment of the base parameters to further customize the effect.
<b>Digital level for pinpoint detection of inclination</b>
The high-precision digital level detects and indicates the horizontal and vertical inclination of the camera at a glance, useful for ensuring the precise horizontal or vertical alignment of the camera in landscape photography. In addition to the indication on the LCD monitor, the inclination is also displayed on the exposure bar scale in the viewfinder.***
Automatic horizon correction to compensate for a minute slant of the frame
Each time the shutter is released, the K-50 automatically compensates for any undetectable horizontal slanting of the image field. The camera detects its inclination at the moment of exposure, then rotates the CMOS image sensor to a level position using the SR mechanism. This function comes in handy during handheld shooting, when the photographer often tilts the camera unintentionally.
Note: The maximum compensation angle is ±1.5 degrees with SR on, or ±1 degree with SR off.
<b>Composition adjustment to make fine framing</b>
<b>adjustments</b>
This function allows you to make minute adjustment of framing by rotating and/or shifting the CMOS image sensor without the need to remove the K-50 from a tripod. By eliminating the need to adjust the tripod, it makes framing adjustments speedy and effortless.
<b>Compatibility with GPS unit for the tracking</b>
<b>of nature and celestial bodies</b>
The K-50 is compatible with the optional O-GPS1 GPS unit. When installed on the K-50 camera body, this unit records the latitude, longitude and altitude of a shooting location on a captured image for easy image filing and quick data search. It can also display an electronic compass to point the exact direction the camera is facing. It even offers the ASTROTRACER function, which automatically synchronizes the camera’s CMOS image sensor with the movement of celestial bodies based on the GPS data. As the result, you can capture faint stars as solid points, rather than blurry streaks.
<b>Compatibility with Eye-Fi wireless LAN</b>
<b>memory cards</b>
Since the K-50 accepts Eye-Fi wireless LAN memory cards, you can make wireless transfer of captured images to a smartphone or personal computer. The user has a choice of Eye-Fi transfer mode from AUTO (automatic transfer of unsent images), SELECT (transfer of user-selected images) or OFF (no image transfer made).
<b>Popular RAW-data development and image-processing software included</b>
<b>SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0 LE</b>
This software develops RAW-format data, and saves the results as JPEG- or TIFF-format files. Based on the acclaimed SILKYPIX® data processing engine, it features high-speed development of the RAW-format files captured by the K-50, including exposure and white-balance adjustments and advanced color conversion. It also has a simple-to-command user interface, for flawless, intuitive control