Review Pentax K-50, K-500 DSLRs, Q7 compact system camera announced

Posted on 13 Jun 2013 at 10:30, by Gareth Halfacree

Pentax has announced two new K-series DSLR cameras and a new Q-series mirrorless compact system camera (CSC); the K-50, K-500 and Q7.

The K-50 is a new mid-level DSLR, designed to provide an upgrade path to anyone looking to upgrade from a fixed-lens bridge camera. It includes a segmented body that allows for a massive 120 colour combinations by swapping out the different panels. This apparently "sets a new standard in the customisation of electronics" according to Pentax, with customers being able to order a camera in their exact choice of colour combinations through the company's Colour to Order system.

Appearances aside, the K-50 includes a weather-sealed body which protects a 16.3 megapixel APS-C sensor and the company's improved Prime M image sensor. Together, these let the camera shoot at up to 51,200 ISO sensitivity and with subject-tracking autofocus using the SAFOX IXi+ system. The viewfinder provides 100 per cent field-of-view, and the bundled kit lens is a weatherproofed 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 model.

The K-500, meanwhile, is a more budget-oriented alternative which lacks the customisable colour panels and weatherproofing of its more expensive equivalent. It still includes the same 16.3 megapixel APS-C sensor and ISO 51,200 sensitivity, along with 1/6000 shutter speeds. The bundled 18-55mm kit lens also lacks the weatherproofing of the more expensive model.

The company has also announced two new lenses for its K-mount cameras: the SMC Pentax-DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6AL WR will provide a weatherproof lens for anyone with an existing K-mount camera, while the SMC Pentax-DA L 50-200 F4-5.6ED WR provides a weatherproofed telephoto lens for all K-series cameras.

Finally, the Q7 is based on the same 120 colour combination Colour to Order system as the K-50, but in a mirrorless compact body. With a 12-megapixel, 1/1.7in back-side illuminated CMOS sensor and tweaked Q Engine processor, the camera can take still at up to ISO 12,800, with improved response times compared to its predecessor.

Thus far, Pentax has not provided UK pricing for the new products, but has confirmed that the devices will launch in the coming weeks in the US. Expect to pay $779.95 for the K-50 kit and $599.95 for the K-500 (around £497 and £383 respectively, excluding taxes.) Both will also be available body-only, or in dual-lens kits with 50-200mm and 18-55mm lenses. The Q7, meanwhile, will cost $499.95 (around £319 excluding taxes.)

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