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| There are 20 body colors to choose from and six grip colors, with buyers being able to select from up to 120 combinations |
When it comes to outlandish color schemes for digital SLR cameras, Pentax surely takes the crown.
With the launch of its K-50 mid-range DSLR, Japan's photography giant
is putting the choice of camera body color firmly in the hands of its
customers. There are 20 body colors to choose from and six grip colors,
with buyers being able to select from up to 120 combinations. The new 16
megapixel camera includes a broad sensitivity range, an 11 point
tracking autofocus system, and an optical viewfinder with 100 percent
field of view. It's joined by the similar, but cheaper, K-500
entry-level DSLR.
The new K-50 benefits from similar weather-resistance and dustproofing capabilities as last year's K-30,
it's 81 seals keeping the camera's circuits protected from whatever the
weather throws at it. Housed within its stainless steel chassis, a 16
megapixel APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) CMOS image sensor works with the PRIME M
processing engine to deliver up to six frames per second continuous
shooting in the JPEG image format, and a low-light-friendly ISO
sensitivity range of 100 to 51200.
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| Pentax K-50 DSLR in Action |
The SAFOX IXi+ phase-matching AF sensor module includes subject
tracking that's able to keep tabs on a moving subject even when it
wanders outside of the pre-assigned tracking area (using data collected
by neighboring sensors). There's a proprietary in-body shake reduction
system that's compatible with most legacy and new Pentax lenses, dual
e-dial for controlling settings and modes, and a good selection of tools
to help users unleash their creativity.
Pentax says that the Astro Tracer function works with an optional GPS
unit to simplify astronomical photography, Auto Picture mode selects
the most appropriate settings for a subject or scene, or a user can
choose to get more hands on with 19 scene modes. A selection of 11 image
touch up tools are available, there's auto horizon correction, and
photographers can select from one of the 19 available digital filters,
or opt to apply multiple filters for more, erm, interesting output.
The K-50 has a 3-inch, 921,000 dot resolution LCD display with a wide
170° viewing angle and adjustable brightness and color, but the camera
also boasts a glass prism viewfinder with almost 100 percent field of
view and 0.92x magnification. It's capable of full HD video recording at
30, 25 or 24 frames per second, though there's no HDMI port. Cabled
output is via USB or video out.
Rounding off the specs is an operating temperature range starting
from a chilly -10°C (14°F), SD, SDHC and SDXC media card compatibility, a
built-in pop-up flash, and the ability to be powered by a Li-ion
battery pack for about 480 images per charge, or four AA-sized
batteries.
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| Pentax K-50 DSLR |
The K-50 has body only dimensions of 129 x 96.5 x 70 mm (5 x 3.8 x
2.75 in), and an empty weight of 590 g (21 oz). There are three standard
colors available, or you could jump in and customize with the help of
the color-to-order service.
It's reported available now from Pentax, with a retail roll-out
scheduled to follow next month. The options start with a body-only
suggested retail of US$699.95, followed by a camera/DA-L 18-55mm WR kit
lens package for $779.95, and a two lens package (with the DA-L 18-55mm
WR and DA-L 50-200mm WR lenses) for $879.95.
The Pentax K-500 DSLR shares much of the same high-end feature set as
the K-50, but at a lower price point. The only major difference is the
former's lack of weather sealing, which means taking extra care when the
adventurous mood grabs you. This model is set for a July release at a
suggested retail of $599.95 with a DA-L 18-55mm lens, or $699.95 for the
dual lens kit.
Product pages: K-50 (Custom), K500
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