• APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 372.1mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Canon T5i advantages over Pentax K-500

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Pentax K-500 advantages over Canon T5i

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,087 vs 681 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    13.1 vs 11.2 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 710 vs 440 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.61x vs 0.53x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.0 fps vs 4.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    30 vs 15 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon T5i

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-500

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality; 9 cross-type AF points; Stereo microphones; Built-in touchscreen; Multi-shot modes; Improved kit lens; Even more affordable.

  • Little-changed from the earlier T4i; Slow Live View and video autofocus; High ISO performance is unimproved; Below-average battery life; No dedicated AF illuminator.

The Competition

Compared to Canon T4i

Canon T5i
Canon T4i
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
Pentax K-500
Canon T4i
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Sony A57

Canon T5i
Sony A57
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Pentax K-500
Sony A57
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Pentax K-5 IIs

Canon T5i
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Pentax K-500
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Top deck display

Compared to Sony A58

Canon T5i
Sony A58
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Pentax K-500
Sony A58
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Canon T5

Canon T5i
Canon T5
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $399
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Pentax K-500
Canon T5
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $399
  • APS-C
  • HDMI out
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