• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • 35.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 372.1mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Fujifilm X100S advantages over Pentax K-500

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Thinner
    53 mm vs 71 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/180 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré

Pentax K-500 advantages over Fujifilm X100S

  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $1300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 710 vs 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 153k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.61x vs 0.50x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    30 vs 16 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

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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 Fujifilm X100S

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-500

Review Excerpt

  • Attractive, retro rangefinder-style design; Improved (excellent) still image quality that's even better thanks to second generation X-Trans sensor technology; Great, sharp f/2 35mm-equivalent lens; Overall better operation and performance than the X100; Addition of phase-detect pixels makes bright light autofocusing faster.

  • Low-light AF slow and inconsistent; Video quality, even at 60p, compromised by moire and lack of image stabilization; Combined four-way pad/Command dial means AF control points cumbersome to change; Too easy to bump control dials and change settings accidentally (especially the EV dial).

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm X100

Fujifilm X100S
Fujifilm X100
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 24p video
Pentax K-500
Fujifilm X100
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Integrated ND filter
  • Thinner

Compared to Sony A57

Fujifilm X100S
Sony A57
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Integrated ND filter
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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

Fujifilm X100S
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
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 Fujifilm X100T

Fujifilm X100S
Fujifilm X100T
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • External Mic Jack
Pentax K-500
Fujifilm X100T
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compared to Fujifilm X100F

Fujifilm X100S
Fujifilm X100F
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Pentax K-500
Fujifilm X100F
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
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