Pentax K-5 IIs vs Pentax K-500

Cameras
Compare Cameras
Pentax K-5 IIs vs Pentax K-500

APS-C 369.7mm²
16.3 megapixels
ISO 100 - 12,800

Go in depth with our full Pentax K-5 IIs Review.
See real-world photos taken with the K-5 IIs.

APS-C 372.1mm²
16.3 megapixels
ISO 100 - 51,200

Go in depth with our full Pentax K-500 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the K-500.

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Differences

Pentax K-5 IIs advantages over Pentax K-500

Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
K-5 IIs test data on DxO Mark K-500 test data on DxO Mark

1,208 vs 1,087 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Top deck display
Yes vs No
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
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
Lacks anti-aliasing filter
No Filter vs Filter
Enjoy sharper photos
Faster JPEG shooting
6.7 fps vs 6.0 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Pentax K-500 advantages over Pentax K-5 IIs

Less expensive
$600 vs $1200 (MSRP)
Save money for lenses or accessories
Focus peaking
Peaker vs Non-peaker
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Shoots 24p video
Yes vs No
Gives your movies a big-screen feel
Shoots 60p video
Yes vs No
A faster framerate can give you more editing options
Has anti-aliasing filter
Filter vs No Filter
Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Both provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Pentaprism viewfinder
Both provide
Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
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
In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
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
On-sensor phase detect
Neither provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
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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Read K-5 IIs User Reviews

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Read K-500 User Reviews

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Buy the Pentax K-5 IIs

Body Only

All K-5 IIs Deals

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Buy the Pentax K-500

Kit with 18-55mm and 50-200mm Lenses

Kit with 18-55mm and 50-200mm Lenses
Body Only
Kit with 18-55mm Lens

All K-500 Deals

Review Excerpt

Noticeably better sharpness than standard K-5 II; Compact yet control-rich body packs in the features; Updated autofocus system focuses in near-darkness; Fully weather-sealed; Very good dynamic range; In-body image stabilization; Dual-axis level with horizon correction.
Prone to moire, aliasing, and false color artifacts; Can seem intimidating at first; Fewer autofocus points than competitors; Doesn't take advantage of high-speed UHS-I flash cards; Movie feature set is very dated and file sizes huge.
Read our Pentax K-5 IIs Review

We haven’t finished our review of the Pentax K-500, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.
See our Pentax K-500 First Shots

The Competition

Compared to Sony A35

Pentax K-5 IIs

Sony A35

$497
APS-C

Lens selection
Fast startup

$567
APS-C

Less expensive
In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax K-5 IIs vs Sony A35

Pentax K-500

Sony A35

$597
APS-C

Lens selection
Focus peaking

$567
APS-C

In-camera panoramas
External Mic Jack

Compare Pentax K-500 vs Sony A35

Compared to Sony A57

Pentax K-5 IIs

Sony A57

$497
APS-C

Lens selection
Higher effective ISO

$800
APS-C

Less expensive
Focus peaking

Compare Pentax K-5 IIs vs Sony A57

Pentax K-500

Sony A57

$597
APS-C

Lens selection
Less expensive

$800
APS-C

In-camera panoramas
Tiltable Screen

Compare Pentax K-500 vs Sony A57

Compared to Sony A37

Pentax K-5 IIs

Sony A37

$497
APS-C

Lens selection
Fast startup

$600
APS-C

Less expensive
Focus peaking

Compare Pentax K-5 IIs vs Sony A37

Pentax K-500

Sony A37

$597
APS-C

Lens selection
Higher effective ISO

$600
APS-C

In-camera panoramas
Tiltable Screen

Compare Pentax K-500 vs Sony A37

Compared to Sony A58

Pentax K-5 IIs

Sony A58

$497
APS-C

Lens selection
Fast startup

$598
APS-C

Less expensive
Focus peaking

Compare Pentax K-5 IIs vs Sony A58

Pentax K-500

Sony A58

$597
APS-C

Lens selection
Higher effective ISO

$598
APS-C

In-camera panoramas
Tiltable Screen

Compare Pentax K-500 vs Sony A58

Compared to Canon T5i

Pentax K-5 IIs

Canon T5i

$497
APS-C

Larger sensor
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$539
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-5 IIs vs Canon T5i

Pentax K-500

Canon T5i

$597
APS-C

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

$539
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-500 vs Canon T5i

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