• APS-C 372.1mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

Buy From

Differences

Pentax K-50 advantages over Pentax K-S1

  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.0 fps vs 5.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    30 vs 20 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Pentax K-S1 advantages over Pentax K-50

  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-50

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-S1

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A57

Pentax K-50
Sony A57
  • $149
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
Pentax K-S1
Sony A57
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Sony A37

Pentax K-50
Sony A37
  • $149
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
Pentax K-S1
Sony A37
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Nikon D3300

Pentax K-50
Nikon D3300
  • $149
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $206
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Pentax K-S1
Nikon D3300
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $206
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Nikon D5500

Pentax K-50
Nikon D5500
  • $149
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Pentax K-S1
Nikon D5500
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Pentax K-S2

Pentax K-50
Pentax K-S2
  • $149
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher-res screen
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Pentax K-S1
Pentax K-S2
  • $502
  • APS-C
  • Higher-res screen
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Compare Other Cameras?