• APS-C 372.1mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 448.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax K-500 advantages over Canon SX170

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.81 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 710 vs 300 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 77k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.0 fps vs 0.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/3200 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon SX170 advantages over Pentax K-500

  • Less expensive
    $180 vs $600 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    43 mm vs 71 mm
    Thinner
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 30 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review 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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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A57

Pentax K-500
Sony A57
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
Canon SX170
Sony A57
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Canon SX160

Pentax K-500
Canon SX160
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $146
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
Canon SX170
Canon SX160
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $146
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • HDMI out

Compared to Pentax K-5 IIs

Pentax K-500
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Top deck display
Canon SX170
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon T5i

Pentax K-500
Canon T5i
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Canon SX170
Canon T5i
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Nikon L620

Pentax K-500
Nikon L620
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $127
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Canon SX170
Nikon L620
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $127
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Longer stills battery life
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