• APS-C 372.1mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 288.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • Detailed specifications
  • Pentax K-500
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8
Links
Prices: Compare Prices Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:    
Successor:    
General
Model Number: K-500 SZ8
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: SLR Compact
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $599.95 $169.99
Street Price: $596.95 $225.99
Date Available: 2013-07-15 2014-03-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 30.1 oz (852 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
5.6 oz (159 g)
includes batteries
Size: 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.8 in.
(130 x 97 x 71 mm)
3.9 x 2.4 x 1.0 in.
(100 x 60 x 27 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CCD
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony  
Effective Megapixels: 16.3 16.0
Sensor Format: APS-C 1/2.33 inch
Sensor size: 372.09mm2 (23.70mm x 15.70mm) 28.198mm2 (6.13mm x 4.6mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 4.81 microns 1.33 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.5x n/a
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed  
Self-Cleaning: Yes No
Sensor shift image stabilization: Yes No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 79  
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 23.7  
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 13.1  
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 1,087  
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4928 x 3264 (16.1 MP, Other),
4224 x 2816 (11.9 MP, 3:2),
3456 x 2304 (8.0 MP, 3:2),
2688 x 1792 (4.8 MP, 3:2)
4608 x 3456 (15.9 MP, 4:3),
4608 x 3072 (14.2 MP, 3:2),
4608 x 2592 (11.9 MP, 16:9),
3456 x 3456 (11.9 MP, 1:1),
3264 x 2448 (8.0 MP, 4:3),
3264 x 2176 (7.1 MP, 3:2),
2048 x 1536 (3.1 MP, 4:3),
2048 x 1360 (2.8 MP, Other),
1536 x 1536 (2.4 MP, 1:1),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.3), 12-bit RAW (.DNG), RAW+JPEG JPEG (EXIF v2.3)
Continuous-mode frames/second: 6.0 1.2
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (30p/​25p/​24p)
1280x720 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p/​24p)
640x480 (30p/​25p/​24p)
1280x720 (30p)
640x480 (30p)
320x240 (30p)
Movie File Format: MOV MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) with monaural audio Motion JPEG with monaural audio
Composite Video Out: Yes Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes No
Video Usable as Viewfinder: No
HD Video Out: No No
HD Video Connection:
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Pentax K (KA/KAF/KAF2/3) n/a
Lens: smc PENTAX-DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL; 11 elements in 8 groups, 6 bladed diaphragm 8 elements in 8 groups (4 Aspherical elements / 8 Aspherical surfaces / 1 ED elements)
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 27 - 83mm 24 - 288mm
Focal Length (actual): 18 - 55mm 4.3 - 51.6mm
Zoom Ratio: 3.06x 12.00x
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - f/22 (wide) / f/5.6 - f/38 (tele) f/3.1 or 7.8 (W) / f/6.3 or 16.3 (T)
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 25 cm to Infinity
9.8 in to Infinity
3 cm to Infinity
1.2 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: 52.0mm n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No Yes
Digital Zoom: No Yes
Digital Zoom Values: n/a Up to 4x
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Phase Detect:: SAFOX IXi+, 11 point (9 cross type focus point in the center), with light wavelength sensor and diffraction lens; Live View: Contrast detection AF (face detection, tracking, select, spot) Contrast Detect: Face / 9-Area / 1-Area
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes No
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: Optical / LCD No / LCD
Viewfinder Type: SLR type; eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.92x mag., -2.5 to +1.5 diopter, 21.7mm eyepoint (from view window), Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen (interchangeable)  
Focus Peaking: Yes No
EVF Resolution: n/a n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.61x  
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.92x  
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes No
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots (307,200 px) 460,000 dots
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: No No
Tilt Swivel Screen: No No
Selfie Screen: No No
Max Playback Zoom: 16.0x 16.0x
Top Deck Display: No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 51200 1600
Minimum ISO (native): 100 100
ISO Settings: Auto, 100-51200 (1, 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps) Auto, iISO, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600; High Sensitivity mode (ISO 1600-6400)
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent (D, N, W, L), Tungsten, Flash, CTE, 3 Manual and 3 Kelvin temperature presets Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, White Set
Shutter Speed Range: 1/6000 - 30 sec 1/2000 - 60 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes No
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: TTL open-aperture: 77-segment, Center-weighted, Spot Intelligent Multiple
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes No
Shutter Priority: Yes No
Full Manual Exposure: Yes No
Creative Exposure Modes: Sensitivity Priority, Shutter and Aperture Priority, Scene (Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Sunset, Blue Sky, Forest, Night Scene, Night Scene HDR*, Night Snap, Food, Pet, Kids, Surf & Snow, Backlight Silhouette, Candlelight, Stage Lighting, Museum, *JPEG only); Extract Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Color; Dynamic range adjustment (Highlight, Shadow); HDR: Auto, HDR 1, HDR 2, HDR 3 Panorama Shot, Scene (Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Baby1*, Baby2*, Pet*, Sunset, High Sensitivity, Glass Through, HDR, Starry Sky *Birthday only.), Creative Control (Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Star Filter, One Point Color (15 filters))
Self Timer: 2 or 12 seconds 2 or 10 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer): Yes  
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes Yes
Flash Modes: P-TTL: On, Redeye, Slow Sync, Slow Sync + Redeye, Trailing Curtain Sync Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. n/a
Flash Range Description: Depends on lens Auto ISO: 0.6 - 5.2m (Wide), 1.5 - 2.6m (Tele)
Max Flash Sync: 1/180  
Flash Exposure Compensation: -2 to +1 EV in 0.5EV steps  
External Flash Connection: Hot Shoe n/a
Built-In Wireless Flash Control: Full TTL exposure  
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:    
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: Yes No
Uncompressed Format: 12-bit RAW (.DNG), RAW+JPEG  
Movie File Format: MOV MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) with monaural audio Motion JPEG with monaural audio
Included Memory: No memory included 80.0 MB
Included Memory Type:   Internal
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No Yes
NFC: No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: No No
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: No Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional Wired or IR Via Wi-Fi
Connections (extended): Wired remote port  
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution):    
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame):    
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames):    
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):    
Camera penalizes early shutter press?
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 6.0 1.2
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 30  
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):    
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):    
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):    
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):    
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid):    
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus):    
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):    
Shutter Lag (prefocused):    
Shutter Lag (notes):    
Startup Time:    
Play -> Record Time:    
Flash cycle time, full power:    
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):   200 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 710 shots (Lithium AA)  
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: 4 x AA or proprietary D--LI109 Lithion-ion Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: AA (Alkaline, NiMH, Lithium) or optional D-LI109 Lithium-ion rechargeable 3.6V, 690mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 4 x AA Lithium disposables 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): No Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included:
Internal Charging Supported:
Software
Included Software: Software CDROM (SILKYPIX Developer Studio for PENTAX included)  
OS Compatibility:    
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Entry-level model: Similar to K-50 in IQ and performance, but not weather sealed, comes with 4 Energizer lithium AAs, and only available in black. 16MP CCD, Optical Image Stabilization, 720p HD video, built-in Wi-FI, USB charging.