• APS-C 372.1mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 875.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax K-500 advantages over Sony H300

  • 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 1.20 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 350 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • 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
  • 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 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sony H300 advantages over Pentax K-500

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 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

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
  • 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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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-500

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
Sony H300
Sony A57
  • $198
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

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
Sony H300
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $198
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More pixels
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Panasonic LZ30

Pentax K-500
Panasonic LZ30
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $160
  • 1/2.33 inch
Sony H300
Panasonic LZ30
  • $198
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More pixels
  • $160
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compared to Canon T5i

Pentax K-500
Canon T5i
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Sony H300
Canon T5i
  • $198
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon L840

Pentax K-500
Nikon L840
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Sony H300
Nikon L840
  • $198
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Longer exposure
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
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