Pentax K-50 review – Our verdict
Once again, Pentax has created a camera that enthusiast photographers will enjoy using. Its body
may be polycarbonate, but don’t let that fool you. The camera is strong and the weather-sealing gives you confidence that the camera can be used in rugged, wet and dusty conditions.
The image quality matches the build of the camera, with an impressive amount of detail recoverable from shadow areas and a superb selection of image styles. While the number of autofocus points is a little underwhelming, the system is fast, and unless you are heavily into sports or wildlife photography it should not present a problem. Similarly, the evaluative metering is not perfect, but it is, importantly, predictable.
A camera featuring a 100% viewfinder yet costing only £530 is impressive, and the K-50 is certainly a mid-priced DSLR with ideas well above its station.
Pentax K-50 Key features
Live view
On the top left of the rear of the camera is the live view button. This is easily pressed with the thumb of the left hand when needed. It also acts as the delete button when reviewing images.
Flash
The K-50 has a built-in pop-up flash with a guide number of 12m @ ISO 100.
Digital filters
As well as the image style modes, there is the now somewhat standard complement of image-effect modes. Among these in the K-50 are monochrome, extract colour, toy camera, retro, high contrast, water colour, pastel, miniature and fisheye modes.
Info button
This button rotates between the various display functions on the rear screen, and is most useful because it brings up the quick menu on the rear of the camera.
Copyright
The name of the photographer and copyright holder of the image can be added to the Exif data of image files.
Battery
The camera is powered by a D-LI 109 rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery. The optional D-BH109 battery holder allows the K-50 to be powered by four AA batteries, which is useful when travelling.
