Canon T6i vs Pentax K-50: A Deep Dive into Two Entry-Level DSLRs

When shopping for an entry-level DSLR, your budget-catered choices often come down to balancing features against real-world usability. Today, I’m taking a closer hands-on look at two popular contenders from the mid-2010s era that many enthusiasts and emerging pros still consider: Canon’s EOS Rebel T6i (also known as EOS 750D or Kiss X8i) and the Pentax K-50. Both were designed to tempt enthusiasts with solid image quality, respectable control layouts, and reliable autofocus - but they take different paths in how they deliver that promise.

Having tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ years in photography reviewing, I’ll use practical field tests, technical analysis, and user experience evaluations to cut through the specs sheet and hype. Whether you’re a landscape lover, portrait photographer, wildlife enthusiast, or just looking for a versatile travel rig on a budget, this comparison will help clarify which one suits your needs best.

Getting Comfortable in Your Hands: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

First impressions count, and ergonomic design influences how much you enjoy shooting day to day. Both cameras fall under "compact DSLR" bodies but have distinct differences in heft, grip, and control intuitiveness.

Canon T6i feels lighter at 555g compared to Pentax’s 650g, noticeable when you're lugging gear all day. Its body measures 132x101x78 mm, slightly taller with a more substantial grip bulge catering well to larger hands. Key here is the fully articulated touchscreen - an unexpected luxury at this price, especially handy for video vloggers or creative live view angles.

On the other side, the Pentax K-50 sports a slightly squatter frame (130x97x71 mm), with a traditional DSLR layout but with a deeper grip that some find more secure despite the extra weight. Ergonomic purists will appreciate the dedicated buttons for ISO, metering, and white balance that Pentax distributes somewhat generously, reducing menu diving.

Controls are another story. The T6i’s top deck includes a well-placed mode dial that is easy for beginners but somewhat limited in customization. Pentax offers more advanced features on dials and buttons - great for people who prefer tactile control without relying on touchscreens or menus. However, the lack of touchscreen on the K-50 may be a dealbreaker if you prize modern UI convenience.

Ergonomic takeaway: If you favor lighter gear with touchscreen convenience, Canon edges out. But if you want rugged build quality with plenty of physical controls made for quick adjustments, the Pentax shines.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

No matter how good your camera feels, image quality reigns supreme. Canon equips the T6i with a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor, while the Pentax K-50 relies on a 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor.

Canon T6i’s 24MP sensor benefits from a DIGIC 6 processor, supporting decent dynamic range (~12 EV stops at base ISO 100) and solid color depth (22.7 bits on DxOMark). The sensor dimensions measure 22.3x14.9 mm, typical of an APS-C but slightly smaller than Pentax’s sensor, which is 23.7x15.7 mm.

Pentax K-50 delivers a larger sensor area of 372 mm² versus Canon's 332 mm², despite fewer pixels (16MP vs. 24MP). This translates into better light gathering per pixel, improved color depth (23.7 bits), and more robust dynamic range (~13 EV stops). The higher max ISO native rating (51600) compared to Canon's 12800 implies that Pentax performs better in low light and higher ISO shooting with cleaner results.

In real-world tests, the T6i’s images reveal finer details on high-resolution prints or cropping due to extra megapixels but may show slightly more noise beyond ISO 1600 in shadow-rich areas. Conversely, the K-50 shines in tough lighting, holding highlight and shadow details gracefully without excessive grain.

Image quality takeaway: Canon’s T6i offers higher resolution suited for detailed cropping and larger prints, while Pentax’s K-50 produces cleaner images at higher ISOs with slightly better dynamic range - a critical factor for landscape and event photographers.

The Viewfinder and Rear Screen: Framing Your Shots

The experience of composing your image varies greatly between cameras, especially between optical viewfinders (OVF) and LCD screens.

Canon’s T6i uses an optical pentamirror viewfinder covering approximately 95% of the frame, with 0.51x magnification. Pentax K-50 boasts a bright pentaprism viewfinder, providing 100% frame coverage and 0.61x magnification - significantly better for critical framing.

The fully articulated 3-inch 1,040k-dot touchscreen on the T6i is a standout feature. It's responsive, intuitive, and allows touch-to-focus, AF point selection, and menu navigation. This is an advantage for creative shooting angles and video.

Pentax offsets touchscreen omission with a fixed 3-inch 921k-dot LCD with anti-reflective coating and color/brightness adjustments. While limited in physical flexibility and no touch input, it delivers accurate color rendition and readability in bright sunlight.

Viewfinder and screen takeaway: Opting for the Canon grants you touchscreen versatility at the cost of slightly smaller, less-welcoming OVF coverage. Pentax’s optical viewfinder is objectively superior for framing and tracking, but the lack of a touchscreen may slow modern workflows.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Autofocus technology during shooting tells you whether that fast-breaking moment is captured or lost, especially critical in sports, wildlife, and street photography.

The Canon T6i leverages a 19-point phase-detection AF system with all-cross-type sensors, backed up by contrast-detection in live view and video. It supports face detection with touch AF and continuous AF in live view modes.

Pentax K-50 uses an 11-point SAFOX X phase-detection AF, with 9 cross-type sensors. Though fewer points than Canon, these are spread evenly for decent coverage. AF tracking works well in good light but can struggle in low contrast.

Burst shooting speeds favor the Pentax slightly at 6 fps versus Canon’s 5 fps - a modest difference but valuable in fast action scenarios.

From hands-on tests, the Canon T6i’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system (though limited, as true Dual Pixel launched later) offers faster, smoother live view focus, particularly helpful for video shooters and new users. The Pentax autofocus is confident in bright conditions but less snappy in challenging situations.

Autofocus and speed takeaway: Canon is the safer bet for beginners or hybrid shooters who want touch AF and video smoothness. Pentax offers respectable, solid performance for primarily stills shooters who rely on OVF.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ruggedness Matters

The camera’s durability can make or break long-term ownership, especially for outdoor accessories.

Pentax is known for ruggedness, and the K-50 is no exception: environmentally sealed against dust and light rain, making it a robust partner for landscape and travel shooters who might face the elements. It’s not freeze-proof or fully waterproof, but a weather-resistant body at this price is rare.

Canon T6i does not have weather sealing, so caution is advised in bad weather and dusty environments. Its compact, plastic-centric body feels less rugged long-term.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Choosing Your Creative Tools

Canon’s EF/EF-S mount enjoys an expansive lens selection with over 326 options ranging from budget primes, affordable zooms, to pro-level L-series optics. This makes the T6i a flexible canvas for all photography genres - portrait, macro, wildlife, you name it.

The Pentax K-50 utilizes the KAF2 mount with fewer native lenses (around 151), but Pentax lenses are often competitively priced, rugged, and optically impressive. Moreover, Pentax’s strong backward compatibility with older screw-mount lenses adds value for those exploring vintage glass.

If you already own lenses or are price-conscious, Pentax offers solid glass with notable weather sealing. Canon’s mammoth lens lineup means more options for fast primes perfect for portraiture and video bokeh effects.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering Your Photography Session

For extended shoots or travel, battery life is crucial.

Canon T6i achieves approximately 440 shots per charge, utilizing the LP-E17 battery pack. It supports widely available SD, SDHC, SDXC cards with UHS-I compatibility.

Pentax K-50 last slightly less at around 410 shots per charge with D-LI109 batteries, also using SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. One big difference: the K-50 supports timelapse recording natively, a neat bonus for enthusiasts.

Neither offers dual card slots or USB charging, which is expected at this price.

Connectivity and Video Features: Multimedia and Sharing

Looking beyond stills, many shooters expect basic video and connectivity these days.

The Canon T6i offers Full HD 1080p video at 30, 25, or 24 fps, with built-in microphone input (but no headphone port) and HDMI output. Its touchscreen and Wi-Fi + NFC enhance remote control and easy social sharing, which is great for travel and content creators.

Pentax K-50 video is similar resolution-wise but lacks mic jack or HDMI output. It also forgoes any built-in wireless connectivity, a significant limitation if you want to instantly transfer shots or remote control via phone.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Now let’s break down which camera excels by popular photography type, based on hands-on experience.

Canon T6i front Canon T6i screen back Pentax K 50 front Pentax K 50 screen back

Portrait Photography

Canon’s higher resolution, plus skin tone rendering tuned for pleasing colors, gives it an edge for portraits, especially with the extensive lens options including fast primes. The articulated touchscreen and superior face detection help nailing focus on eyes. Pentax delivers respectable color but less finely detailed portraits and fewer lens choices.

Landscape Photography

Pentax’s better dynamic range, weather sealing, and larger sensor area make it the landscape champ. Its crisp RAW files reveal wider tonality for nature scenes. Canon’s images have more resolution but need careful exposure control in highlights and shadows.

Wildlife Photography

A slightly higher burst speed and more AF points put Pentax ahead for fast action tracking. However, Canon’s faster live view AF may aid occasional video wildlife shots. Lens reach and availability again favor Canon.

Sports Photography

Similar story to wildlife - Pentax’s 6 fps and rugged build are dependable, but Canon’s autofocus system wins for overall accuracy and ease of use, particularly with fast primes.

Street Photography

Canon’s smaller size, touchscreen, and quieter operation make it more discreet and agile in urban environments. Pentax is bulkier and heavier but offers durability. Touchscreen AF is handy on the go.

Macro Photography

Canon edges out, aided by focus peaking and touchscreen precision. Pentax has sensor stabilization built-in (missing on Canon), but fewer autofocus points can limit framing in tricky macro setups.

Night/Astro Photography

Pentax’s higher max ISO and dynamic range give it clear advantage in low light and star field captures. Weather sealing is another plus. Canon’s noise rises more quickly.

Video Capabilities

Canon’s mic input, articulated touchscreen, and Wi-Fi remote greatly enhance its video usability. Pentax’s options are very basic, with no mic input or HDMI output for external monitors.

Travel Photography

Canon’s lighter weight, better connectivity, and versatile lens mount make it preferable for travel photography, though Pentax’s ruggedness appeals if you expect rough conditions.

Professional Work

Neither fully hits pro-grade marks, but Pentax’s raw file quality and environmental sealing provide a slightly more robust backup option. Canon’s workflow is friendlier for those invested in Adobe ecosystems.

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Verdict: Which DSLR Should You Choose?

Choosing between the Canon T6i and Pentax K-50 boils down to your priorities, lenses, and shooting style:

• Go for the Canon T6i if:

  • You want a lighter, more modern-feeling body with a touchscreen interface.
  • You’re keen on video (mic input, articulated touchscreen).
  • You crave higher resolution for prints and cropping.
  • You desire the vast Canon lens ecosystem for all genres.
  • You prefer Wi-Fi connectivity for quick sharing and remote control.

• Opt for the Pentax K-50 if:

  • You prioritize rugged build with weather sealing for outdoor use.
  • You value improved low-light ISO performance and dynamic range.
  • You want a faster burst speed and better viewfinder coverage for fast action.
  • You appreciate physical controls for quicker adjustments.
  • You want an affordable body with access to dependable optics and vintage lenses.

From extensive hands-on sessions, I find the Canon T6i is the more versatile, user-friendly camera for most enthusiast photographers and vloggers, especially those who prize modern amenities and lens options. The Pentax K-50 is a stalwart companion for serious landscape and outdoor photographers who want rugged gear and excellent low-light capabilities without breaking the bank.

As with any gear choice, try handling these models in person if you can; your hands might tip the scales. Either way, both cameras remain respectable options offering strong value for their age and price, with unique feature sets catering to slightly different creative ambitions.

Happy shooting!