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Nikon D3500 vs Pentax K-50

Portability
72
Imaging
69
Features
70
Overall
69
Nikon D3500 front
 
Pentax K-50 front
Portability
63
Imaging
58
Features
65
Overall
60

Nikon D3500 vs Pentax K-50 Key Specs

Nikon D3500
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 25600
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 365g - 124 x 97 x 70mm
  • Released August 2018
  • Earlier Model is Nikon D3400
Pentax K-50
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 51600
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1/6000s Maximum Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 650g - 130 x 97 x 71mm
  • Introduced November 2013
  • Replaced the Pentax K-30
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Nikon D3500 vs Pentax K-50 Overview

On this page, we are comparing the Nikon D3500 vs Pentax K-50, both Entry-Level DSLR digital cameras by brands Nikon and Pentax. There exists a sizable gap between the resolutions of the D3500 (24MP) and K-50 (16MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor size (APS-C).

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The D3500 was unveiled 4 years after the K-50 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact SLR).

Before diving right into a full comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the D3500 grades vs the K-50 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Nikon D3500 over the Pentax K-50

 D3500 K-50 
IntroducedAugust 2018November 2013Newer by 58 months

Reasons to pick Pentax K-50 over the Nikon D3500

 K-50 D3500 

Common features in the Nikon D3500 and Pentax K-50

 D3500 K-50 
Manual focus Very exact focus
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Display dimensions3"3"Equal display size
Display resolution921k921kThe same display resolution
Selfie screen Neither features selfie screen
Touch friendly display Neither features Touch friendly display

Nikon D3500 vs Pentax K-50 Physical Comparison

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Nikon D3500 enjoys exterior measurements of 124mm x 97mm x 70mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 365 grams (0.80 lbs) while the Pentax K-50 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Examine the Nikon D3500 vs Pentax K-50 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the D3500 and the K-50.

Nikon D3500 vs Pentax K-50 size comparison

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the D3500 and K-50 is 72 and 63 respectively.

Nikon D3500 vs Pentax K-50 top view buttons comparison

Nikon D3500 vs Pentax K-50 Sensor Comparison

Normally, it can be difficult to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions purely by reading specs. The image here might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the D3500 and K-50.

All in all, both of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different resolution. You can anticipate the Nikon D3500 to offer greater detail having an extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images more aggressively. The fresher D3500 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.

Nikon D3500 vs Pentax K-50 sensor size comparison

Nikon D3500 vs Pentax K-50 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon D3500 vs Pentax K-50 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Photography Glossary

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Nikon D3500
Portrait photography with Pentax K-50
81
manual focus
decent MP (24MP)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
includes face detection autofocus
saves RAW formats
74
you can focus manually
decent megapixels (16MP)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
offers face detect focus
saves RAW formats
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Street Comparison

Nikon D3500 Street photography details
Pentax K-50 Street photography details
69
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
saves RAW formats
lighter than average in class (365g)
very good high ISO (25,600)
no articulating screen
does not have image stabilization
65
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
saves RAW formats
weather proofing
very good ISO range (51,600)
no articulating screen
heavier than competition in class (650 grams)
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Sports Comparison

Nikon D3500 as a Sports photography camera
Pentax K-50 as a Sports photography camera
70
decent MP (24 megapixels)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
includes tracking autofocus
better than average battery (1,550 per charge)
sensor has phase detect autofocus
slow frames per second (5.0 fps)
does not have image stabilization
67
maximum shutter speed is high (1/6,000 seconds)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent megapixels (16MP)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
offers tracking focus
weather proofing
has phase detect auto focus
slow continuous shooting (6.0 fps)
low battery (410 shots)
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Travel Comparison

Nikon D3500 Travel photography advice
Pentax K-50 Travel photography advice
71
better than average battery (1,550 per charge)
lighter than average in class (365 grams)
connects via bluetooth
decent MP (24 megapixels)
flash built-in
lack of Time Lapse recording
screen is not selfie friendly
56
weather proofing
decent megapixels (16MP)
has built in flash
low battery (410 per charge)
heavier than competition in class (650g)
doesn't contain selfie friendly screen
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon D3500 as a Landscape photography camera
Pentax K-50 as a Landscape photography camera
75
manual focus
change lenses (Nikon F mount)
nice screen size (3 inch)
decent MP (24 megapixels)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
does not have anti aliasing filter
very good high ISO (25,600)
saves RAW formats
better than average battery (1,550 CIPA)
does not have image stabilization
lack of Time Lapse recording
74
you can focus manually
swap lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
screen is a decent size (3 inches)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent megapixels (16MP)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
very good ISO range (51,600)
saves RAW formats
weather proofing
low battery (410 CIPA)
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Nikon D3500
Vlogging with Pentax K-50
31
includes face detection autofocus
video res high (1920 x 1080 resolution)
lighter than average in class (365 grams)
screen is not selfie friendly
does not have image stabilization
lack of external mic port
28
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
offers face detect focus
high res video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
doesn't contain selfie friendly screen
missing mic port
heavier than competition in class (650g)
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Nikon D3500 vs Pentax K-50 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon D3500 and Pentax K-50
 Nikon D3500Pentax K-50
General Information
Manufacturer Nikon Pentax
Model type Nikon D3500 Pentax K-50
Category Entry-Level DSLR Entry-Level DSLR
Released 2018-08-29 2013-11-27
Body design Compact SLR Compact SLR
Sensor Information
Processor Expeed 4 PRIME M
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size APS-C APS-C
Sensor dimensions 23.5 x 15.6mm 23.7 x 15.7mm
Sensor area 366.6mm² 372.1mm²
Sensor resolution 24 megapixel 16 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 3:2
Full resolution 6000 x 4000 4928 x 3264
Max native ISO 25600 51600
Min native ISO 100 100
RAW format
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
AF touch
AF continuous
Single AF
Tracking AF
Selective AF
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Total focus points 11 11
Cross type focus points - 9
Lens
Lens mount type Nikon F Pentax KAF2
Available lenses 309 151
Crop factor 1.5 1.5
Screen
Range of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen size 3 inches 3 inches
Resolution of screen 921k dot 921k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Screen technology TFT LCD TFT LCD monitor with brightness/color adjustment and AR coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Optical (pentamirror) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage 95 percent 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.56x 0.61x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 30s 30s
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000s 1/6000s
Continuous shooting speed 5.0 frames per second 6.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance 7.00 m (at ISO 100) 12.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash settings Auto, Auto slow sync, Auto slow sync with red-eye reduction, Auto with red-eye reduction, Fill-flash, Off, Rear-curtain sync, Rear-curtain with slow sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync, Slow Sync+Redeye, Trailing Curtain Sync, Wireless
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Maximum flash sync - 1/180s
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps) 1920 x 1080 (30,25,24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60,50,30,25,24 fps), 640 x 424 (30,25,24 fps)
Max video resolution 1920x1080 1920x1080
Video file format MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None Optional
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 365g (0.80 pounds) 650g (1.43 pounds)
Physical dimensions 124 x 97 x 70mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.8") 130 x 97 x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested 79
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 23.7
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 13.0
DXO Low light rating not tested 1120
Other
Battery life 1550 pictures 410 pictures
Form of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID EN-EL14a D-LI109
Self timer Yes (2, 5, 10, 20 secs (1-9 exposures)) Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds)
Time lapse shooting
Storage media SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots One One
Launch price $397 $610