Panasonic GH5S vs Pentax K-50: An Expert Hands-On Comparison for Photographers with Intent

When hunting for your next camera, the choices can feel as sprawling as a wilderness trek - and just as daunting. Today, I’m diving into two rather different beasts: the Panasonic Lumix GH5S, a professional mirrorless powerhouse aimed at hybrid shooters and videographers, and the Pentax K-50, an older but still stalwart entry-level DSLR. Both cameras have their merits, quirks, and ideal user scenarios, and over the years I’ve run these through countless shoots, head-to-head tests, and practical fieldwork. Ready to unpack the facts, hands-on experience, and real-world pros and cons? Let’s get going.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Handling

Let’s start where all first-hand experience begins: picking the camera up. The GH5S and K-50 look like they’re from completely different worlds - not just by brand but by design philosophy and intended use.

Panasonic’s GH5S is a pro mirrorless system camera with a relatively compact but solid SLR-style body crafted around the Micro Four Thirds mount. It weighs in at 660g with dimensions 139x98x87 mm. The Pentax K-50, meanwhile, is a more traditional DSLR format with a slightly smaller footprint and 650g weight (130x97x71 mm). Both feel rugged but differ in their grip sculpting and button layout.

Handling wise, the GH5S scores points for a deep ergonomic grip and a more modern interface that’s well-suited for extended handheld use - think long video shoots or wildlife stalking with telephotos. The K-50 is surprisingly comfortable too, especially for its class; it sports a more straightforward DSLR grip and manual dials for shutter/aperture which delight those who prefer physical controls over menus.

The GH5S’s top plate shows far more clubs for your thumbs - dedicated buttons, a status LCD, and a joystick, enhancing workflow speed. The K-50 goes old-school, which isn’t a downside but speaks to an older era of entry-level bodies.

Verdict: If you want modern feel/controls and size that fits pro use, the GH5S feels more refined. If you’re after a reliable, basic DSLR with a simpler design, the K-50 holds its ground nicely.

Sensor Size and Image Quality Foundations

Here’s the heart of the matter, literally: sensor technology.

• Panasonic GH5S: Features a 10MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, optimized for video and low light via larger pixels. Its focus is low noise and dynamic range rather than megapixel count. Max ISO clocks in at 204,800 boosted.
• Pentax K-50: Sports a 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor with an AA filter, higher resolution (4928x3264), and typical max ISO around 51,600 native.

On paper, the K-50 gives you more resolution and slightly bigger sensor area (~372 mm² vs 225mm²), which favors landscape and detail-rich images. In practice, however, the GH5S’s sensor is tuned for pushing high ISOs and video performance, sacrificing megapixels for cleaner results in low-light or moving subjects.

In my studio and field testing, the K-50 delivers punchy color depth (DxO color depth ~23.7 bits) and a solid dynamic range (~13 stops). The GH5S, although not tested on DxO, is famously noted for superior high ISO performance with very clean shadows in 4K video. Those giant pixels on the GH5S really shine when light is scarce.

The Viewfinder and Screen Experience

You’ll spend a lot of your shooting time behind the viewfinder and on the LCD, so let’s make sure these meet your needs.

• The GH5S offers a 3.2-inch fully articulating touchscreen with 1620k-dot resolution, responsive touch, and rotatable design perfect for awkward angles - ideal for dynamic videographers or macro shooters.
• The K-50’s 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with lower 921k resolution and no touchscreen is functional but clearly targeted at veterans comfortable with menus and buttons.

For eye-level composition, the GH5S packs a 3680k-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.76x magnification. The Pentax’s clever pentaprism optical viewfinder offers 100% coverage but with just 0.61x magnification and no electronic augmentation.

I often suggest mirrorless shooters or those dabbling in video will appreciate the larger, brighter EVF with real-time histogram overlays. For pure stills shooters who adore the optical look-through experience, Pentax’s optical VF remains satisfying.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Let me tell you: a camera’s autofocus is the proverbial make-or-break point in the field, especially for action, wildlife, and sports photographers.

The Panasonic GH5S uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with 225 focus points, including face detection and touch autofocus. Although it lacks phase detection on sensor (common in newer mirrorless cameras), the GH5S’s AF is still impressively fast and reliable in good light and video modes. However, it can stumble in complex, fast-moving subjects compared to hybrid systems.

By contrast, the Pentax K-50, a 2013 DSLR, uses phase-detection AF via its dedicated AF module with just 11 AF points (9 cross-type). Its autofocus tracking is effective for entry-level sports and wildlife but nowhere near the level modern mirrorless systems provide.

For me, tracking small, fast critters or fast football plays, the GH5S’s 12fps burst mode paired with highly configurable AF outperforms the K-50’s 6fps and limited AF points. Yet, for casual shooting and beginners, the K-50’s AF remains very capable.

Burst Speed and Buffer Performance

For sports and wildlife photography, burst performance is critical.

• Panasonic GH5S: Continuous shooting at a blazing 12fps with good buffer thanks to dual UHS-II SD card slots; perfect for capturing rapid sequences.
• Pentax K-50: Tops out at a modest 6fps with only one memory card slot (standard SD/SDHC/SDXC).

In my continuous shooting tests, the GH5S handled long bursts without slowing, excellent for professional action sequences, while the K-50 filled its buffer faster and slowed considerably after a handful of shots. If you’re chasing decisive moments regularly, GH5S is a clear winner.

Weather Resistance and Build Quality

Both cameras tout some level of environmental sealing:

• GH5S: Sealed against dust and splash, well built for professional use outdoors. It doesn’t claim full waterproof or shockproof status but can handle moderate rain and rough handling.
• K-50: Also dust and weather-sealed with similar limitations, built tough for hike-and-shoot adventures.

I tested both under light rain and dusty trails; both held up well, but the GH5S’s more robust sealing and build feel give it the edge for serious outdoor professionals.

Lens Ecosystem and Focal Length Reach

Lens choices can make or break your experience.

• The GH5S’s Micro Four Thirds mount offers over 100 lenses (107 officially), renowned for being light, sharp, and increasingly wide-ranging, especially thanks to Olympus and Panasonic’s joint ecosystem.
• The Pentax K-50’s KAF2 mount supports a generous lineup of 151 lenses, many affordable and rugged, including excellent legacy lenses. APS-C sensor crop factor (1.5x) applies here.

If you like long reach telephoto lenses for wildlife, MFT lenses are generally smaller and lighter but may have less ultimate aperture or reach than APS-C counterparts. For portrait or macro, both ecosystems offer excellent options.

Video Capabilities: GH5S Lives to Shine

If video is any part of your creative mix, the Panasonic GH5S very quickly asserts dominance.

• Native 4K/UHD video up to 60fps, with H.264 and H.265 codec support, 10-bit recording, V-Log L profiles, and excellent in-body audio inputs (mic and headphone jacks).
• Unique features like slow-motion 4K photo mode and Post Focus give creative versatility.
• The Pentax K-50 offers just 1080p video at 30fps with limited codec options, no mic or headphone jacks, and no in-body stabilization.

Having tested the GH5S extensively in mixed lighting for documentaries and wildlife, the video quality is sharp, detailed, and flexible in grading - a genuine hybrid tool for serious content creators. The K-50’s video is serviceable but dated and hardly a selling point today.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras fare reasonably well in this area:

• GH5S rated for about 440 shots per charge with the DMW-BLF19 battery, storing images on dual SD slots (UHS-II compliant).
• K-50 rated for around 410 shots per charge, with a single SD slot only.

Dual card slots are a professional feature I’ve come to appreciate deeply for automatic backups or extended shoots. The K-50’s single slot is standard for entry-level but can be a point of failure risk for pros.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The GH5S includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, supporting remote shooting, tethered control, and easy media transfer - essential these days for on-the-go editors.

The K-50 lacks built-in wireless, though third-party GPS can be added.

Real World Performance Across Photography Genres

Now, let’s roll through the specific photography types to see which camera suits which scenario best.

Panasonic GH5S front Panasonic GH5S screen back Pentax K 50 front Pentax K 50 screen back

Portrait Photography

• GH5S: Despite modest resolution, its sensor and processing render extremely clean skin tones with minimal noise. The lack of an AA filter helps retain sharpness in eyes and hair. Its face and eye detection AF in Live View is responsive, aided by touch focus.
• K-50: Higher resolution captures more detail but AA filter slightly softens fine textures. Built-in sensor stabilization helps in lower light but AF is less refined.

For studio portraits or skin-focused work, I prefer the GH5S for its cleaner output and smooth bokeh with fast MFT lenses. The K-50 is also good but less specialized.

Landscape Photography

• The K-50’s larger APS-C sensor and higher resolution provide a definitive advantage for landscapes and detailed textures. It also supports 3:2 aspect ratio natively, appealing to traditional landscape framing.
• The GH5S’s 4:3 ratio and 10MP limit ultimate print sizes but provide excellent low-light shadow detail and highlight recovery skills.

Both add weather sealing, which is appreciated on the trail, but I’d give a nod to the K-50 here for pure still image quality and resolution.

Wildlife Photography

With a native MFT 2.1x crop factor, the GH5S extends your telephoto reach - a useful bonus when you can’t physically get closer. Its fast 12fps burst rate and solid AF tracking outperform the Pentax’s limited 11 focus points and 6fps rate.

Pentax K-50 is capable at an entry level but will frustrate serious twitchers and wildlife pros.

Sports Photography

Again, GH5S wins thanks to burst speed, video AF, and body design. The K-50 is okay for casual events but hits a wall with autofocus flexibility and speed.

Street Photography

Pentax K-50’s quieter DSLR shutter and smaller size make it less obtrusive for candid street work, though no articulating screen or silent electronic shutter modes hold it back. GH5S’s electronic shutter is silent but a bit larger footprint.

Macro Photography

The GH5S’s articulating touchscreen comes into great play for low-angle macro shots. Although neither camera excels here natively, GH5S’s more advanced focus bracketing and stacking (via firmware updates) help create sharp macro composites.

Night and Astro Photography

Thanks to its huge max ISO and sensor tuning for low-light, the GH5S is unquestionably superior for night photography and astrophotography. The K-50 can handle some starscape work but will struggle more with noise and dynamic range.

Professional Workflow and Reliability

To round out the picture, consider:

• GH5S: Supports professional RAW formats, dual cards, superior connectivity, and rugged build. Reliable over long shoots and in challenging environments.
• K-50: Solid RAW format support and weather sealing but single card slot and older interface limit expanded workflows.

Pricing and Value: Stretching Your Dollar

At launch and still today, the GH5S hovers around $2500, aimed at hybrid professionals and videographers demanding top-tier video specs alongside stills.

The K-50 trails far behind at under $700 new, making it an incredible bargain for beginners or hobbyists wanting weather resistance and solid image quality without breaking the bank.

If you want the best for serious multimedia production, the GH5S justifies its price with pro-level features and reliability. If your budget is limited or you mainly shoot stills on a hobbyist budget, the K-50 gives tremendous bang for the buck.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both the Panasonic GH5S and Pentax K-50 have clear strengths and some shortcomings.

Go with the Panasonic GH5S if:

• You are a professional or advanced enthusiast needing superior 4K video, best-in-class low-light performance, and fast autofocus tracking.
• Your shooting combines video and stills (documentaries, wildlife, events).
• You want modern connectivity, dual card slots, and a rugged but ergonomic body.
• You can invest in quality lenses in the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem.

Choose the Pentax K-50 if:

• You’re a photography beginner or enthusiast on a budget who values durability and solid image quality.
• You prefer an optical viewfinder and traditional DSLR handling with physical dials and straightforward controls.
• Your shooting is primarily still images in daylight or moderate conditions.
• You appreciate in-body stabilization and a broad lens lineup on APS-C.

Until next time, whether you’re capturing the stars, a fast-moving falcon, or a family portrait, knowing your gear intimately and matching it to your creative goals is the real key. Both cameras reward their users well, but in very different domains.

Happy shooting!