Pentax K-5 IIs vs. Pentax K-50: The Ultimate Hands-On DSLR Showdown

When it comes to DSLR cameras, Pentax tends to fly under the radar compared to heavyweights like Canon and Nikon, but for those who know, Pentax offers unique value - especially in rugged build, sensor tech, and image quality. Today, we’re pitting two intriguing Pentax mid-level models from around 2013 head-to-head: the advanced Pentax K-5 IIs and the entry-level but surprisingly capable Pentax K-50. Having spent countless hours testing both in studio and field conditions, I’ll distill the key differences and help you decide which fits your photographic ambitions - and budget - better.

Let’s pop the hood and get technical, but in a way even your camera-curious auntie could follow. Equal parts numbers, user experience, and real-world shooting scenarios, here’s the lowdown.

Getting Familiar: Size, Handling, and Design

First impressions matter, and weight/feel in the hand often dictate how long you’ll happily carry a camera around on a day out. The K-5 IIs and K-50 are both mid-size DSLRs, but handling nuances make a difference.

Physically, the K-5 IIs is a bit chunkier (131 x 97 x 73 mm) and heavier at 760 grams compared to the K-50’s sleeker 130 x 97 x 71 mm and lightweight 650 grams. The extra heft in the K-5 IIs is not just bulk; you feel the difference in a sturdier grip and more robust outer shell. If you’re trekking in unpredictable conditions, this adds a reassuring solidity.

Ergonomically, the K-5 IIs has a more pronounced and sculpted grip with a feel that aligns with prosumer DSLRs. The K-50, designed with newcomers in mind, sports a simpler grip but still comfortable for smaller hands. I found the K-5 IIs favorable for long sessions, especially when combined with heavier glass, due to that extra mass balancing the load.

A Closer Look From Above: Control Layout and Usability

Button placement, dials, and menu systems are the lifeblood of a smooth workflow. Pentax’s heritage shines differently across these two.

The K-5 IIs boasts a dedicated top LCD panel - something you usually find on higher-end DSLRs - which is handy for quick readouts without peering into the rear screen or viewfinder. It also features more customizable buttons and a dial layout designed with quick access to exposure settings, making manual shooting a breeze for experienced users.

In contrast, the K-50 skips the top LCD but does offer exposure dials and buttons thoughtfully placed. However, it leans more towards automatic and beginner-friendly usage, with less tactile feedback on controls. For a newcomer or casual shooter, this is perfectly fine, but advanced photographers will appreciate the K-5 IIs’s clubs-for-thumbs approach much more.

Battle of the Sensors: Image Quality & Performance Under the Hood

Now the meat and potatoes: how the sensors compare. Both cameras use APS-C sized CMOS sensors of 23.7 x 15.7 mm with 16-megapixel resolution. However, the devil’s in the details.

The K-5 IIs has a significant advantage: it lacks an anti-aliasing (AA) filter. This omission lets it capture crisper, ultra-detailed images, but beware - this comes at the risk of aliasing artifacts (moire) in some fine patterns. The K-50 retains the AA filter, meaning you get slightly smoothed detail but fewer aliasing issues.

Technical benchmarks back this up. DxOMark rates the K-5 IIs at an overall of 82, against the K-50’s 79. Color depth is nearly identical (23.9 bits vs. 23.7), but the K-5 IIs enjoys increased dynamic range (14.1 EV vs. 13 EV) and better low-light ISO performance (native 12800 max ISO, expanded to 51200) compared to the K-50's max native ISO of 51600 - but realistically, usable high ISO performance in the K-5 IIs outpaces the K-50 due to better noise control.

In practical terms, the K-5 IIs yields cleaner images with punchier tonal gradations in shadows and highlights, ideal for landscape and portrait work where subtle detail counts. The K-50 won’t leave you hanging but is best kept at ISO 3200 or below for best results.

Behind the Screen: Display and Live View Experience

After a shot, live feedback is crucial - not just for focus checking but for framing and reviewing.

Both models sport 3-inch fixed TFT LCDs with 921k-dot resolution, but the K-50’s screen features brightness and color adjustment along with anti-reflective coating, steps Pentax took to improve visibility outdoors. In my outdoor testing, the K-50’s display was noticeably easier to see under bright sunlight.

Neither offer touchscreen control, which is a bummer in today’s age but understandable given their release dates. Both do support full live view with phase and contrast-detection autofocus systems, though neither shines in speed compared to newer mirrorless competitors.

Real World Optics: Autofocus, Continuous Shooting, and Flash

Performance with autofocus and burst shooting can make or break your wildlife or sports shots.

Both cameras share the same AF system: 11 points with 9 cross-type sensors, face detection, and tracking AF modes. However, the K-5 IIs’ faster processor (Prime II vs. PRIME M in the K-50) grants it quicker autofocus acquisition and slightly smoother tracking in continuous shooting.

The K-5 IIs shoots at 7 fps, a decent clip for capturing action such as sports moments or wildlife behavior. The K-50 lags just a hair at 6 fps. Not a dealbreaker, but if you often shoot fast-moving subjects, every frame counts.

Flash-wise, the K-5 IIs edges the K-50 with a slightly longer range and comprehensive flash modes, including high-speed and rear-curtain sync, which the K-50 supports but with less finesse. Expandable with external flashes on both bodies, you’re covered for diverse lighting setups.

Sample Shots Gallery: Seeing Is Believing

Raw specs matter, but let’s check the images themselves. I put both cameras through their paces in various lighting and scene types.

Pentax K 5 IIs front Pentax K 5 IIs screen back Pentax K 50 front Pentax K 50 screen back

• Portraits: The K-5 IIs' lack of AA filter lends crisp facial features and skin texture, producing more lifelike images. Bokeh quality depends mainly on lenses, but sensor sharpness is evident.
• Landscapes: Woo! The dynamic range advantage shines here with the K-5 IIs retaining richer shadow details and subtle color gradations in foliage.
• Low Light: The K-5 IIs outperforms at ISO 3200+. Noise is smoother, critical for indoor or night shooting.
• Sports/Wildlife: Both capture quick action admirably, though autofocus tracking on the K-5 IIs feels marginally more reliable.
• Street: The K-50’s lighter build and more straightforward controls make it easier for quick candid shots on the move.
• Macro: Both rely heavily on lenses, but sensor-based stabilization helps - note neither camera includes image stabilization in the lens mount, so lens IS makes a difference.

Toughness and Weather Sealing: Adventure-Ready Durability

Pentax has always championed weather-resistant DSLRs, and both the K-5 IIs and K-50 are no exception.

Both feature environmental sealing against dust and moisture, a boon for outdoor photographers shooting in less-than-ideal weather. The K-5 IIs, built slightly tougher, feels more bombproof and confidence-inspiring on mountain treks or rainy shoots. Neither are waterproof or shockproof, so don’t go swimming with them.

Video Capabilities: Who’s a Better All-Rounder?

While still primarily photography machines, both DSLRs include Full HD video recording, but with important differences.

The K-50 has a slight edge here with a wider range of frame rates (including 60fps in 720p) and more efficient video codecs (MPEG-4 and H.264). However, it lacks a microphone input, limiting audio quality improvements.

The K-5 IIs surprisingly has a microphone port, which is a big plus for serious video shooters, though it only records at 25 fps max in 1080p using the bulky Motion JPEG codec, which eats storage fast.

Neither supports 4K video or advanced video features including in-body stabilization during recording, so neither is a video powerhouse, but the K-50 edges out for casual HD shooters.

Battery Life and Storage: Marathon vs. Sprint

No one likes running out of juice mid-shoot.

The K-5 IIs boasts a marathon battery life of 980 shots per charge - a remarkable feat that’ll keep you shooting all day without spares. The K-50 is a more modest 410 shots per battery, which is average for entry-level DSLRs.

This is a crucial consideration for travel and event photographers who may not have ready access to charging options. The K-5 IIs clearly wins here.

Connectivity and Extras: What’s Under the Hood?

Neither camera offers any built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC connectivity, which limits seamless image transfer to mobile devices and remote control, common features on modern DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

Both have USB 2.0 ports but only the K-5 IIs offers HDMI output for external monitors or recorders, a bonus for serious videographers or studio shooters monitoring footage on bigger screens.

GPS functionality is optional on both, via add-on modules.

Pricing and Value: Which Gives You More Bang for Your Buck?

At launch prices studied here, the K-5 IIs sits around $749 while the K-50 often undercuts it at roughly $610.

For the extra $140, you get a more rugged body, superior sensor tech, longer battery life, and more sophisticated controls with the K-5 IIs. The K-50 plays the value card well for beginner photographers or those on a tighter budget seeking reliable, entry-level DSLR features.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down their fit for different photographic adventures.

Portrait Photography

• K-5 IIs: Superior detail due to no AA filter, richer skin tone rendition, bokeh quality largely lens-dependent but sharper images overall. 11 AF points with face detection work well.
• K-50: Soft AA filter smooths skin subtly, which some may prefer. Slightly less detailed but still reliable face detection and focus.

Winner: K-5 IIs for professionals; K-50 okay for beginners.

Landscape Photography

• K-5 IIs: Greater dynamic range (14.1 EV vs. 13 EV) preserves highlights and shadows better; weather sealing aids outdoor ruggedness.
• K-50: Good but slightly less dynamic range; still weather sealed.

Winner: K-5 IIs for serious landscape shooters.

Wildlife Photography

• K-5 IIs: Marginally faster autofocus and 7 fps burst rate enable better tracking.
• K-50: Decent AF but slightly slower 6 fps.

Winner: K-5 IIs.

Sports Photography

• Similar to wildlife: K-5 IIs leads for frame rate and AF consistency.

Street Photography

• K-50: Smaller, lighter, more discreet - better for spontaneous street shots.
• K-5 IIs: Bulkier grip; less pocketable.

Winner: K-50 for portability.

Macro Photography

• Both rely on compatible lenses; sensor-based stabilization helps equally.

Night and Astro Photography

• K-5 IIs’ cleaner high ISO and longer battery life makes it more reliable for long exposures.

Video

• K-50’s video codecs and frame rate options give it the edge for casual videography.
• K-5 IIs offers mic input but limited codec/frame rates.

Travel Photography

• K-50’s lighter weight favors travel.
• K-5 IIs’ battery life and weather sealing favor extended trips with rough weather.

Professional Work

• K-5 IIs offers RAW support, reliable build, better control layout; preferred in studios and fieldwork.

Final Performance Ratings

While both cameras impress and represent great value in their respective classes, the K-5 IIs clearly strikes the higher-performance note overall. For photographers who prize image quality, ruggedness, and manual control, the K-5 IIs is a fantastic tool that holds its ground even a decade after release.

The Bottom Line: Which Pentax Should You Buy in 2024?

• Choose the Pentax K-5 IIs if:

  • You want razor-sharp detail with that no-AA-filter sensor
  • You need a durable, weather-sealed body for challenging environments
  • You demand longer battery life for all-day shooting excursions
  • You shoot a mix of portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or night photography
  • You’re comfortable investing a bit more upfront for greater long-term performance

• Pick the Pentax K-50 if:

  • You’re starting out or upgrading from an entry-level DSLR on a budget
  • You prioritize portability and convenience for travel or street shooting
  • You want slightly better video codec support for casual recording
  • You want a straightforward, easy-to-use control layout
  • You’re content with good (but not exceptional) low-light performance

Wrapping It Up with My Two Cents

From my hands-on trials, the K-5 IIs is still a beast for enthusiasts and pros who value image purity and build quality. The absence of an anti-aliasing filter - and a powerhouse processor - really push image detail and dynamic range ahead.

Meanwhile, the K-50 is a sensible, cost-effective choice for budding photographers and casual users who want a flexible camera that won’t break their wallet or weigh down their journeys.

Ultimately, your choice boils down to priorities: ultimate image quality and robust gear, or lightweight, budget-friendly versatility.

If you enjoyed this in-depth Pentax showdown and want hands-on advice tailored to your photography goals, feel free to reach out or check out my other reviews.

Happy shooting!