Pentax K-50 vs Sony A37

Pentax K-50 vs Sony A37: Which Entry-Level DSLR Delivers More for Enthusiasts?

Choosing an entry-level DSLR today remains a nuanced endeavor, especially when comparing solid contenders like the Pentax K-50 and Sony A37. These two cameras, both launched in the early to mid-2010s, target similar users but diverge in key areas such as build quality, autofocus implementation, and video capabilities. Over many hours of hands-on testing, field use, and side-by-side assessments, I've gathered insights not just on specifications but on real-world performance - the kind that shapes your everyday shooting experience.

Let’s dive into a detailed comparison across all major photography disciplines and use cases, supported by technical analysis and sample imagery. My goal is to help you decide which camera is best suited to your creative ambitions and budget.

First Impressions: The Feel and Ergonomics Battle

Right out of the gate, handling sets the tone for any camera. The Pentax K-50 weighs in at 650g, making it noticeably heftier than Sony A37’s compact 506g. The Pentax embraces a classic DSLR design with weather sealing, while the Sony relies on a smaller, more modern SLT (Single-Lens Translucent mirror) design but lacks environmental sealing.

Notice how the K-50’s larger grip and solid construction give an immediate sense of robustness compared to the leaner A37.

From my experience, those extra grams and millimeters in the K-50 translate into a more confident grip when using longer telephoto lenses or shooting in demanding conditions like light rain or dusty environments. The A37’s lightweight build is an asset for travel or street photography where discretion and portability matter more, but you pay for that convenience with less durability.

Moving on to the control layout, the K-50 features a traditional DSLR interface with dedicated dials for ISO, drive modes, and exposure compensation - great for fast manual adjustments on the fly. The Sony A37 shows signs of its SLT lineage with fewer physical controls but a clean top panel.

Pentax’s analogue controls versus Sony’s streamlined SLT layout - a tradeoff between tactile feedback and minimalism.

In practical terms, the K-50 feels like the camera you can operate mostly by touch once familiar - valuable for fast shooting situations. The A37 pushes users to rely more on menu navigation, which can slow you down without practice.

Sensor Specifications and Image Quality: APS-C Twins With Different DNA

Both cameras feature APS-C sized CMOS sensors between roughly 23.5x15.6mm and 23.7x15.7mm - near identical in size and offering approximately 16-megapixel resolution. However, subtle factors in sensor design and processing make notable differences.

While similar in sensor size and resolution, Pentax’s sensor and processor combo yield a slight edge in dynamic range and low-light handling.

Pentax’s PRIME M processor and CMOS sensor combo deliver a DxO Mark overall score of 79, outperforming Sony’s A37 at 75. The K-50 boasts superior color depth (23.7 bits vs. 23.3) and dynamic range (13 stops vs. 12.9), which become apparent when shooting high contrast landscapes or portraits needing nuanced tones.

The K-50 also edges ahead in low-light sensitivity, with usable ISO up to 1120 vs. Sony’s 799 (DxO low-light ISO metric). Both cameras push to ISO 51,600 (Pentax) and 25,600 (Sony) as maximum, but image quality at those extremes is largely unusable, typical of entry-level bodies.

In field tests, Pentax’s raw files reveal more latitude for shadow recovery without introducing harsh noise - critical for landscape and night photography. This makes the K-50 a better choice for photographers valuing image quality robustness and printability.

Viewing and Composing: Optical vs. Electronic Viewfinders & LCD Displays

One immediate difference is the viewfinder technology - K-50 offers a traditional optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.61x magnification, while Sony A37 uses an electronic viewfinder (EVF) at 1440K resolution and 0.73x magnification.

The optical viewfinder provides an unfiltered, lag-free scene, valuable for quickly tracking moving subjects and assessing ambient light. During wildlife sessions, this proved invaluable as EVF lag on the A37 can throw off precise timing in fast action.

Pentax’s 3” fixed TFT LCD vs Sony’s smaller 2.6” tilting screen with relatively low resolution.

The K-50 sports a larger 3” LCD with 921k dots and anti-reflective coating, delivering clear, bright image previews, even under harsh sunlight. The non-articulating screen is a limitation for video vloggers or macro photographers who often benefit from flexible angles.

Sony’s screen tilts, providing more compositional control for creative angles, but its 230k dot resolution is noticeably coarse, impacting image review and manual focusing accuracy.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Where Sony’s SLT Design Shines

Sony’s SLT technology has an interesting effect on autofocus. The A37 features 15 autofocus points with 3 cross-type sensors, while Pentax K-50 offers 11 points, 9 of which are cross-type. However, Pentax’s autofocus system supports face detection and tracking, while Sony’s implementation lacks continuous tracking AF.

In real-world use, the K-50’s phase detection autofocus feels reliable and accurate but not aggressively fast. Wildlife and sports photographers may find the 6fps continuous shooting frame rate limiting, but adequate for entry-level demands.

The Sony A37 also clocks 6fps but benefits from continuous live phase detection AF afforded by the translucent mirror - allowing you to maintain focus during burst sequences more smoothly, although focus tracking suffers due to fewer cross-type points and less sophisticated algorithms.

If your shooting centers on fast sports or active wildlife, the Sony’s AF system and live view performance might get a slight nod, especially with Sony’s clear viewfinder offering instant feedback.

Flash and Illumination Control

Both cameras come equipped with a built-in flash system, rated at around 12 meters range at ISO 100, and advanced flash modes including wireless capabilities. The K-50 offers a broader variety of flash sync options, including trailing curtain sync, beneficial for creative motion blur effects.

Sony’s high-speed sync support on the A37 adds some versatility but overall flash control is relatively standard. For portrait photographers who rely heavily on flash interplay, Pentax’s richer feature set grants some creative latitude.

Photography Disciplines: Strengths and Weaknesses

Portrait Photography

Pentax’s superior dynamic range and color depth lend themselves very well to skin tone reproduction. Coupled with an 11-point AF featuring face detection, the K-50 lets you capture sharp eyes and beautifully rendered bokeh - assuming you pair it with fast prime lenses from its extensive Pentax KAF2 mount ecosystem (over 151 lenses available).

Sony’s A37 autofocus is decent for portraits but less specialized in eye detection; combined with its weaker dynamic range, it falls short in rendering subtle skin nuances, especially under mixed lighting.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range is king for landscapes. The Pentax K-50’s 13 stops and robust environmental sealing make it the clear winner in this category. Dust and splash resistance allow worry-free outdoor shooting in inclement weather.

Sony lacks weather sealing and a lower dynamic range means less post-processing latitude. Sony's smaller, tilting low-res screen hampers detailed composition checks on location.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Though both cameras have identical frame rates (6fps), the Sony A37’s SLT autofocus system provides consistent live-tracking during bursts. However, limited focus points and fewer cross-type sensors restrict AF precision on fast, erratic subjects.

Pentax’s K-50, while lacking advanced tracking features, offers a more traditional and tactile user interface to make quick exposure corrections. Still, I found its autofocus system somewhat slower locking on moving targets.

Street and Travel Photography: Portability vs Versatility

The Sony A37 impresses with its compact dimensions and light weight, making it a stealthy companion for street photographers prioritizing discreteness. Its tilting screen gives compositional flexibility in the tightest scenarios.

Pentax, though bulkier, provides an all-weather body that inspires confidence on travel adventures; when combined with the K-mount’s wide lens selection, it offers unmatched versatility for various travel conditions.

Pentax K 50 front Pentax K 50 screen back Sony A37 front Sony A37 screen back

Macro and Close-Up Photography

Macro photographers appreciate precise focus and stabilization support. Both cameras offer sensor-based image stabilization - a significant plus for handheld macro shooting.

Pentax’s bigger and brighter LCD aids manual focus precision, while Sony’s tilting screen grants shooting flexibility. Neither camera supports focus bracketing or stacking, a feature generally reserved for higher-end models.

Night and Astro Photography

Here again, the Pentax’s better high ISO performance and broader dynamic range shine. Features such as built-in sensor stabilization and flexible timelapse recording (supported by the K-50) ease long exposure astrophotography.

Sony’s lower sensitivity ceiling and lack of official timelapse support limit creative options after dark.

Video Capabilities: Subtle Differences Make an Impact

Both cameras offer Full HD 1080p recording, but Sony A37 supports 60fps at 1080p, allowing smoother slow-motion playback compared to K-50’s max 30fps. Sony also outputs via HDMI and includes a microphone port - key features for videographers who want enhanced audio control and external monitoring.

Pentax settles for standard 30fps video and lacks HDMI or audio inputs, limiting its video capability for serious shooters.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Sony’s A37 boasts longer battery life (around 500 shots per charge) versus Pentax K-50’s estimated 410 shots - a meaningful advantage on long shoots or travel.

Storage-wise, Pentax uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; Sony adds Memory Stick Pro options, broadening media compatibility but potentially complicating card selection.

Connectivity is another drawback for the K-50: no built-in wireless or Bluetooth, whereas Sony supports Eye-Fi card connectivity for wireless transfer - a nice bonus for remote instant sharing.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Counts

Pentax’s entry into the weather-sealed market with the K-50 can’t be overstated. A fully weather resistant body is rare at this price, featuring sealing against dust and splashes.

Sony does not offer similar protection, making the A37 a camera better suited for controlled environments.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The Pentax K-50’s KAF2 mount supports a staggering 151 lenses ranging from ultra-wide to telephoto primes and legacy glass - useful for buyers who want to build a versatile kit over time.

Sony’s Alpha mount (shared with Minolta) also offers a robust libraries of lenses, counting 143, including specialized optics. However, note that Sony’s SLT design slightly limits autofocus performance with some adapted lenses.

Price-to-Performance Ratio Analysis

Priced around $610, the Pentax K-50 offers excellent value, particularly in build quality, sensor performance, and weather sealing.

Sony’s A37 retails for approximately $520, making it a more affordable but technically less advanced option in terms of sensor quality, durability, and real-world image fidelity.

Summary Chart: Overall and Genre-Specific Scores

Final Recommendations: Matching Cameras to Your Needs

Choose the Pentax K-50 if:

• You prioritize ruggedness and plan to shoot outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• You need superior image quality with excellent dynamic range for landscapes and portraits.
• Your workflow leans on raw files with latitude for editing.
• You desire a traditional DSLR experience with tactile controls.
• Video is a secondary concern.

Opt for the Sony A37 if:

• Portability and lighter weight matter most, especially for street and travel photography.
• You want advanced continuous autofocus performance during bursts - useful in fast action sports.
• Smooth Full HD video at 60fps and HDMI output is important.
• Wireless connectivity for remote sharing is desirable.
• Your budget is tighter and you can live without weather sealing or top-tier sensor performance.

Closing Thoughts

Both the Pentax K-50 and Sony A37 sport their own charms and challenges. The Pentax stands out as a reliable, durable workhorse with excellent image quality - ideal for enthusiasts who want a robust camera that keeps delivering in tough conditions and expansive shooting scenarios.

The Sony A37, meanwhile, makes a compelling case for photographers seeking a lightweight, video-capable camera with innovative SLT autofocus speed. While it falls short in image quality and weather resistance, it's a strong contender for more casual or multimedia-focused photographers.

Having put both to the test extensively, I believe the choice hinges on your specific photography style and environment. For those who value crisp, color-true images and durability, the Pentax wins my vote. But if you aim to shoot diverse video content and appreciate a nimble camera in the hand, Sony might fit better.

Selecting the right camera is deeply personal - arm yourself with knowledge, consider your shooting priorities, and you’ll find the perfect match to unlock your creative potential.

If you have questions about lenses, accessories, or real-world use tips for either model, feel free to reach out. Happy shooting!

All sample images and test data in this comparison stem from direct hands-on trials and industry test charts, ensuring you get authentic, authoritative insights.