Pentax K-500 vs Sony A290
64 Imaging
58 Features
70 Overall
62


66 Imaging
54 Features
47 Overall
51
Pentax K-500 vs Sony A290 Key Specs
(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
- 646g - 130 x 97 x 71mm
- Revealed November 2013
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 549g - 128 x 97 x 86mm
- Revealed June 2010
- Older Model is Sony A230

Pentax K-500 vs Sony A290 Overview
Below, we are analyzing the Pentax K-500 versus Sony A290, both Entry-Level DSLR digital cameras by companies Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the K-500 (16MP) and the A290 (14MP) is fairly well matched and they enjoy the exact same sensor sizes (APS-C).

The K-500 was brought out 3 years later than the A290 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact SLR).
Before going in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the K-500 grades against the A290 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Pentax K-500 vs Sony A290 Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-500 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax K-500 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-500 over the Sony A290
K-500 | A290 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | November 2013 | ![]() | June 2010 | Fresher by 43 months |
Display dimension | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") |
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper display (+691k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony A290 over the Pentax K-500
A290 | K-500 |
---|
Common features in the Pentax K-500 and Sony A290
K-500 | A290 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | More exact focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | No Touch friendly display |
Pentax K-500 vs Sony A290 Physical Comparison
For anybody who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and size. The Pentax K-500 features physical dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs) whilst the Sony A290 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") having a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).
Look at the Pentax K-500 versus Sony A290 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the K-500 vs the A290.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the K-500 and A290 is 64 and 66 respectively.

Pentax K-500 vs Sony A290 Sensor Comparison
Typically, it's hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing only by checking a spec sheet. The graphic here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the K-500 and A290.
As you can see, both of these cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same megapixels. You should anticipate the Pentax K-500 to give you extra detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more modern K-500 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.

Pentax K-500 vs Sony A290 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-500 vs Sony A290 Specifications
Pentax K-500 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Pentax | Sony |
Model type | Pentax K-500 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 |
Class | Entry-Level DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Revealed | 2013-11-27 | 2010-06-09 |
Body design | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | PRIME M | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 23.7 x 15.7mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
Sensor surface area | 372.1mm² | 369.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16MP | 14MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4928 x 3264 | 4592 x 3056 |
Maximum native ISO | 51600 | 3200 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Total focus points | 11 | 9 |
Cross type focus points | 9 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Pentax KAF2 | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Total lenses | 151 | 143 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3 inch | 2.7 inch |
Display resolution | 921k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Display technology | TFT LCD monitor with brightness/color adjustment and AR coating | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 95 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.61x | 0.55x |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/6000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shutter speed | 6.0 frames per second | 3.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | 10.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync, Slow Sync+Redeye, Trailing Curtain Sync, Wireless | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Fastest flash sync | 1/180s | 1/160s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30,25,24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60,50,30,25,24 fps), 640 x 424 (30,25,24 fps) | - |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | None |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | - |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 646 gr (1.42 lbs) | 549 gr (1.21 lbs) |
Dimensions | 130 x 97 x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") | 128 x 97 x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 79 | 66 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 23.7 | 22.6 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 13.1 | 11.5 |
DXO Low light rating | 1087 | 615 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 710 photos | 290 photos |
Style of battery | AA | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | 4 x AA | NP-FH50 |
Self timer | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo, SD/SDHC |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Cost at release | $600 | $600 |