Pentax K-500 vs Sony RX100 V: A Hands-On Comparison to Guide Your Next Camera Purchase

Choosing your next camera can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re comparing models as different as a traditional entry-level DSLR and a high-end compact with a large sensor. Today, I’m breaking down two notable cameras from the last decade that are still quite relevant for distinct photography audiences: the Pentax K-500 and the Sony RX100 V. Both carve unique niches within photography, and having personally tested both extensively, I aim to help you understand how they stack up across disciplines and use cases. No fluff, just practical, experience-backed insights.

First Impressions and Design: DSLR Feel vs Pocketable Power

Right off the bat, the Pentax K-500 and Sony RX100 V couldn’t be more different in form factor. The K-500, released in late 2013, is a compact DSLR that feels solid in the hand at 646g, and roughly measures 130 x 97 x 71 mm. It retains a traditional, somewhat ergonomic DSLR layout with a comfortable grip and physical buttons arranged for tactile, confident operation.

On the flipside, the Sony RX100 V is a powerhouse wrapped in a super-compact body measuring just 102 x 58 x 41 mm and weighing only 299g. It fits easily in a jacket pocket, making it incredibly portable without sacrificing sensor quality or speed.

Given these contrasting designs, your choice depends heavily on whether you prioritize the DSLR experience with an optical viewfinder and robust grip versus a pocketable solution with a high-tech electronic viewfinder and a fixed lens. The ergonomics naturally drive different shooting styles and comfort levels.

Sensor Specifications and Imaging Performance: Size Matters – But Not Always

Sensor technology is often the biggest factor in image quality, so let’s look closely. The Pentax K-500 sports a 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.7 x 15.7 mm, covering a surface area of 372.09 mm². The RX100 V’s sensor is a 20MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS at 13.2 x 8.8 mm, a much smaller 116.16 mm² area. Technically, the larger sensor of the K-500 offers better potential for noise control, dynamic range, and depth of field control.

Comparing practical results and DxOmark scores (79 for the K-500 vs 70 for the RX100 V) backs this up: The Pentax has higher color depth (23.7 vs 22.8) and dynamic range (13.1 vs 12.4 stops), as well as far superior low-light ISO ability (1087 vs 586). This means smoother images at high ISO and more recoverable detail in shadows and highlights.

However, don’t discount the RX100 V’s modern backside-illuminated sensor technology, which optimizes light gathering efficiency. Combined with Sony’s exceptional image processing engine (Bionz X), it delivers sharp, vivid images with excellent detail retention – especially impressive given its tiny sensor size.

Practically speaking, if ultimate image quality and flexibility in post-processing are your priorities, the K-500 holds a slight edge. But if you’re more about convenience and decent quality with less bulk, the RX100 V is no pushover.

Display and Viewfinder: Optical vs Electronic

Both have a 3-inch, 921k-dot (K-500) or 1229k-dot (RX100 V) LCD screen. The RX100 V’s screen tilts upward and downward - an absolute boon for shooting at tricky angles or selfies - plus it sports a crystal-clear electronic viewfinder (EVF) at 2359k dots. The K-500 uses a traditional optical pentaprism viewfinder offering 100% coverage but no electronic overlay.

Personally, I appreciate the optical viewfinder on the K-500, especially when shooting outdoors in bright light. Nothing replicates the natural clarity and zero latency of an optical viewfinder - perfect for manual focusing or tracking fast subjects. But the RX100’s EVF is bright, crisp, and provides invaluable live feedback on exposure, focus peaking, and other shooting aids.

The tilt screen on the Sony is more versatile compared to the K-500’s fixed LCD, especially for travel or street photographers who need candid or creative angles.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Old School Meets Modern Autofocus Brilliance

When it comes to autofocus, the cameras differ significantly. The K-500 features an 11-point phase-detection system with 9 cross-type points, capable of face detection but lacking advanced subject tracking or animal eye autofocus. Contrast-detection autofocus is used in live view mode.

In comparison, the RX100 V boasts an advanced hybrid autofocus with 315 contrast and phase detection points, covering a substantial portion of the frame. This enables incredibly fast acquisition times (as low as 0.05 seconds) and reliable continuous AF tracking, even in challenging lighting. Frame rates in continuous shooting modes are also telling: 6fps for the K-500 versus up to a blistering 24fps on the RX100 V.

For wildlife or fast sports photography, the RX100 V’s AF system and frame rate provide a serious advantage despite its modest zoom lens. The K-500’s lower burst rate and slower AF may frustrate users chasing quick action.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Interchangeable vs Fixed Zoom

Here’s where the K-500’s DSLR heritage shines: It supports the Pentax KAF2 mount and over 150 lenses, including high-quality primes, wide-angle, telephoto, and specialist optics. From macro to ultra-telephoto wildlife glass, you’re covered - and the K-500’s built-in sensor shift image stabilization aids handheld shooting with many lenses.

The RX100 V, as a compact camera, has a fixed 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 zoom lens. This lens is surprisingly versatile for everyday shooting, portraits, and even some light telephoto work, but you won’t get the extreme focal lengths or optical character that interchangeable lenses provide. Having optical image stabilization helps reduce blur though, which is invaluable in low light or video.

So, if lens flexibility and building a system over time is key, the K-500 is the clear winner. The RX100 V favors portability and simplicity instead.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability for Field Use?

Neither camera offers professional-grade weather sealing or ruggedness, but the Pentax K-500 pounds out solid feel with a robust polycarbonate body and sensor-shift stabilization. It is not splash or dust resistant officially, unlike some Pentax DSLRs known for durability.

Sony’s RX100 V, constructed mainly from magnesium alloy and high-quality plastics, has a premium feel but naturally can’t rival the weather sealing of larger cameras in this line. Its miniaturized form factor sacrifices some toughness.

If you plan to shoot outdoors frequently or in less-than-ideal weather, I’d be cautious relying fully on either without additional protection. The K-500’s DSLR design offers more custom grip and accessory options like battery grips or protection cages.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering Long Shoots

One practical distinction: The Pentax K-500 uses four AA batteries, with an impressive 710-shot rated battery life. Pan-European availability of AA means you can find spares anywhere, and rechargeable options abound. On the other hand, the RX100 V deploys a proprietary NP-BX1 battery rated around 220 shots per charge - typical for compact cameras but somewhat limiting for full-day outdoor use.

For prolonged shooting without frequent battery swaps, especially in travel or event photography, the K-500’s battery approach can be more convenient. However, the RX100 V’s smaller size and lower overall power consumption, combined with efficient charging solutions, make it manageable for many users.

Both support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. The RX100 V also supports Sony’s Memory Stick cards, a nice bonus but not a dealbreaker.

Video Capabilities: 4K and Beyond vs Solid Full HD

Video shooters will notice the RX100 V’s distinct advantage here: It supports 4K Ultra HD recording at 30p with XAVC S codec, delivering excellent detail and sharpness for a compact camera. It can also shoot 1080p up to 60fps for slow-motion effects. While lacking microphone and headphone jacks does limit audio control, the image quality and stabilization systems are commendable.

In contrast, the K-500 offers Full HD 1080p at 30fps maximum, encoded in MPEG-4/H.264 format. No 4K or advanced video features. The camera’s lack of a microphone input and HDMI output also restricts professional video use.

If video is a casual add-on for you, the K-500 suffices, but if you prioritize serious video in a compact form, the RX100 V dominates.

Handling and Interface: User Experience in the Field

Both cameras feature manual focus capabilities, aperture and shutter priority modes, full manual exposure, exposure bracketing, and white balance customization, satisfying enthusiasts and semi-pros. However, the RX100 V leans into modern usability trends with its touchscreen absence balanced through a responsive control ring and customizable buttons.

The K-500 relies on dedicated physical dials and buttons but lacks illuminated controls, which can hinder shooting in very low light. The K-500’s interface feels traditional and requires some time to master; meanwhile, Sony’s more compact menus can be quicker to navigate once familiar.

One sore spot on the K-500: no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, meaning no wireless image transfer. The RX100 V includes NFC for quick pairing with compatible devices, a convenience for on-the-go sharing and backup.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down how each camera excels or struggles in typical photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

The K-500’s larger APS-C sensor offers shallow depth of field options, great skin tone rendition (boosted by ample color depth), and charming background separation abilities. Its face detection autofocus works fairly well, though it lacks subject tracking or eye-detection tech.

The RX100 V’s f/1.8-2.8 lens lets morning or indoor portraits retain lovely bokeh for a compact camera, while its 315 AF points and face detection make focusing super reliable. Eye autofocus is absent though, limiting precision on subtle portrait work.

Landscape Photography

The K-500’s dynamic range is superior for pulling details from shadows and highlights, invaluable for landscapes shot in variable light. Its weather resistance is modest, but the DSLR’s larger sensor and interchangeable wide-angle lenses allow more creative control.

The RX100 V’s 1-inch sensor tightens depth of field but still delivers clean, vibrant landscape images in moderate light. Its tilting screen aids composing low-angle vistas. The built-in lens is decent but limits ultra-wide shooting.

Wildlife Photography

Sports and wildlife demand fast autofocus, high burst rates, and often long focal lengths. The RX100 V impresses here with 24fps shooting and rapid autofocus, albeit with a modest 70mm max reach optical zoom (35mm equivalent). Cropping may be needed.

The K-500’s slower AF and 6fps limit action capture. However, you can pair it with long telephoto lenses for better distance coverage, albeit at additional cost and bulk.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, the RX100 V’s blazing 24fps burst and advanced AF tracking handle fast-moving subjects in good light well. The K-500 is more limited here but remains competent for casual sports and slower action.

Street Photography

Small, discreet, and quick: the RX100 V shines for street photographers needing a pocketable, silent solution with reliable autofocus and flipped screen for candid shots. The K-500 feels conspicuous and bulkier, limiting spontaneity.

Macro and Close-Up

The RX100 V’s macro mode reaches 5cm, letting you fill the frame with small subjects, assisted by stabilization. The K-500’s macro ability depends on attached lenses - excellent if you have a dedicated macro unit but less convenient out of the box.

Night and Astro Photography

Here the K-500’s larger sensor and ISO performance give it an advantage, recording cleaner starscapes and long exposures. The AA batteries enable longer shooting without loss of power.

The RX100 V, while capable, shows noise sooner and needs faster lenses or shorter exposures for optimal results.

Video Use

The RX100 V’s 4K and slow-motion options appeal to vloggers and casual filmmakers; stabilization helps keep footage smooth. The K-500 offers basic HD video decent for family moments but lacks advanced controls.

Travel Photography

If travel gear simplicity and weight matter most, the RX100 V’s compactness and versatility wins. The larger K-500 system may suit travelers planning longer shoots with varying conditions and lenses.

Professional Workflows

The K-500 supports RAW capture and manual modes necessary for professional workflow, but lacks connectivity, weather sealing, and some reliability features (illuminated buttons, rugged design). The RX100 V integrates better wireless options but cannot replace a pro DSLR or mirrorless for demanding projects.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Pentax K 500 front Pentax K 500 screen back Sony RX100 V front Sony RX100 V screen back

Overall Performance and User Recommendations

Who Should Choose the Pentax K-500?

If you’re a photography enthusiast or budding professional who prioritizes sensor size, interchangeable lens versatility, traditional DSLR ergonomics, and long battery life, the Pentax K-500 remains a solid, budget-friendly option. Its excellent image quality for photos, particularly portraits, landscapes, and night shots, means you can learn the fundamentals of photography with a capable tool.

The K-500 is also worth considering if you already own Pentax glass or plan to build a system over time. Its limitations in video and connectivity won’t bother photographers focused primarily on stills. But remember, this camera trades portability and speed for image quality and foundational DSLR experience.

Who Should Choose the Sony RX100 V?

If you want a cutting-edge, sleek compact camera that packs in speedy autofocus, phenomenal burst shooting, and outstanding video capabilities including 4K, the RX100 V is hard to beat. It’s ideal for street, travel, casual wildlife, and event photography when you need quick reflexes and discreet shooting.

Its fixed lens limits flexibility, but the quality and speed make it a fantastic ‘grab and go’ shooter for enthusiast to semi-pro users. Just be ready for shorter battery life and fewer manual controls compared to a DSLR.

Final Thoughts: It’s About Matching Camera to Your Style

Both the Pentax K-500 and Sony RX100 V excel in their own domains with clear strengths and trade-offs. Between the DSLR’s larger sensor, lens options, and battery longevity, and the compact’s speed, portability, and 4K video, your choice boils down to what photographic scenarios and workflows fit you best.

I recommend that if possible, try handling both cameras yourself before deciding. Focus on the physical size that feels right, the lens options you want, and which interface makes sense for your habitual shooting style. And whatever you pick, practice plenty - after all, the best camera is the one you use, every day.

If you found this comparison helpful, check out my detailed video reviews and sample galleries where I put these cameras through rigorous real-world tests - it’s the best way to see how they perform beyond specs and charts.

Happy shooting!