Pentax K-x vs Sony A500
69 Imaging
52 Features
47 Overall
50
![Pentax K-x front Pentax K-x front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-K-x/Pentax-K-x-front.jpg)
![Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 front Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A500/Sony-A500-front.jpg)
63 Imaging
52 Features
52 Overall
52
Pentax K-x vs Sony A500 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Bump to 12800)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Maximum Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 580g - 123 x 92 x 68mm
- Announced December 2009
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 200 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 630g - 137 x 104 x 84mm
- Launched August 2009
- Later Model is Sony A560
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Pentax K-x vs Sony A500 Overview
Following is a in depth comparison of the Pentax K-x and Sony A500, both Entry-Level DSLR cameras by companies Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the K-x (12MP) and the A500 (12MP) is fairly comparable and both cameras boast the identical sensor measurements (APS-C).
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
The K-x was unveiled 4 months after the A500 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact SLR).
Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summary of how the K-x grades versus the A500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Pentax K-x vs Sony A500 Gallery
This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-x and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The full galleries are available at Pentax K-x Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-x over the Sony A500
K-x | A500 |
---|
Reasons to pick Sony A500 over the Pentax K-x
A500 | K-x | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting display |
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") |
Common features in the Pentax K-x and Sony A500
K-x | A500 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | December 2009 | ![]() | August 2009 | Same generation |
Manually focus | ![]() | More accurate focus | ||
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Same display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Missing selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Neither includes Touch friendly display |
Pentax K-x vs Sony A500 Physical Comparison
In case you're aiming to carry around your camera often, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax K-x features physical measurements of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") with a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs) while the Sony A500 has dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).
Analyze the Pentax K-x and Sony A500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the K-x and the A500.
![Pentax K-x vs Sony A500 size comparison Pentax K-x vs Sony A500 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-K-x-vs-Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A500-size-comparison.jpg)
Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the K-x and A500 is 69 and 63 respectively.
![Pentax K-x vs Sony A500 top view buttons comparison Pentax K-x vs Sony A500 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-K-x-vs-Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A500-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Pentax K-x vs Sony A500 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it is tough to envision the difference in sensor sizes only by going through specs. The picture below will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the K-x and A500.
As you can plainly see, both of these cameras feature the identical sensor size and the same exact resolution therefore you should expect comparable quality of images although you will want to consider the release date of the cameras into account.
![Pentax K-x vs Sony A500 sensor size comparison Pentax K-x vs Sony A500 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Pentax-K-x-vs-Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A500-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Pentax K-x vs Sony A500 Screen and ViewFinder
![Pentax K-x vs Sony A500 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Pentax K-x vs Sony A500 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-K-x-vs-Sony-Alpha-DSLR-A500-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Pentax K-x vs Sony A500 Specifications
Pentax K-x | Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Pentax | Sony |
Model | Pentax K-x | Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 |
Category | Entry-Level DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Announced | 2009-12-23 | 2009-08-27 |
Physical type | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Prime | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor area | 372.9mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 4272 x 2848 |
Highest native ISO | 6400 | 12800 |
Highest boosted ISO | 12800 | - |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 200 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Number of focus points | 11 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | Pentax KAF2 | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Number of lenses | 151 | 143 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Display diagonal | 2.7" | 3" |
Display resolution | 230 thousand dots | 230 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Display technology | TFT LCD monitor | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | 96% | 95% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.57x | 0.53x |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/6000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shooting rate | 5.0fps | 5.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 16.00 m | 12.00 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear curtain, Wireless | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Highest flash synchronize | 1/180s | 1/160s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 416 (24 fps) | - |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | None |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | - |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 580 gr (1.28 lbs) | 630 gr (1.39 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 123 x 92 x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") | 137 x 104 x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | 72 | 64 |
DXO Color Depth score | 22.8 | 21.8 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 12.5 | 11.6 |
DXO Low light score | 811 | 772 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 1900 photographs | 520 photographs |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | 4 x AA | NP-FM500H |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC card | SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Retail price | $600 | $638 |