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Pentax K-50 vs Pentax K-30 Comparison

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Pentax K-50

16 MP | APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) CMOS Sensor

Pentax K-50
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Pentax K-30

16 MP | APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) CMOS Sensor

Pentax K-30
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Pentax K-50 vs Pentax K-30 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two DSLR cameras by Pentax. Pentax K-50 was introduced to market in November 2013 and Pentax K-30 was launched in October 2012. There is 13 months difference between K-50 and K-30 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger K-50, especially in sensor tech.

Both Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30 cameras have 16.0MP APS-C sensors.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Pentax K-50 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2013-11-27
  • 16MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 51600
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3" Fixed Type Screen
  • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
  • 6 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 650g. 130 x 97 x 71 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body
  • Replaced Pentax K-30 Compare

Pentax K-30 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2012-10-29
  • 16MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 12800 ( expands to 25600)
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3" Fixed Type Screen
  • Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder
  • 6 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 650g. 130 x 97 x 71 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Pentax K-50 over Pentax K-30
Max ISO
51.600 vs 12.800 303% higher Max ISO
AE Bracketing Range
±3 EV vs ±2 EV Wide Bracketing range is useful for HDR


Reasons to choose Pentax K-30 over Pentax K-50
Low Light ISO
1129 vs 1120 better High ISO performance

Common Strengths of Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30
Image Stabilization
Sensor-shift vs Sensor-shift Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs Yes Better for flash photography
Viewfinder
Yes (Optical) vs Yes (Optical) Better framing and control
RAW Support
Yes vs Yes Better image quality
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
LCD Screen Resolution
921k dots vs 921k dots High resolution screens
Continuous Shooting
6.0fps vs 6.0fps Fast shooting speeds
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs Yes shoot at tough conditions
Timelapse Recording
Yes vs Yes creative shooting
AE Bracketing
Yes vs Yes Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
AF Micro Adjustment (Fine Tune)
Yes vs Yes Adjust each lens for accurate focusing
Common Weaknesses of Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No No flexible viewing angles
Pentax K-50 vs Pentax K-30: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Pentax K-50 has external dimensions of 130 x 97 x 71 mm (5.12 x 3.82 x 2.8″) and weighs 650 g (1.43 lb / 22.93 oz) (including batteries). Pentax K-30 has external dimensions of 130 x 97 x 71 mm (5.12 x 3.82 x 2.8″) and weighs 650 g (1.43 lb / 22.93 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30. In this case, we can see that Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30 have the exact same height, width and thickness.

Pentax K-50 vs Pentax K-30 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30.
Pentax K-50 vs Pentax K-30 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30 have exactly the same weight of 650g.

Also keep in mind that body weight is not the only deciding factor when comparing two interchangeable camera bodies, you have to also take into account the lenses that you will be using with these bodies. Since both Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30 have the same Pentax KAF2 lens mount and APS-C sized sensors, lenses will not be a differentiator on total size of the system.

Weight Comparison

DSLR Cameras

K-50
K-30
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

DSLR Cameras

K-50
K-30
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Both K-50 and K-30 have weather sealings in their body, making them resistant to water and dust.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.
Pentax K-50 vs Pentax K-30: Sensor Comparison

Both Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30 have APS-C sized 16.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution is not a differentiator between these two cameras.

Below you can see the K-50 and K-30 sensor size comparison.

Pentax K-50 vs Pentax K-30 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30 Cameras


Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30 have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

DxOMark Sensor Scores
At Camera Decision, we also look at Dxo Mark sensors when available as we think it is a good indicator of image quality.
Model Overall Color Depth Dynamic Range Low-light ISO
Pentax K-50 79 23.7 bits 13.0 Evs 1120 ISO
Pentax K-30 79 23.7 bits 13.0 Evs 1129 ISO
Pentax K-50 vs Pentax K-30 Comparison of Available Lenses
Which camera has more lenses?

Number of available lenses is a big decision factor while choosing your interchangeable lens camera. Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30 have the same Pentax KAF2 lens mount and currently there are 155 native lenses available for these cameras.

Another important factor is the availability of image stabilization. Both Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30 has Sensor based Image stabilization which means that all the lenses will be stabilized in these bodies.

Lens Type # of Pentax K-50 Lenses # of Pentax K-30 Lenses
Standard Zoom 22 22
Standard Prime 21 21
Wideangle Zoom 12 12
Wideangle Prime 25 25
Telephoto Zoom 21 21
Telephoto Prime 14 14
SuperZoom 15 15
Wideangle Fisheye Prime 3 3
Macro Prime 14 14
Perspective Control Prime 8 8
Telephoto Mirror Prime n/a n/a
TOTAL 155 155

Here are some of the most popular Pentax KAF2 Mount Lenses on Camera Decision:

Popular Pentax KAF2 Mount Lenses for K-50 and K-30
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Pentax smc FA 50mm F1.4 Lens Pentax smc FA 50mm F1.4
35mm FF 220gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
HD Pentax  DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR Lens HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR
APS-C / DX 466gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE Lens Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE
APS-C / DX 158gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
HD Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR Lens HD Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR
35mm FF 787gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax D FA 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW Lens Pentax D FA 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW
35mm FF 1755gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
APS-C / DX 471gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 50mm F1.8 Lens Pentax smc DA 50mm F1.8
35mm FF 122gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM Lens Pentax smc DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM
APS-C / DX 453gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
What types of Photography are Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Pentax K-50 for Portrait Photography

GOOD

Pentax K-30 for Portrait Photography

GOOD
Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Read the details
Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Read the details

Pentax K-50 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT

Pentax K-30 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT
Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Large Body
Read the details
Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Large Body
Read the details

Pentax K-50 for Sports Photography

EXCELLENT

Pentax K-30 for Sports Photography

EXCELLENT
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/6000s
9 Cross Type Focus sensors
11 Focus Points
Good Low Light ISO
Average Continuous Shooting: 6.0fps
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/6000s
9 Cross Type Focus sensors
11 Focus Points
Good Low Light ISO
Average Continuous Shooting: 6.0fps
Read the details

Pentax K-50 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Pentax K-30 for Daily Photography

GOOD
Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Large Body
650g
Body Thickness 71mm
Read the details
Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Large Body
650g
Body Thickness 71mm
Read the details

Pentax K-50 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE

Pentax K-30 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE
Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Read the details
Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Read the details

Pentax K-50 vs Pentax K-30: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Pentax K-50 and Pentax K-30 scores compare:

Pentax K-50
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #26 out of 79 in Compact SLR cameras
Ranked #210 out of 1226 in all Cameras
Pentax K-30
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #41 out of 95 in Mid-size SLR cameras
Ranked #216 out of 1226 in all Cameras

Pentax K-50 has a higher Overall Score than the Pentax K-30 and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Pentax K-50
Pentax K-50
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Pentax K-30
Pentax K-30
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Pentax K-30 vs Pentax K-50 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Pentax K-50 Pentax K-30
Brand Pentax Pentax
Announced 2013-11-27 2012-10-29
Body Type Compact SLR Mid-size SLR
Sensor
Type CMOS CMOS
Size APS-C APS-C
Dimensions 23.7 x 15.7 mm 23.7 x 15.7 mm
Area 372.09mm2 372.09mm2
Megapixels 16 megapixels 16 megapixels
Max Resolution 4928 x 3264 4928 x 3264
Max Native Light sensitivity 51,600 ISO 12,800 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity - 25600 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 100 ISO 100 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 11 11
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount Pentax KAF2 Pentax KAF2
Number of Available Lenses 155 155
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3" 3"
Resolution 921k dots 921k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.61x 0.61x
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/6000s 1/6000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization Sensor-shift Sensor-shift
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 12.00 m (at ISO 100) 12.00 m (at ISO 100)
Max Flash Sync 1/180s 1/180s
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 6.0 fps 6.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080
Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 650g 650g
Dimensions 130 x 97 x 71mm 130 x 97 x 71mm
Battery Life 410 shots 410 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS Optional Optional
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score 79 79
DxO Color Depth 23.7 23.7
DxO Dynamic Range 13.0 13.0
DxO Low Light ISO 1120 1129
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