Leica M (Typ 240) vs Pentax K-500

Cameras
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Leica M (Typ 240) vs Pentax K-500

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35mm 864.0mm²
24.0 megapixels
ISO 200 - 6400

Go in depth with our full Leica M (Typ 240) Review.

APS-C 372.1mm²
16.3 megapixels
ISO 100 - 51,200

Go in depth with our full Pentax K-500 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the K-500.

Succeeded by the Leica M10
Compare M (Typ 240) vs M10
Compare Leica M10 vs Pentax K-500

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Differences

Leica M (Typ 240) advantages over Pentax K-500

Larger sensor
35mm vs APS-C
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 6.05 vs 4.81 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
M (Typ 240) test data on DxO Mark K-500 test data on DxO Mark

1,860 vs 1,087 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Thinner
42 mm vs 71 mm
Thinner
More viewfinder magnification
0.68x vs 0.61x
Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
More pixels
24.0 vs 16.3 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Lacks anti-aliasing filter
No Filter vs Filter
Enjoy sharper photos
Longer exposure
60 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots

Pentax K-500 advantages over Leica M (Typ 240)

Lens selection
Excellent vs Limited
Better lens selection gives you more options
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Yes vs No
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Internal flash
Internal flash vs None
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Shoots 60p video
Yes vs No
A faster framerate can give you more editing options
Has anti-aliasing filter
Filter vs No Filter
Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
Faster JPEG shooting
6.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Bigger JPEG buffer
30 vs 8 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
Faster shutter
1/6000 vs 1/4000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light
Higher extended ISO
51200 vs 6400 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

Focus peaking
Both provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Touchscreen
Neither provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Tiltable Screen
Neither provide
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
Built-in Wi-Fi
Neither provide
Share your photos wirelessly
NFC
Neither provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
On-sensor phase detect
Neither provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Top deck display
Neither provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
External Mic Jack
Neither provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
HDMI out
Neither provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read K-500 User Reviews

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Buy the Leica M (Typ 240)

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All M (Typ 240) Deals

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Buy the Pentax K-500

Kit with 18-55mm and 50-200mm Lenses

Kit with 18-55mm and 50-200mm Lenses
Body Only
Kit with 18-55mm Lens

All K-500 Deals

Review Excerpt

We haven’t reviewed the Leica M (Typ 240).
Read our Leica M (Typ 240) Preview

We haven’t finished our review of the Pentax K-500, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.
See our Pentax K-500 First Shots

The Competition

Compared to Sony A57

Leica M (Typ 240)

Sony A57

$6995
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$800
APS-C

Lens selection
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Leica M (Typ 240) vs Sony A57

Pentax K-500

Sony A57

$597
APS-C

Lens selection
Less expensive

$800
APS-C

In-camera panoramas
Tiltable Screen

Compare Pentax K-500 vs Sony A57

Compared to Leica M Monochrom

Leica M (Typ 240)

Leica M Monochrom

$6995
35mm

Focus peaking
Shoots 24p video

$7950
35mm

Higher extended ISO

Compare Leica M (Typ 240) vs Leica M Monochrom

Pentax K-500

Leica M Monochrom

$597
APS-C

Lens selection
Focus peaking

$7950
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax K-500 vs Leica M Monochrom

Compared to Pentax K-5 IIs

Leica M (Typ 240)

Pentax K-5 IIs

$6995
35mm

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

$497
APS-C

Lens selection
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Leica M (Typ 240) vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Pentax K-500

Pentax K-5 IIs

$597
APS-C

Less expensive
Focus peaking

$497
APS-C

Higher effective ISO
Top deck display

Compare Pentax K-500 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Compared to Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Leica M (Typ 240)

Leica M-E (Typ 220)

$6995
35mm

Higher effective ISO
More dynamic range

$7999
35mm

Compare Leica M (Typ 240) vs Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Pentax K-500

Leica M-E (Typ 220)

$597
APS-C

Lens selection
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$7999
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax K-500 vs Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Compared to Leica M-P (Typ 240)

Leica M (Typ 240)

Leica M-P (Typ 240)

$6995
35mm

Longer exposure

$7495
35mm

Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Leica M (Typ 240) vs Leica M-P (Typ 240)

Pentax K-500

Leica M-P (Typ 240)

$597
APS-C

Lens selection
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$7495
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax K-500 vs Leica M-P (Typ 240)

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