• APS-C 372.1mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Pentax K-500 advantages over Sigma fp

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/180 vs 1/30 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    30 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Sigma fp advantages over Pentax K-500

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.98 vs 4.81 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Thinner
    45 mm vs 71 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    5 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    2100k vs 922k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    24.6 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    18.0 fps vs 6.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 51200 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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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  • Kit with 18-55mm and 50-200mm Lenses
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  • Body Only
  • Kit with 45mm f/2.8 lens
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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to 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

Sigma fp
Sony A57
  • $1480
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Sigma fp vs Sony A57

Compared to 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

Sigma fp
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $1480
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Internal flash

Compare Sigma fp vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Compared to Canon T5i

Pentax K-500
Canon T5i
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-500 vs Canon T5i

Sigma fp
Canon T5i
  • $1480
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Sigma fp vs Canon T5i

Compared to Sony A7C

Pentax K-500
Sony A7C
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $1598
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compare Pentax K-500 vs Sony A7C

Sigma fp
Sony A7C
  • $1480
  • 35mm
  • Thinner
  • More dots on screen
  • $1598
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sigma fp vs Sony A7C

Compared to Sigma fp L

Pentax K-500
Sigma fp L
  • $597
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Pentax K-500 vs Sigma fp L

Sigma fp
Sigma fp L
  • $1480
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Newer
  • More pixels

Compare Sigma fp vs Sigma fp L

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