Pentax K-r vs Pentax K-50

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Pentax K-r vs Pentax K-50

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APS-C 369.7mm²
12.4 megapixels
ISO 200 - 12,800

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

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

Go in depth with our full Pentax K-50 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the K-50.

Succeeded by the Pentax K-70
Compare K-50 vs K-70
Compare Pentax K-r vs Pentax K-70

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Differences

Pentax K-r advantages over Pentax K-50

External Mic Jack
Jack vs No jack
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video

Pentax K-50 advantages over Pentax K-r

Focus peaking
Peaker vs Non-peaker
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
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.
K-50 test data on DxO Mark K-r test data on DxO Mark

1,120 vs 750 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Pentaprism viewfinder
Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
Shoots 24p video
Yes vs No
Gives your movies a big-screen feel
Shoots 1080p video
Yes vs No
You'll want this if you shoot video
More pixels
16.3 vs 12.4 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Shoots 60p video
Yes vs No
A faster framerate can give you more editing options
Higher extended ISO
51200 vs 25600 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Both provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
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
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-r User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read K-50 User Reviews

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Body Only

Body Only
Kit with 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses
Kit with 18-55mm lens

All K-50 Deals

Review Excerpt

Read our Pentax K-r Full Review

We haven’t finished our review of the Pentax K-50, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.
See our Pentax K-50 First Shots

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3000

Pentax K-r

Nikon D3000

$850
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Fast startup

$450
APS-C

Less expensive

Compare Pentax K-r vs Nikon D3000

Pentax K-50

Nikon D3000

$149
APS-C

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$450
APS-C

Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax K-50 vs Nikon D3000

Compared to Pentax K-x

Pentax K-r

Pentax K-x

$850
APS-C

Fast startup
External Mic Jack

$702
APS-C

Less expensive
Shoots 24p video

Compare Pentax K-r vs Pentax K-x

Pentax K-50

Pentax K-x

$149
APS-C

Focus peaking
Higher effective ISO

$702
APS-C

Compare Pentax K-50 vs Pentax K-x

Compared to Nikon D3100

Pentax K-r

Nikon D3100

$850
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Fast startup

$700
APS-C

Less expensive
Higher effective ISO

Compare Pentax K-r vs Nikon D3100

Pentax K-50

Nikon D3100

$149
APS-C

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$700
APS-C

HDMI out
Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Pentax K-50 vs Nikon D3100

Compared to Sony A57

Pentax K-r

Sony A57

$850
APS-C

Lens selection
External Mic Jack

$800
APS-C

Focus peaking
In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax K-r vs Sony A57

Pentax K-50

Sony A57

$149
APS-C

Lens selection
Higher effective ISO

$800
APS-C

In-camera panoramas
Tiltable Screen

Compare Pentax K-50 vs Sony A57

Compared to Sony A37

Pentax K-r

Sony A37

$850
APS-C

Lens selection
Fast startup

$600
APS-C

Less expensive
Focus peaking

Compare Pentax K-r vs Sony A37

Pentax K-50

Sony A37

$149
APS-C

Lens selection
Higher effective ISO

$600
APS-C

In-camera panoramas
Tiltable Screen

Compare Pentax K-50 vs Sony A37

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