Pentax K-500

Pentax is re-joining the entry-level DSLR market with their latest DSLR offering, the Pentax K-500.  The K-500 is being launched at a price of $599 (including the DA L 18-55mm kit lens), which means that it will be slightly cheaper than the current Nikon D3200 and Canon SL-1 entry-level DSLRs.  It will be available in early July.

Below are the highlights of the K-500:

• 16-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• Prime M image processor
• 6FPS framerate
• 1/6000 maximum shutter speed
• ISO 100-51,200
• 100% viewfinder coverange with 0.92x magnification
• 4 optional focupostsing screens
• 1080p video at 30FPS in H.264 .MOV format
• Dual control wheels for easy operation
• Body-based shake reduction
• 11-point autofocus
• 3-inch LCD screen with 921k dots (VGA)

For those of you who are familiar with Pentax cameras, you have probably already noticed that these specifications are identical to those of the current Pentax K-30.  The only difference is that the K-500 is not weather sealed and does not have an electronic level.