14 DAY TRIAL // Pentax is one of the better-known makers of photo and video cameras, which means it knows well that sometimes it has to offer something besides dry specifications in order to enchant customers.
This is owed to the fact that most providers of cameras offer more or less the same features on every camera type.
As such, things like shape and paint can play a big role in consumers' final decision when browsing through a retailer's camera catalog.
Case in point, Pentax has launched the K-50, which can be painted in one of no fewer than 120 colors.
The feature set is still broad though, with 100-percent field-of-view, a high ISO of 51,200 (light sensitivity), SAFOX IX+ tracking autofocus (AF), a burst shooting mode of 6-frames-per-second, and 81 weather seals that make it water resistant.
Rain will be no enemy, unless it's particularly strong, and even then it's a toss-up.
“The K-50 introduces features that raise the bar in the mid-level DSLR class,” said Jim Malcolm, executive vice president, Pentax Ricoh Imaging America.
“Not only do the hardware and software specs outclass competitors, the Color to Order system is an industry first making it a truly unique offering among a sea of similarity.”
The newcomer has four AA batteries, a wide selection of simple user-modes and creative tools (image capture modes, bundled software, etc.), and the K-mount system (any of the 25 million K-mount lenses can be used).
Finally, Pentax K-50 boasts a shutter speed of 1/6,000th of a second and interchangeable focusing screens.
Sales should start worldwide in July, but some online stores already have it on sale. The camera costs $699.95 / €699.95 for body only, $779.95 / €779.95 in a kit including DA-L 18-55mm WR lens, and $879.95 / €879.95 for the dual lens kit including the DA-L 18-55mm WR and DA-L 50-200mm WR lenses.