Pentax DSLR offers semi pro features including weatherproofing for an entry level price You don't see a Pentax DSLR for ages and then two arrive at once; the K-50 , which we're reviewing here as a mid to entry level option, alongside the £100 cheaper K-500.

Camera body and supplied lens are both weatherproofed against the elements; whilst internal sensor shift shake reduction mechanism means that specially image stabilised lenses are not required; very swift to power up and auto focus

Body design reflects price in being chunky with big buttons and relatively frill free; LCD is fixed rather than angle adjustable; noisy mechanics of zoom lens if used in automatic mode

A reasonable option for an entry-level dSLR, the Pentax K-50 should satisfy if you need the weather-sealed design. But while acceptable, it and its cheaper sibling the K-500 lag behind the competition in image quality and performance.

The Pentax K-50 ($699.95 direct, body only) is a solid midrange D-SLR camera , which happens to be available in any of 120 color combinations. Despite the fact that it can be had in a lilac and pink color scheme, it's a serious photographic tool.

Large pentaprism viewfinder; Weather-sealed design; 5.9fps burst shooting; Customizable controls and noise reduction; In-body shake reduction; Very good high ISO performance; Available in 120 different colors

Fixed rear LCD; No mic input; Slow to focus when recording video

The Pentax K-50 is a fully weather-sealed D-SLR camera with an big optical viewfinder and fast burst shooting capability. It's available to order in any of 120 color combinations, but its video functionality is behind the times.

Large pentaprism viewfinder; Weather-sealed design; 5.9fps burst shooting; Customizable controls and noise reduction; In-body shake reduction; Very good high ISO performance; Available in 120 different colors

Fixed rear LCD; No mic input; Slow to focus when recording video

John Riley reviews the new weather sealed Pentax K-50 Digital SLR to see how it performs.

Excellent image quality; Dustproof and weather resistant; Fast operation including upgraded AF; Glass pentaprism viewfinder; In body shake reduction; Backwards compatibility with thousands of lenses; Wide ISO range; Excellent ergonomics; Excellent build quality; AA Battery option; 120 colour options

No QuickShift on DAL Lenses; Loud focus on DAL lens

Everything that makes the Pentax system great, now at a lower price

The Pentax K-50 doesn't leave much to be desired. Like its predecessor, the K-30 , it delivers excellent image quality, has a host of innovative and unique features, and has many capabilities and options that are typically reserved for higher-end cameras.

Excellent image quality; In-body shake reduction and dust removal; Competetively priced; User-friendly interface; Very fast live-view autofocus; Loaded with features otherwise uncommon for its class; 100% pentaprism viewfinder; Fully weather-sealed; Durable construction; Handles well; AA...

12-bit RAW files; rather than 14-bit; Viewfinder autofocus speed lags behind the competition; Autofocus poor for sports; Drops out of live view when menu is accessed or mode is changed; Loud autofocus with screwdrive lenses; Somewhat loud shutter; Live view button oddly placed; Relatively-short...

Pentax K-50 Review - The Pentax K-50 is virtually identical to the K-500, albeit boasting a few extra features. Is it worth the extra cash?

Weather sealing; Excellent features; Image quality

AF can be noisy with kit lens; Would be nice to see a vari-angle screen at this price

The Pentax K-50 makes for a good starter option, and we were impressed with the lightning quick speed of its operation at this price point - with auto focus being particularly impressive.

Weather resistant build; Internal shake resistance; Can run on AA batteries

Chunky body; Fixed LCD; Noisy lens

There was a time when Pentax SLRs were proudly worn round their owners' necks. Now-legendary models, such as the Pentax K1000, Spotmatic and ME Super, were the cameras of choice for enthusiast photographers, which made the Pentax brand one of the biggest in the industry.