A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Panasonic S1H vs Pentax K-500

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H and the Pentax K-500 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in May 2019 and June 2013. The S1H is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the K-500 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a full frame (S1H) and an APS-C (K-500) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Pentax provides 16.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Panasonic S1H
versus
Pentax K-500
Panasonic S1H   Pentax K-500
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Leica L mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
24 MP – Full Frame sensor 16.1 MP – APS-C sensor
6K/30p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800) ISO 100-51,200
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.2" LCD – 2330k dots 3.0" LCD – 921k dots
Swivel touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
9 shutter flaps per second 6 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
400 shots per battery charge710 shots per battery charge
151 x 114 x 110 mm, 1052 g 130 x 97 x 71 mm, 646 g
logo
Check S1H price at
amazon.com
logo
Check K-500 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H and the Pentax K-500? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

ad

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Panasonic S1H and the Pentax K-500 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Panasonic S1H vs Pentax K-500
Compare S1H versus K-500 top
Comparison S1H or K-500 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Pentax K-500 is notably smaller (27 percent) than the Panasonic S1H. Moreover, the K-500 is substantially lighter (39 percent) than the S1H. It is worth mentioning in this context that the S1H is splash and dust resistant, while the K-500 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

The power pack in the S1H can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic S1H 151 mm 114 mm 110 mm 1052 g 400 Y May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-500 130 mm 97 mm 71 mm 646 g 710 n Jun 2013 549ebay.com
3.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
4.
 
Leica SL2 146 mm 107 mm 42 mm 953 g 370 Y Nov 2019 5,999 amazon.com
5.
 
Panasonic S5 II 134 mm 102 mm 90 mm 740 g 370 Y Jan 2023 1,999 amazon.com
6.
 
Panasonic S5 133 mm 98 mm 82 mm 714 g 440 Y Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
7.
 
Panasonic S1 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1017 g 400 Y Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
8.
 
Panasonic S1R 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1016 g 380 Y Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
9.
 
Pentax K-1 II 137 mm 110 mm 86 mm 1010 g 670 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
10.
 
Pentax K-S1 121 mm 93 mm 70 mm 558 g 410 n Aug 2014 749ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax K-50 130 mm 97 mm 71 mm 650 g 410 Y Jun 2013 599ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-30 130 mm 97 mm 71 mm 650 g 410 Y May 2012 849ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-5 II 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-5 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2010 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Sigma fp 113 mm 70 mm 45 mm 422 g 280 Y Jul 2019 1,899 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A9 II 129 mm 96 mm 76 mm 678 g 690 Y Oct 2019 4,499 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The K-500 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 86 percent) than the S1H, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic S1H features a full frame sensor and the Pentax K-500 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the K-500 is 57 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Panasonic S1H and Pentax K-500 sensor measures

With 24MP, the S1H offers a higher resolution than the K-500 (16.1MP), but the S1H nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 4.77μm for the K-500) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the S1H is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 11 months) than the K-500, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Panasonic S1H implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the S1H for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Pentax K-500 are 24.6 x 16.3 inches or 62.6 x 41.5 cm for good quality, 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the K-500, the S1H has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (96MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 50-204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax K-500 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

S1H versus K-500 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic S1H Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.214.2280594
2.
 
Pentax K-500 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.713.1108779
3.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
4.
 
Leica SL2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p25.314.3286695
5.
 
Panasonic S5 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.414.6315896
6.
 
Panasonic S5 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.114.5269794
7.
 
Panasonic S1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.5333395
8.
 
Panasonic S1R Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p26.414.13525100
9.
 
Pentax K-1 II Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60i25.114.0269893
10.
 
Pentax K-S1 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.513.0106178
11.
 
Pentax K-50 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.713.0112079
12.
 
Pentax K-30 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.713.0112979
13.
 
Pentax K-5 II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.814.1123582
14.
 
Pentax K-5 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.714.1116282
15.
 
Sigma fp Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.214.2282994
16.
 
Sony A9 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.0343493
17.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
padding

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the S1H provides a higher video resolution than the K-500. It can shoot video footage at 6K/30p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/30p.

ad

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the S1H has an electronic viewfinder (5760k dots), while the K-500 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the S1H has a higher magnification than the one of the K-500 (0.78x vs 0.61x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Panasonic S1H and Pentax K-500 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Panasonic S1H5760 Y3.2 / 2330 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
2.
 
Pentax K-500optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
4.
 
Leica SL25760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
5.
 
Panasonic S5 II3680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
6.
 
Panasonic S52360 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n Y
7.
 
Panasonic S15760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
8.
 
Panasonic S1R5760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
9.
 
Pentax K-1 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 full-flex n 1/8000s 4.4/s n Y
10.
 
Pentax K-S1optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/6000s 5.4/s Y Y
11.
 
Pentax K-50optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Pentax K-30optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Pentax K-5 IIoptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Pentax K-5optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Sigma fpoptional n3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n n
16.
 
Sony A9 II3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

One feature that is present on the S1H, but is missing on the K-500 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The S1H has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the K-500 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the S1H is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Panasonic S1H and the Pentax K-500 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the S1H and the K-500 write their files to SDXC cards. The S1H features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the K-500 only has one slot. The S1H supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the K-500 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

ad

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H and Pentax K-500 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic S1HYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
2.
 
Pentax K-500Ymono / mono---2.0---
3.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
4.
 
Leica SL2Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
5.
 
Panasonic S5 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
6.
 
Panasonic S5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
7.
 
Panasonic S1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
8.
 
Panasonic S1RYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
9.
 
Pentax K-1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y--
10.
 
Pentax K-S1Ystereo / mono--micro2.0---
11.
 
Pentax K-50Ymono / mono--micro2.0---
12.
 
Pentax K-30Ymono / mono---2.0---
13.
 
Pentax K-5 IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
14.
 
Pentax K-5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
15.
 
Sigma fpYstereo / monoY-micro3.1---
16.
 
Sony A9 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
17.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
padding

It is notable that the S1H has a microphone port, which is missing on the K-500. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Panasonic S1H (unlike the K-500) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The S1H is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the K-500 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the K-500 from Pentax. Further information on the features and operation of the S1H and K-500 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic S1H Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax K-500 Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Panasonic S1H or the Pentax K-500 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

ilogo

Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 16.1MP) with a 22% higher linear resolution.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (6K/30p vs 1080/30p).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.61x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2330k vs 921k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/6000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (9 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II) SDXC cards on both slots.
  • More modern: Reflects 5 years and 11 months of technical progress since the K-500 launch.

ilogo

Reasons to prefer the Pentax K-500:

  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More compact: Is smaller (130x97mm vs 151x114mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 406g or 39 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (710 versus 400) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (86 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in June 2013).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the S1H is the clear winner of the match-up (31 : 7 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

S1H 31:07 K-500

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic S1H and the Pentax K-500 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the S1H or the K-500. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic S1H....4/590/100.... May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-500........4.5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 549ebay.com
3.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
4.
 
Leica SL24/5..4.5/5..4.5/54/5 Nov 2019 5,999 amazon.com
5.
 
Panasonic S5 II4.5/5+ +5/5..4.5/55/5 Jan 2023 1,999 amazon.com
6.
 
Panasonic S54.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
7.
 
Panasonic S14.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
8.
 
Panasonic S1R4.5/5..4.6/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
9.
 
Pentax K-1 II....4.5/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
10.
 
Pentax K-S14/5......4.5/54/5 Aug 2014 749ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax K-505/5......5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 599ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-304/5....78/1004.5/54.5/5 May 2012 849ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-5 II5/5....80/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-54/5....83/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2010 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Sigma fp4/5..4/5..4/54.5/5 Jul 2019 1,899 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A9 II....5/590/1005/55/5 Oct 2019 4,499 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

logo
Check S1H price at
amazon.com
logo
Check K-500 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Panasonic S1H vs Pentax K-500

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Panasonic S1H Pentax K-500
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
    Launch Date May 2019 June 2013
    Launch Price USD 3,999 USD 549
    Sensor Specs Panasonic S1H Pentax K-500
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.6 x 23.8 mm 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 847.28 mm2 366.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 42.8 mm 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 16.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 4928 x 3264 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.94 μm 4.77 μm
    Pixel Density 2.83 MP/cm2 4.39 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 6K/30p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 204,800 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor Venus PRIME M
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 79
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 23.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 13.1
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 1087
    Screen Specs Panasonic S1H Pentax K-500
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.61x
    Viewfinder Resolution 5760k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 2330k dots 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic S1H Pentax K-500
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/6000s
    Continuous Shooting 9 shutter flaps/s 6 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/8000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support Dual UHS-II no
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic S1H Pentax K-500
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.1 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port full HDMI no HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Panasonic S1H Pentax K-500
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLJ31 Pentax 4xAA
    Battery Life (CIPA)400 shots per charge710 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 151 x 114 x 110 mm
    (5.9 x 4.5 x 4.3 in)
    130 x 97 x 71 mm
    (5.1 x 3.8 x 2.8 in)
    Camera Weight 1052 g (37.1 oz) 646 g (22.8 oz)
    logo
    Check S1H price at
    amazon.com
    logo
    Check K-500 offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Panasonic S1H vs Pentax K-500