[2] Among competing APS-C mid-range DSLRs, the Pentax K-50 has the smallest body, although it is 4 mm wider than its nearest rival, the Nikon D5300.

The Pentax K-50 has an onboard microphone but lacks the audio-in port of most comparable cameras, limiting its usefulness to videographers.

The Pentax K-50 is available for around $300 (body only) and less than $400 with kit lens, as of the end of July 2015, which puts it at a very low price point compared to its competition (Canon EOS 70D, Canon EOS 700D, Nikon D5300, Nikon D7100 and Pentax K-3).

The main differences between the two cameras are the K-500's lack of colored body options (only black), electronic level, weather sealing, and focus point visualisation through the optical viewfinder.

As a consequence of the lack of weather sealing, this camera is bundled with the non-weather-sealed DA L 18-55mm kit lens, and most variants of the camera come with an AA battery holder included as opposed to the D-Li109 rechargeable Li-ion battery included with the K-50.