The Pentax K-50 — Pentax’s entry-level weather-sealed APS-C DSLR with 86-point sealing and SR IBIS — carries an estimated ~100,000-actuation shutter rating. The count can be extracted from PEF RAW files using ExifTool, though PEF is not yet supported in the shuttercount.app browser tool.
Check Shutter Count →The Pentax K-50 (2013) is an entry-level weather-sealed DSLR that punched well above its price point. Featuring 86 seals against water and dust, a 16.3 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, in-body Shake Reduction, and AA battery compatibility, it offered a level of environmental protection previously found only in mid-range and professional bodies — making it a popular choice for outdoor, nature, and adventure photographers on a budget.
| Model | Release | Sensor | Weather Seals | Rated Shutter Life | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pentax K-30 | 2012 | 16.3 MP APS-C | 77 seals | ~100,000 | PEF / DNG |
| Pentax K-50 | 2013 | 16.3 MP APS-C | 86 seals | ~100,000 | PEF / DNG |
| Pentax K-S2 | 2015 | 20.1 MP APS-C | 127 seals | ~100,000 | PEF / DNG |
| Pentax K-70 | 2016 | 24.2 MP APS-C | 92 seals | ~100,000 | PEF / DNG |
exiftool -ShutterCount yourfile.PEF in a terminal. Pentax reliably embeds the shutter count in PEF MakerNote data across all modern K-series bodies including the K-50.The K-50 was popular with outdoor and adventure photographers. Its weather sealing encouraged use in conditions that other entry-level cameras would avoid. Use the table below as a guide when evaluating used units.
| Actuations | % of Est. Life | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 5,000 | 0 – 5% | Very low use — near new |
| 5,000 – 20,000 | 5 – 20% | Low use — excellent condition |
| 20,000 – 60,000 | 20 – 60% | Typical hobbyist use — good value |
| 60,000 – 80,000 | 60 – 80% | Moderate to heavy use — negotiate price |
| 80,000 + | 80%+ | Near or past estimated life — bargain price only |
The K-S1 (2014) brought a more stylish body and 20 MP sensor but reduced the sealing to just 10 dust-resistance points. The K-S2 (2015) re-introduced proper weather sealing (127 points) and added a fully articulating LCD. The K-50 remains relevant for those wanting proven weather sealing and AA battery compatibility at a lower price.
Yes — the K-50 includes Pentax's Shake Reduction (SR) system, which shifts the sensor to compensate for camera movement. This works with any K-mount lens, including older manual-focus optics, making it popular with vintage lens users.
No. Pixel Shift Resolution was introduced in the K-3 Mark II (2015). The K-50 uses standard single-capture shooting only.
Only a Pentax (Ricoh) authorised service centre can reset the hardware counter after a physical shutter replacement. ExifTool reads the embedded MakerNote value; EXIF-editing software can alter metadata but cannot change the in-camera counter. Always verify from an original, untouched PEF file or via the camera menu.
ShutterCount supports the full Pentax K-mount system. See related guides: