Battle of the Lenses: Canon EF-S 18-135mm vs. Pentax DA 18-55mm – Which is Best for Your Canon EOS 700D?

Choosing the right DSLR camera can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to decide between two popular models like the Canon EOS 700D with its EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens and the Pentax K-500 with its SMC Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR lens. Both are known for their user-friendliness and versatility, but they have distinct strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive comparison will help you understand the key differences and determine which camera aligns better with your photographic needs and budget.

Image Quality: A Tale of Two Sensors

The Canon EOS 700D boasts an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, delivering high-quality images with excellent color reproduction and detail. The Pentax K-500, on the other hand, uses a 16.28-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, known for its ability to capture beautiful landscapes and portraits.
Canon EOS 700D: The 18-megapixel sensor in the Canon EOS 700D allows for larger prints and more cropping flexibility. Its image processing engine, DIGIC 5, delivers excellent color accuracy and dynamic range, producing vibrant and detailed images.
Pentax K-500: While the Pentax K-500 has a slightly lower megapixel count, its sensor is known for its excellent low-light performance and ability to capture subtle details. It also features a PRIME M engine for image processing, delivering natural colors and reduced noise.
Verdict: Both cameras offer impressive image quality, but the Canon EOS 700D edges out with its higher resolution and superior dynamic range for more challenging lighting conditions.

Autofocus: Speed and Precision

Autofocus performance is crucial for capturing fast-moving subjects and achieving sharp images. Both the Canon EOS 700D and the Pentax K-500 feature phase-detection autofocus systems, but their implementation differs.
Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D features a 9-point autofocus system, which is efficient in most situations. However, it lacks the advanced tracking capabilities found in higher-end Canon models.
Pentax K-500: The Pentax K-500 boasts a 11-point autofocus system with a cross-type sensor in the center, offering improved accuracy and tracking performance, particularly for moving subjects.
Verdict: The Pentax K-500 takes the lead in autofocus performance due to its more advanced system with better subject tracking capabilities.

Built-in Features: A Comparison of Convenience

Both cameras offer a range of features designed to enhance your photographic experience.
Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D features a 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD, allowing for intuitive navigation and creative shooting angles. It also includes built-in Wi-Fi for easy image sharing and remote control.
Pentax K-500: The Pentax K-500 boasts a 3-inch fixed LCD with a resolution of 921k dots. While it lacks a touchscreen, it offers a built-in GPS module for geotagging your images.
Verdict: The Canon EOS 700D wins this round with its touchscreen LCD and Wi-Fi connectivity, offering greater convenience and versatility.

Performance: Speed and Responsiveness

Capturing fleeting moments requires a camera that can keep up. Both cameras offer decent shooting speeds and buffer capacities.
Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D can shoot at a continuous rate of 4 frames per second (fps), sufficient for capturing most action. Its buffer can hold a decent number of images before slowing down.
Pentax K-500: The Pentax K-500 offers a slightly faster continuous shooting speed of 6 fps, making it better suited for capturing rapid action. Its buffer can also hold a larger number of images before slowing down.
Verdict: The Pentax K-500 takes the lead with its faster shooting speed, making it a better choice for action photography.

Lenses: A Choice Between Versatility and Reach

The included lenses play a significant role in your photographic experience.
Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D comes bundled with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, offering a versatile zoom range from wide-angle to telephoto. The STM motor ensures smooth and silent autofocus, ideal for video recording.
Pentax K-500: The Pentax K-500 is bundled with the SMC Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR lens, providing a standard zoom range suitable for various subjects. The lens features weather-resistant construction, making it more durable in challenging conditions.
Verdict: The Canon EOS 700D offers a wider zoom range with its 18-135mm lens, providing more flexibility for capturing distant subjects. However, the Pentax K-500’s lens is weather-sealed, making it a better choice for outdoor shooting in less-than-ideal conditions.

Video Capabilities: A Comparison of Quality and Features

Both cameras offer full HD video recording capabilities, but their features differ.
Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D records full HD videos at 30fps with stereo sound. It features a dedicated movie button for easy access and manual controls for adjusting exposure and focus. The STM motor in the bundled lens ensures smooth and silent autofocus transitions, making it ideal for video recording.
Pentax K-500: The Pentax K-500 also records full HD videos at 30fps with stereo sound. However, its video features are less extensive compared to the Canon EOS 700D. While it offers manual controls, it lacks the dedicated movie button and the smooth autofocus transitions provided by the Canon’s STM lens.
Verdict: The Canon EOS 700D excels in video recording with its dedicated movie button, smooth autofocus, and manual controls, making it a better choice for videographers.

Battery Life: A Matter of Endurance

Battery life is crucial for photographers who spend long hours shooting.
Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D uses the LP-E8 battery, which provides an estimated 440 shots per charge.
Pentax K-500: The Pentax K-500 uses the D-LI109 battery, offering an estimated 580 shots per charge.
Verdict: The Pentax K-500 wins in battery life, offering a longer shooting time on a single charge.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Camera

The choice between the Canon EOS 700D and the Pentax K-500 depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Canon EOS 700D:

• Pros: Higher resolution sensor, touchscreen LCD, Wi-Fi connectivity, versatile lens, excellent video capabilities.
• Cons: Less advanced autofocus system, lower battery life.

Pentax K-500:

• Pros: Advanced autofocus system, faster shooting speed, weather-sealed lens, longer battery life.
• Cons: Lower resolution sensor, no touchscreen LCD, limited video features.

Recommendation:

• Canon EOS 700D: Ideal for photographers who prioritize image quality, versatility, and video recording capabilities.
• Pentax K-500: A better choice for action photographers, those who need weather-resistant equipment, and those who value longer battery life.

The Final Word: Finding Your Photographic Journey

Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that best fits your style, budget, and photographic goals. Both the Canon EOS 700D and the Pentax K-500 offer excellent value and features that can help you capture stunning images and embark on your photographic journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the differences in the lenses included with each camera?
The Canon EOS 700D comes with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, offering a wider zoom range (18-135mm) compared to the Pentax K-500’s SMC Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR lens. The Canon lens also features an STM motor for smoother and quieter autofocus, beneficial for video recording. The Pentax lens, however, is weather-resistant, making it more durable for outdoor shooting in challenging conditions.
Q2: Can I use other lenses with these cameras?
Yes, both cameras are compatible with a wide range of lenses. The Canon EOS 700D accepts Canon EF and EF-S lenses, while the Pentax K-500 supports Pentax K and DA lenses. You can expand your creative possibilities by exploring different focal lengths and specialized lenses for various photographic genres.
Q3: Which camera is better for beginners?
Both the Canon EOS 700D and the Pentax K-500 are excellent choices for beginners due to their user-friendly interfaces and intuitive controls. The Canon EOS 700D might be slightly easier to navigate with its touchscreen LCD, but the Pentax K-500 offers a more straightforward menu system. Ultimately, the best camera for beginners depends on their personal preferences and learning style.
Q4: What about image stabilization?
The Canon EOS 700D’s bundled lens features optical image stabilization, which helps reduce camera shake and produce sharper images, especially in low-light conditions. The Pentax K-500’s lens lacks image stabilization, but its sensor-shift stabilization system can help compensate for camera shake.
Q5: Can I upgrade the camera’s firmware?
Yes, both cameras allow you to upgrade their firmware to improve performance, add new features, and fix any bugs. You can download the latest firmware updates from the manufacturer’s website and install them using a memory card. Regular firmware updates ensure that your camera is running optimally and taking advantage of the latest advancements.