JVC
GY-HC500U
Connected Cam 1-inch camcorder with 20x zoom, 4K60p ProRes 422 10-bit, HLG/J-Log1, 3G-SDI, weather sealing, and SRT streaming.
$3,395
Launch priceReleased Sep 2019
Pentax
K-1
Original 36MP full-frame Pentax DSLR with 5-axis SR, AA filter simulator, and weather sealing.
$1,799
Launch priceReleased Apr 2016
GY-HC500U is 3.3 years newer.
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Wins
GY-HC500U
Wins
K-1
12 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BK-1 has higher AF points / zones (101 vs 0)
- BK-1 has higher AF frame coverage (100 % vs 0 %)
- BK-1 has higher Resolution (36.4 MP vs 9.35 MP)
- AGY-HC500U has lower Weight (580 g vs 1010 g)
- AGY-HC500U has higher IBIS effectiveness (7 stops vs 5 stops)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareGY-HC500U
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
K-1
137 × 111 × 87 mm
1010 g (2.23 lb / 35.63 oz)
GY-HC500U is 3mm narrower, 20mm shorter, and 15mm thinner than K-1.
GY-HC500U is 430 g lighter than K-1.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm GY-HC500U · 87mm K-1
Sensor size, to scale
GY-HC500U
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
K-1
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
3.8× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
GY-HC500U: mount data unavailable
K-1
✓ more lensesPentax K
70+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
GY-HC500U
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 91, 72
Internal RAW video
Only GY-HC500U supports it
Weight
580 g vs 1010 g — lower is better
Codecs
Adds ProRes
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 5 stops — higher is better
Max video bit rate
200 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
K-1
AF points / zones
101 vs 0 — higher is better
AF frame coverage
100 % vs 0 % — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 137, 110.5, 86.5
Resolution
36.4 MP vs 9.35 MP — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 8 fps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
GY-HC500U
Pros
- ✓1-inch sensor + 20x f/2.8–4.5 zoom
- ✓4K60p Apple ProRes 422 internal
- ✓HLG / J-Log1 HDR
- ✓3G-SDI + weather-resistant body
- ✓SRT / RTMP streaming
Cons
- –Heavy at 3.6 kg configured
- –SSD ProRes needs optional adapter
- –Premium over GY-HM250
- –9.35MP effective sensor
K-1
Pros
- ✓36MP full-frame
- ✓IBIS in DSLR
- ✓AA filter simulator
- ✓Weather sealed
Cons
- –Slow AF vs mirrorless
- –Heavy
- –Superseded by K-1 II
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the GY-HC500U and K-1 at major authorized retailers.
JVC GY-HC500U
Pentax K-1
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for portraits, GY-HC500U or K-1?
K-1 scores 8.0/10 versus 4.0/10 for GY-HC500U — 36.4MP — ample resolution for portraits.
What's the resolution difference between the GY-HC500U and K-1?
GY-HC500U is 9.35 MP and K-1 is 36.4 MP, so the K-1 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the GY-HC500U and K-1 have in-body image stabilization?
GY-HC500U has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while K-1 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the GY-HC500U or the K-1?
GY-HC500U reaches 20 fps electronic. K-1 reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the GY-HC500U and K-1?
GY-HC500U weighs 580 g and K-1 weighs 1010 g, so the GY-HC500U is 430 g lighter.
Do the GY-HC500U and K-1 record 4K video?
GY-HC500U: 4K up to 60p. K-1: 4K up to 60p.
Are the GY-HC500U and K-1 weather sealed?
GY-HC500U: Yes. K-1: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the GY-HC500U and 640 shots for the K-1, giving the K-1 the edge.
How much does each cost?
GY-HC500U launched at $3,395 and K-1 at $1,799. The K-1 is $1,596 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way GY-HC500U vs K-1 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.