Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax ist DS2

The following is a in-depth review of the Leica Digilux 3 and Pentax ist DS2, both Advanced DSLR cameras by rivals Leica and Pentax. The resolution of the Digilux 3 (7MP) and the ist DS2 (6MP) is pretty comparable but the Digilux 3 (Four Thirds) and ist DS2 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor size.

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The Digilux 3 was revealed 13 months after the ist DS2 which makes them a generation away from one another. The two cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a simple summation of how the Digilux 3 matches up against the ist DS2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Leica Digilux 3 and Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are provided at Leica Digilux 3 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Leica Digilux 3 enjoys exterior measurements of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") and a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) and the Pentax ist DS2 has dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Check the Leica Digilux 3 and Pentax ist DS2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the Digilux 3 versus the ist DS2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the Digilux 3 and ist DS2 is 65 and 68 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to envision the gap in sensor dimensions purely by seeing specs. The image here will provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the Digilux 3 and ist DS2.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The Digilux 3 having a smaller sensor will make getting bokeh more difficult and the Leica Digilux 3 will provide more detail because of its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The newer Digilux 3 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.