Nikon D300S vs Pentax K-5

Below is a thorough review of the Nikon D300S versus Pentax K-5, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the D300S (12MP) and K-5 (16MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor measurements (APS-C).

Photography Glossary

The D300S was released 13 months prior to the K-5 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the D300S matches up versus the K-5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon D300S & Pentax K-5. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon D300S Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Nikon D300S offers physical measurements of 147mm x 114mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") along with a weight of 938 grams (2.07 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 has sizing of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Analyze the Nikon D300S versus Pentax K-5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have at the time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the D300S and the K-5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the D300S and K-5 is 55 and 60 respectively.

Often, it's hard to see the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading technical specs. The photograph here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the D300S and K-5.

As you have seen, both cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You can count on the Pentax K-5 to deliver extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The older D300S is going to be behind in sensor innovation.