Panasonic S1R vs Pentax ist DS2

Below is a extended review of the Panasonic S1R and Pentax ist DS2, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the S1R (47MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the S1R (Full frame) and ist DS2 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The S1R was manufactured 13 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic S1R being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a short overview of how the S1R scores versus the ist DS2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R and Pentax ist DS2. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic S1R Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S1R offers outside dimensions of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") having a weight of 1020 grams (2.25 lbs) and the Pentax ist DS2 has measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic S1R and Pentax ist DS2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the S1R vs the ist DS2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the S1R and ist DS2 is 54 and 68 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements simply by going over technical specs. The photograph here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the S1R and ist DS2.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The S1R due to its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic S1R will offer greater detail due to its extra 41MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The fresher S1R will have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.