Pentax K-01 vs Pentax ist DS2

The following is a comprehensive review of the Pentax K-01 and Pentax ist DS2, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR and they are both created by Pentax. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the K-01 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions (APS-C).

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The K-01 was announced 6 years after the ist DS2 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the K-01 scores vs the ist DS2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-01 & Pentax ist DS2. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax K-01 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-01 enjoys exterior dimensions of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") and a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Look at the Pentax K-01 and Pentax ist DS2 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is a front view size comparison of the K-01 vs the ist DS2.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the K-01 and ist DS2 is 76 and 68 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to picture the gap in sensor dimensions just by checking out a spec sheet. The picture here will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-01 and ist DS2.

As you can see, each of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different megapixels. You can expect the Pentax K-01 to produce extra detail with its extra 10MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The fresher K-01 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.