Pentax K-01 vs Sony NEX-5

The following is a extended assessment of the Pentax K-01 vs Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the K-01 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras have the identical sensor dimensions (APS-C).

Photography Glossary

The K-01 was manufactured 2 years after the NEX-5 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the K-01 scores against the NEX-5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-01 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax K-01 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to consider its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-01 enjoys outside dimensions of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") with a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check out the Pentax K-01 vs Sony NEX-5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the K-01 against the NEX-5.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the K-01 and NEX-5 is 76 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to see the gap between sensor dimensions just by looking at specifications. The image underneath might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-01 and NEX-5.

To sum up, each of the cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Pentax K-01 to give extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more recent K-01 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.