Pentax K-1 vs Pentax ist DS2

Let's look more closely at the Pentax K-1 and Pentax ist DS2, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras and both are designed by Pentax. There is a substantial difference between the resolutions of the K-1 (36MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the K-1 (Full frame) and ist DS2 (APS-C) posses different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The K-1 was released 10 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the K-1 scores against the ist DS2 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-1 & Pentax ist DS2. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax K-1 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Pentax K-1 comes with physical measurements of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") along with a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs) and the Pentax ist DS2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Compare the Pentax K-1 and Pentax ist DS2 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the K-1 and the ist DS2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the K-1 and ist DS2 is 55 and 68 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing purely by going over specs. The visual below might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the K-1 and ist DS2.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The K-1 featuring a larger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field simpler and the Pentax K-1 will offer extra detail as a result of its extra 30 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos way more aggressively. The younger K-1 should have a benefit in sensor tech.