Pentax K-1 vs Sigma SD1

In this article, we will be matching up the Pentax K-1 and Sigma SD1, both Advanced DSLR cameras by companies Pentax and Sigma. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the K-1 (36MP) and SD1 (15MP) and the K-1 (Full frame) and SD1 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The K-1 was announced 5 years later than the SD1 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the K-1 scores against the SD1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-1 & Sigma SD1. The whole galleries are available at Pentax K-1 Gallery & Sigma SD1 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-1 has outside measurements of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") with a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs) whilst the Sigma SD1 has proportions of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") with a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs).

Look at the Pentax K-1 and Sigma SD1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the K-1 against the SD1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the K-1 and SD1 is 55 and 77 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to picture the difference in sensor measurements purely by researching technical specs. The visual below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the K-1 and SD1.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The K-1 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Pentax K-1 will render extra detail with its extra 21 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more recent K-1 should have an advantage in sensor tech.