Pentax K-1 vs Sony A550

The following is a extended assessment of the Pentax K-1 and Sony A550, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Pentax and Sony. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the K-1 (36MP) and A550 (14MP) and the K-1 (Full frame) and A550 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizing.

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The K-1 was revealed 6 years after the A550 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summary of how the K-1 matches up vs the A550 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-1 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The full galleries are available at Pentax K-1 Gallery & Sony A550 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Pentax K-1 enjoys exterior dimensions of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") having a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs) while the Sony A550 has sizing of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

See the Pentax K-1 and Sony A550 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the K-1 compared to the A550.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the K-1 and A550 is 55 and 63 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to envision the gap between sensor dimensions just by reading through technical specs. The picture here should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-1 and A550.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The K-1 having a larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Pentax K-1 will give greater detail because of its extra 22 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos much more aggressively. The newer K-1 will have an edge in sensor tech.