Pentax K-5 II vs Pentax RS1500

Let's look much closer at the Pentax K-5 II and Pentax RS1500, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both sold by Pentax. The resolution of the K-5 II (16MP) and the RS1500 (14MP) is pretty close but the K-5 II (APS-C) and RS1500 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The K-5 II was released 2 years after the RS1500 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax RS1500 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple overview of how the K-5 II scores vs the RS1500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-5 II and Pentax Optio RS1500. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax K-5 II Gallery and Pentax RS1500 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax K-5 II offers outer dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs) while the Pentax RS1500 has dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax K-5 II and Pentax RS1500 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the K-5 II compared to the RS1500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the K-5 II and RS1500 is 60 and 93 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizes simply by viewing a spec sheet. The image underneath may offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-5 II and RS1500.

Clearly, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The K-5 II due to its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Pentax K-5 II will provide you with extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more recent K-5 II should have an edge in sensor technology.