Pentax K-5 IIs vs Sony NEX-5

Lets look a bit more in depth at the Pentax K-5 IIs vs Sony NEX-5, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the K-5 IIs (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively comparable and both cameras offer the identical sensor sizing (APS-C).

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The K-5 IIs was introduced 3 years later than the NEX-5 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the K-5 IIs grades against the NEX-5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-5 IIs & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera frequently, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-5 IIs has exterior dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check the Pentax K-5 IIs vs Sony NEX-5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select during that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the K-5 IIs and the NEX-5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the K-5 IIs and NEX-5 is 60 and 89 respectively.

Generally, its hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizing merely by going through technical specs. The graphic below will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-5 IIs and NEX-5.

As you have seen, both cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different MP. You can count on the Pentax K-5 IIs to show extra detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The newer K-5 IIs should have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.