Pentax K-5 IIs vs Sony WX1

The following is a extended review of the Pentax K-5 IIs vs Sony WX1, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Pentax and Sony. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the K-5 IIs (16MP) and WX1 (10MP) and the K-5 IIs (APS-C) and WX1 (1/2.4") enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The K-5 IIs was unveiled 3 years after the WX1 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony WX1 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summary of how the K-5 IIs scores against the WX1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-5 IIs & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1. The full galleries are provided at Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery & Sony WX1 Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Pentax K-5 IIs provides outside measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs) whilst the Sony WX1 has measurements of 91mm x 52mm x 20mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.8") with a weight of 149 grams (0.33 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax K-5 IIs vs Sony WX1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the K-5 IIs compared to the WX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the K-5 IIs and WX1 is 60 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to see the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reading through a spec sheet. The pic underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the K-5 IIs and WX1.

As you can see, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The K-5 IIs with its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Pentax K-5 IIs will give you more detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The fresher K-5 IIs will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.