Pentax K-5 vs Pentax RS1500

Its time to look closer at the Pentax K-5 vs Pentax RS1500, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both created by Pentax. The resolution of the K-5 (16MP) and the RS1500 (14MP) is relatively similar but the K-5 (APS-C) and RS1500 (1/2.3") use different sensor size.

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The K-5 was unveiled 2 months prior to the RS1500 and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax RS1500 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short highlight of how the K-5 scores versus the RS1500 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-5 and Pentax Optio RS1500. The full galleries are provided at Pentax K-5 Gallery and Pentax RS1500 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-5 features outside measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs) whilst the Pentax RS1500 has proportions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

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

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the K-5 and the RS1500.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the K-5 and RS1500 is 60 and 93 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading a spec sheet. The photograph here should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the K-5 and RS1500.

As you can see, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The K-5 having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Pentax K-5 will offer you more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively.