Pentax K-5 vs Pentax ist DS2

Let's look much closer at the Pentax K-5 vs Pentax ist DS2, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras and both are produced by Pentax. There is a considerable difference between the image resolutions of the K-5 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor sizes (APS-C).

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The K-5 was introduced 5 years after the ist DS2 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a short introduction of how the K-5 matches up versus the ist DS2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-5 & Pentax ist DS2. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax K-5 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Pentax K-5 provides outer dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs) and the Pentax ist DS2 has dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

See the Pentax K-5 vs Pentax ist DS2 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the K-5 against the ist DS2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the K-5 and ist DS2 is 60 and 68 respectively.

Often, it's tough to envision the difference between sensor sizes merely by reading specs. The pic underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-5 and ist DS2.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Pentax K-5 to deliver extra detail using its extra 10MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots much more aggressively. The newer K-5 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.