Pentax K-5 vs Sony A550

Below is a in depth analysis of the Pentax K-5 vs Sony A550, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the K-5 (16MP) and the A550 (14MP) is pretty well matched and they come with the same exact sensor measurements (APS-C).

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The K-5 was revealed 13 months later than the A550 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the K-5 scores versus the A550 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The full galleries are provided at Pentax K-5 Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera, you should consider its weight and dimensions. The Pentax K-5 has external measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs) while the Sony A550 has dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Check out the Pentax K-5 vs Sony A550 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the K-5 vs the A550.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the K-5 and A550 is 60 and 63 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to see the gap between sensor measurements just by checking a spec sheet. The photograph here might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the K-5 and A550.

As you can see, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Pentax K-5 to give you extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The fresher K-5 will have an advantage in sensor innovation.