Pentax K-5 vs Sony A850

The following is a comprehensive assessment of the Pentax K-5 vs Sony A850, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by brands Pentax and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the K-5 (16MP) and A850 (25MP) and the K-5 (APS-C) and A850 (Full frame) offer different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The K-5 was announced 9 months after the A850 which means that they are of a similar age. Both cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before going right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the K-5 grades versus the A850 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-5 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax K-5 Gallery & Sony A850 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Pentax K-5 features external measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs) whilst the Sony A850 has dimensions of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax K-5 vs Sony A850 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the K-5 vs the A850.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the K-5 and A850 is 60 and 54 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by looking at specifications. The pic here might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the K-5 and A850.

Plainly, both of those cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The K-5 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh tougher and the Sony A850 will resolve greater detail with its extra 9MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images more aggressively. The fresher K-5 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.