Pentax K-5 vs Sony NEX-5

Here, we will be matching up the Pentax K-5 and Sony NEX-5, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the K-5 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively close and both cameras posses the identical sensor sizing (APS-C).

Photography Glossary

The K-5 was released 7 months later than the NEX-5 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a quick summation of how the K-5 scores versus the NEX-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-5 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax K-5 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and size. The Pentax K-5 enjoys exterior dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

See the Pentax K-5 and Sony NEX-5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the K-5 and the NEX-5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the K-5 and NEX-5 is 60 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to picture the difference in sensor measurements just by viewing specifications. The visual here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the K-5 and NEX-5.

To sum up, both of the cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different resolution. You should count on the Pentax K-5 to result in extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The fresher K-5 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.