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Pentax K-50 vs Pentax ist DS2

Portability
63
Imaging
58
Features
65
Overall
60
Pentax K-50 front
 
Pentax ist DS2 front
Portability
68
Imaging
44
Features
33
Overall
39

Pentax K-50 vs Pentax ist DS2 Key Specs

Pentax K-50
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 51600
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1/6000s Maximum Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 650g - 130 x 97 x 71mm
  • Revealed November 2013
  • Superseded the Pentax K-30
Pentax ist DS2
(Full Review)
  • 6MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Display
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • Pentax KAF Mount
  • 605g - 125 x 93 x 66mm
  • Introduced August 2005
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Pentax K-50 vs Pentax ist DS2 Overview

Here, we are looking at the Pentax K-50 and Pentax ist DS2, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Advanced DSLR and they are both offered by Pentax. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the K-50 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) but both cameras offer the identical sensor sizing (APS-C).

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The K-50 was brought out 8 years later than the ist DS2 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summation of how the K-50 grades against the ist DS2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

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Reasons to pick Pentax K-50 over the Pentax ist DS2

 K-50 ist DS2 
IntroducedNovember 2013August 2005Fresher by 101 months
Display size3"2.5"Larger display (+0.5")
Display resolution921k210kCrisper display (+711k dot)

Reasons to pick Pentax ist DS2 over the Pentax K-50

 ist DS2 K-50 

Common features in the Pentax K-50 and Pentax ist DS2

 K-50 ist DS2 
Focus manually Dial precise focusing
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Selfie screen No selfie screen
Touch display No Touch display

Pentax K-50 vs Pentax ist DS2 Physical Comparison

If you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Pentax K-50 provides outer measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs) whilst the Pentax ist DS2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Check out the Pentax K-50 and Pentax ist DS2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the K-50 and the ist DS2.

Pentax K-50 vs Pentax ist DS2 size comparison

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the K-50 and ist DS2 is 63 and 68 respectively.

Pentax K-50 vs Pentax ist DS2 top view buttons comparison

Pentax K-50 vs Pentax ist DS2 Sensor Comparison

Quite often, it is very tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing only by checking out specifications. The photograph here should give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the K-50 and ist DS2.

To sum up, each of the cameras come with the identical sensor size but different resolution. You should anticipate the Pentax K-50 to show greater detail having its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The fresher K-50 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.

Pentax K-50 vs Pentax ist DS2 sensor size comparison

Pentax K-50 vs Pentax ist DS2 Screen and ViewFinder

Pentax K-50 vs Pentax ist DS2 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Pentax K-50 Portrait photography highlights
Pentax ist DS2 Portrait photography highlights
74
you can focus manually
sensor resolution is decent (16 megapixels)
good sensor size (APS-C)
provides face detect autofocus
supports RAW files
50
focusing manually
decent sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
doesn't have liveview
low resolution (6MP)
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Street Comparison

Street photography with Pentax K-50
Street photography with Pentax ist DS2
65
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
good sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW files
environment proofing
good ISO range (51,600)
no articulating screen
heavier than average (650 grams)
60
decent sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
lighter than average (605 grams)
no moving screen
does not have image stabilization
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Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Pentax K-50
Sports photography with Pentax ist DS2
67
max shutter speed is good (1/6,000 seconds)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
good sensor size (APS-C)
provides tracking focus
environment proofing
sensor has phase detect autofocus
slow continuous shooting (6.0 fps)
low battery pack (410 shots)
38
decent sensor size (APS-C)
has phase detect auto focus
doesn't have liveview
slow continuous shooting (3.0 frames/s)
does not have image stabilization
low resolution (6MP)
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Pentax K-50
Travel photography with Pentax ist DS2
56
environment proofing
sensor resolution is decent (16 megapixels)
flash built-in
low battery pack (410 shots)
heavier than average (650g)
does not contain selfie friendly screen
52
lighter than average (605g)
flash built-in
no Timelapse mode
low resolution (6MP)
does not have a selfie friendly display
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Landscape Comparison

Pentax K-50 Landscape photography factors
Pentax ist DS2 Landscape photography factors
74
you can focus manually
swap lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
nice screen size (3 inches)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor resolution is decent (16 megapixels)
good sensor size (APS-C)
good ISO range (51,600)
supports RAW files
environment proofing
low battery pack (410 shots)
46
focusing manually
interchangeable lenses (Pentax KAF mount)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
screen is small (2.5")
doesn't have liveview
does not have image stabilization
low resolution (6 megapixels)
no Timelapse mode
Photography Glossary

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-50 as a Vlogging camera
Pentax ist DS2 as a Vlogging camera
28
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
provides face detect autofocus
high video quality (1920 x 1080 resolution)
does not contain selfie friendly screen
doesn't have mic jack
heavier than average (650 grams)
22
lighter than average (605g)
does not have a selfie friendly display
does not have image stabilization
video res low ( pixels)
no external microphone socket
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Pentax K-50 vs Pentax ist DS2 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Pentax K-50 and Pentax ist DS2
 Pentax K-50Pentax ist DS2
General Information
Make Pentax Pentax
Model Pentax K-50 Pentax ist DS2
Type Entry-Level DSLR Advanced DSLR
Revealed 2013-11-27 2005-08-22
Physical type Compact SLR Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Powered by PRIME M -
Sensor type CMOS CCD
Sensor size APS-C APS-C
Sensor measurements 23.7 x 15.7mm 23.5 x 15.7mm
Sensor area 372.1mm² 369.0mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 6 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 3:2
Max resolution 4928 x 3264 3008 x 2008
Max native ISO 51600 3200
Minimum native ISO 100 200
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Number of focus points 11 11
Cross focus points 9 -
Lens
Lens mount Pentax KAF2 Pentax KAF
Number of lenses 151 151
Focal length multiplier 1.5 1.5
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display sizing 3" 2.5"
Display resolution 921k dots 210k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Display tech TFT LCD monitor with brightness/color adjustment and AR coating -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) Optical
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent 95 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.61x 0.64x
Features
Minimum shutter speed 30s 30s
Fastest shutter speed 1/6000s 1/4000s
Continuous shutter rate 6.0 frames/s 3.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range 12.00 m (at ISO 100) -
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync, Slow Sync+Redeye, Trailing Curtain Sync, Wireless Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction
External flash
AEB
White balance bracketing
Fastest flash synchronize 1/180s -
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30,25,24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60,50,30,25,24 fps), 640 x 424 (30,25,24 fps) -
Max video resolution 1920x1080 -
Video file format MPEG-4, H.264 -
Microphone port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless None No
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
GPS Optional None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 650 grams (1.43 pounds) 605 grams (1.33 pounds)
Physical dimensions 130 x 97 x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") 125 x 93 x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score 79 not tested
DXO Color Depth score 23.7 not tested
DXO Dynamic range score 13.0 not tested
DXO Low light score 1120 not tested
Other
Battery life 410 photos -
Type of battery Battery Pack -
Battery model D-LI109 4 x AA
Self timer Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/MMC card
Card slots Single Single
Retail pricing $610 -