Pentax K-500 vs Pentax E85

The following is a detailed comparison of the Pentax K-500 versus Pentax E85, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both sold by Pentax. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the K-500 (16MP) and E85 (12MP) and the K-500 (APS-C) and E85 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The K-500 was revealed 4 years after the E85 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax E85 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the K-500 grades against the E85 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-500 and Pentax Optio E85. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax K-500 Gallery and Pentax E85 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and volume. The Pentax K-500 has got outside measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs) whilst the Pentax E85 has sizing of 93mm x 58mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") along with a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs).

Check the Pentax K-500 versus Pentax E85 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the K-500 versus the E85.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the K-500 and E85 is 64 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to picture the gap between sensor dimensions only by going over a spec sheet. The pic here will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the K-500 and E85.

Clearly, both of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The K-500 having a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Pentax K-500 will offer greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more recent K-500 provides an edge when it comes to sensor tech.