Pentax K-500 vs Pentax ist DL2

The following is a in depth review of the Pentax K-500 vs Pentax ist DL2, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Advanced DSLR and they are both built by Pentax. There exists a big gap among the image resolutions of the K-500 (16MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor sizing (APS-C).

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The K-500 was introduced 7 years after the ist DL2 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick view of how the K-500 scores vs the ist DL2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-500 and Pentax ist DL2. The whole galleries are available at Pentax K-500 Gallery and Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and volume. The Pentax K-500 features external dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs) whilst the Pentax ist DL2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Look at the Pentax K-500 vs Pentax ist DL2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the K-500 and the ist DL2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the K-500 and ist DL2 is 64 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to envision the difference in sensor dimensions purely by looking through technical specs. The image here might provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-500 and ist DL2.

As you can tell, both the cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Pentax K-500 to render greater detail using its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The newer K-500 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.