Pentax K-500 vs Pentax ist DS2

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Pentax K-500 versus Pentax ist DS2, former is a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Advanced DSLR and both of them are built by Pentax. There exists a large gap between the resolutions of the K-500 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) but they use the same exact sensor size (APS-C).

Photography Glossary

The K-500 was introduced 8 years after the ist DS2 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a brief summary of how the K-500 scores versus the ist DS2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-500 & Pentax ist DS2. The whole galleries are available at Pentax K-500 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Pentax K-500 enjoys physical measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs) and the Pentax ist DS2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

See the Pentax K-500 versus Pentax ist DS2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the K-500 vs the ist DS2.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the K-500 and ist DS2 is 64 and 68 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to see the difference between sensor sizes simply by going over specs. The pic below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the K-500 and ist DS2.

All in all, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Pentax K-500 to offer more detail using its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The fresher K-500 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.