Pentax K-500 vs Ricoh CX5

Its time to examine more closely at the Pentax K-500 and Ricoh CX5, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Pentax and Ricoh. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the K-500 (16MP) and CX5 (10MP) and the K-500 (APS-C) and CX5 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The K-500 was launched 2 years later than the CX5 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera and the Ricoh CX5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summation of how the K-500 grades against the CX5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-500 and Ricoh CX5. The complete galleries are available at Pentax K-500 Gallery and Ricoh CX5 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Pentax K-500 has outside measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs) and the Ricoh CX5 has measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 205 grams (0.45 lbs).

Look at the Pentax K-500 and Ricoh CX5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the K-500 and the CX5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the K-500 and CX5 is 64 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to see the difference between sensor sizing purely by checking specs. The photograph underneath will give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the K-500 and CX5.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The K-500 because of its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Pentax K-500 will resolve greater detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more recent K-500 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.