Pentax K-500 vs Sony NEX-5

Here, we will be reviewing the Pentax K-500 vs Sony NEX-5, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the K-500 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively close and both cameras have the identical sensor size (APS-C).

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The K-500 was announced 3 years later than the NEX-5 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a full comparison, here is a brief summary of how the K-500 scores vs the NEX-5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-500 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax K-500 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Pentax K-500 provides physical dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax K-500 vs Sony NEX-5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the K-500 and the NEX-5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the K-500 and NEX-5 is 64 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to visualise the gap in sensor measurements just by looking through technical specs. The visual here will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the K-500 and NEX-5.

As you have seen, each of these cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You should count on the Pentax K-500 to result in more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The newer K-500 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.