Pentax K-500 vs Sony RX100

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Pentax K-500 and Sony RX100, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the K-500 (16MP) and the RX100 (20MP) is fairly similar but the K-500 (APS-C) and RX100 (1") feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The K-500 was introduced 16 months after the RX100 making the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going through a in-depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the K-500 grades against the RX100 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-500 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax K-500 Gallery and Sony RX100 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera often, you need to think about its weight and size. The Pentax K-500 has external dimensions 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 Sony RX100 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Compare the Pentax K-500 and Sony RX100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the K-500 against the RX100.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the K-500 and RX100 is 64 and 91 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing technical specs. The picture below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-500 and RX100.

As you have seen, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The K-500 having a larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field simpler and the Sony RX100 will deliver greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The younger K-500 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.