Pentax K-500 vs Sony ZV-1

In this article, we are analyzing the Pentax K-500 versus Sony ZV-1, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the K-500 (16MP) and the ZV-1 (20MP) is fairly comparable but the K-500 (APS-C) and ZV-1 (1") enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The K-500 was introduced 7 years before the ZV-1 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony ZV-1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short overview of how the K-500 matches up against the ZV-1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-500 and Sony ZV-1. The whole galleries are available at Pentax K-500 Gallery and Sony ZV-1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera often, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax K-500 offers outer 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 Sony ZV-1 has dimensions of 105mm x 60mm x 44mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.7") having a weight of 294 grams (0.65 lbs).

Check out the Pentax K-500 versus Sony ZV-1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the K-500 compared to the ZV-1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the K-500 and ZV-1 is 64 and 88 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to see the contrast in sensor dimensions just by seeing specs. The image below may give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-500 and ZV-1.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The K-500 using its larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Sony ZV-1 will show more detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged K-500 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.