Pentax K-S1 vs Sony A900

Its time to look more closely at the Pentax K-S1 and Sony A900, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by rivals Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the K-S1 (20MP) and the A900 (25MP) is relatively similar but the K-S1 (APS-C) and A900 (Full frame) have different sensor measurements.

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The K-S1 was revealed 5 years later than the A900 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the K-S1 scores against the A900 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-S1 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A900. The full galleries are provided at Pentax K-S1 Gallery & Sony A900 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Pentax K-S1 enjoys physical measurements of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") along with a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs) and the Sony A900 has measurements of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") along with a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

Examine the Pentax K-S1 and Sony A900 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the K-S1 compared to the A900.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the K-S1 and A900 is 69 and 54 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing merely by going over specifications. The visual here will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the K-S1 and A900.

To sum up, both the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The K-S1 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Sony A900 will deliver more detail because of its extra 5MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The newer K-S1 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.