Pentax K-x vs Pentax ist DS2
69 Imaging
52 Features
47 Overall
50
68 Imaging
44 Features
33 Overall
39
Pentax K-x vs Pentax ist DS2 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Increase to 12800)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Max Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 580g - 123 x 92 x 68mm
- Launched December 2009
(Full Review)
- 6MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Screen
- ISO 200 - 3200
- Pentax KAF Mount
- 605g - 125 x 93 x 66mm
- Released August 2005
Pentax K-x vs Pentax ist DS2 Overview
Its time to look a bit more closely at the Pentax K-x and Pentax ist DS2, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Advanced DSLR and both are built by Pentax. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the K-x (12MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor dimensions (APS-C).
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneThe K-x was manufactured 4 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax K-x being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.
Before going through a full comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the K-x matches up vs the ist DS2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.
Pentax K-x vs Pentax ist DS2 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-x and Pentax ist DS2. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax K-x Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-x over the Pentax ist DS2
K-x | ist DS2 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | December 2009 | August 2005 | More recent by 53 months | |
Screen dimension | 2.7" | 2.5" | Bigger screen (+0.2") | |
Screen resolution | 230k | 210k | Crisper screen (+20k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax ist DS2 over the Pentax K-x
ist DS2 | K-x |
---|
Common features in the Pentax K-x and Pentax ist DS2
K-x | ist DS2 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | More accurate focusing | |||
Screen type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed screen | |
Selfie screen | Neither contains selfie screen | |||
Touch friendly screen | Neither contains Touch friendly screen |
Pentax K-x vs Pentax ist DS2 Physical Comparison
If you're intending to lug around your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and size. The Pentax K-x has got outside measurements of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") with a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs) and the Pentax ist DS2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).
See the Pentax K-x and Pentax ist DS2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the K-x and the ist DS2.
Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the K-x and ist DS2 is 69 and 68 respectively.
Pentax K-x vs Pentax ist DS2 Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it is very hard to see the gap between sensor measurements only by going over specs. The visual underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the K-x and ist DS2.
All in all, both of the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Pentax K-x to deliver extra detail due to its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots much more aggressively. The younger K-x is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.
Pentax K-x vs Pentax ist DS2 Screen and ViewFinder
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
Street Comparison
Sports Comparison
Travel Comparison
Landscape Comparison
Vlogging Comparison
Pentax K-x vs Pentax ist DS2 Specifications
Pentax K-x | Pentax ist DS2 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Pentax | Pentax |
Model type | Pentax K-x | Pentax ist DS2 |
Category | Entry-Level DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Launched | 2009-12-23 | 2005-08-22 |
Body design | Compact SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Prime | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
Sensor area | 372.9mm² | 369.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 6 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
Highest resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 3008 x 2008 |
Highest native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
Highest boosted ISO | 12800 | - |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 200 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 11 | 11 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Pentax KAF2 | Pentax KAF |
Amount of lenses | 151 | 151 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 2.7 inches | 2.5 inches |
Screen resolution | 230k dot | 210k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Screen technology | TFT LCD monitor | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical |
Viewfinder coverage | 96 percent | 95 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.57x | 0.64x |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/6000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shooting speed | 5.0fps | 3.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 16.00 m | - |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear curtain, Wireless | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Highest flash sync | 1/180s | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 416 (24 fps) | - |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | - |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | - |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | No |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 580 grams (1.28 lb) | 605 grams (1.33 lb) |
Dimensions | 123 x 92 x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") | 125 x 93 x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 72 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | 22.8 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 12.5 | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | 811 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 1900 photographs | - |
Battery format | Battery Pack | - |
Battery ID | 4 x AA | 4 x AA |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC card | SD/MMC card |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch pricing | $600 | - |