Pentax K10D vs Pentax P80

Let's look more in depth at the Pentax K10D versus Pentax P80, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are designed by Pentax. The resolution of the K10D (10MP) and the P80 (12MP) is relatively close but the K10D (APS-C) and P80 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizes.

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The K10D was announced 3 years before the P80 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Pentax K10D being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax P80 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple overview of how the K10D scores vs the P80 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K10D & Pentax Optio P80. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax K10D Gallery & Pentax P80 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Pentax K10D features outside measurements of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") with a weight of 793 grams (1.75 lbs) and the Pentax P80 has sizing of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Compare the Pentax K10D versus Pentax P80 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have during that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the K10D against the P80.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the K10D and P80 is 59 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to visualize the gap in sensor measurements just by looking through a spec sheet. The visual here will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the K10D and P80.

As you can see, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The K10D using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Pentax P80 will render more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs more aggressively. The older K10D will be behind with regard to sensor technology.