Pentax KP vs Sony A850
61 Imaging
67 Features
76 Overall
70


54 Imaging
67 Features
60 Overall
64
Pentax KP vs Sony A850 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 24MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 100 - 819200
- Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 703g - 132 x 101 x 76mm
- Announced January 2017
(Full Review)
- 25MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 200 - 3200 (Boost to 6400)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 895g - 156 x 117 x 82mm
- Introduced April 2010

Pentax KP vs Sony A850 Overview
Its time to look more in depth at the Pentax KP vs Sony A850, both Advanced DSLR cameras by competitors Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the KP (24MP) and the A850 (25MP) is very close but the KP (APS-C) and A850 (Full frame) boast totally different sensor size.

The KP was launched 6 years later than the A850 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).
Before we go right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple view of how the KP scores vs the A850 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Pentax KP vs Sony A850 Gallery
This is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax KP & Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. The complete galleries are available at Pentax KP Gallery & Sony A850 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax KP over the Sony A850
KP | A850 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | January 2017 | ![]() | April 2010 | More recent by 83 months |
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting display |
Reasons to pick Sony A850 over the Pentax KP
A850 | KP | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display resolution | 922k | ![]() | 921k | Clearer display (+1k dot) |
Common features in the Pentax KP and Sony A850
KP | A850 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial accurate focusing | ||
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same display size |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither features selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Neither features Touch friendly display |
Pentax KP vs Sony A850 Physical Comparison
If you are looking to lug around your camera, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Pentax KP enjoys exterior dimensions of 132mm x 101mm x 76mm (5.2" x 4.0" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 703 grams (1.55 lbs) while the Sony A850 has proportions of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") with a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).
Contrast the Pentax KP vs Sony A850 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the KP versus the A850.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the KP and A850 is 61 and 54 respectively.

Pentax KP vs Sony A850 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it can be tough to see the difference in sensor measurements purely by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph underneath may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the KP and A850.
Clearly, each of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The KP featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Sony A850 will result in extra detail utilizing its extra 1MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The younger KP is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.

Pentax KP vs Sony A850 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax KP vs Sony A850 Specifications
Pentax KP | Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Pentax | Sony |
Model type | Pentax KP | Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 |
Class | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Announced | 2017-01-26 | 2010-04-15 |
Body design | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | PRIME IV | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | Full frame |
Sensor dimensions | 23.5 x 15.6mm | 35.9 x 24mm |
Sensor area | 366.6mm² | 861.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 24 megapixel | 25 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 6016 x 4000 | 6048 x 4032 |
Max native ISO | 819200 | 3200 |
Max enhanced ISO | - | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 200 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Total focus points | 27 | 9 |
Cross type focus points | 25 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Pentax KAF2 | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Available lenses | 151 | 143 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Tilting | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of display | 921k dot | 922k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Display technology | - | TFT Xtra Fine color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 98 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.63x | 0.74x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Max shutter speed | 1/6000s | 1/8000s |
Max quiet shutter speed | 1/24000s | - |
Continuous shutter speed | 7.0fps | 3.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 6.00 m (at ISO 100) | no built-in flash |
Flash modes | Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, flash on w/redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync, manual, wireless | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | - | 1/250s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60i, 30p) | - |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | None |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | - |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 703 grams (1.55 lb) | 895 grams (1.97 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 132 x 101 x 76mm (5.2" x 4.0" x 3.0") | 156 x 117 x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | 79 |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 23.8 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 12.2 |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | 1415 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 390 shots | 880 shots |
Battery format | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | D-LI109 | NP-FM500H |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 secs) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported) | Compact Flash (Type I or II), UDMA, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo |
Storage slots | One | Two |
Retail price | $747 | $0 |