Pentax KP vs Sony A37
61 Imaging
67 Features
76 Overall
70


67 Imaging
56 Features
65 Overall
59
Pentax KP vs Sony A37 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 24MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 819200
- Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 703g - 132 x 101 x 76mm
- Revealed January 2017
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.6" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 25600
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 506g - 124 x 92 x 85mm
- Launched May 2012
- Superseded the Sony A35

Pentax KP vs Sony A37 Overview
In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Pentax KP vs Sony A37, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the KP (24MP) and A37 (16MP) but they feature the same exact sensor sizing (APS-C).

The KP was announced 4 years later than the A37 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax KP being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony A37 being a Compact SLR camera.
Before diving through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple overview of how the KP matches up against the A37 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Pentax KP vs Sony A37 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax KP and Sony SLT-A37. The whole galleries are available at Pentax KP Gallery and Sony A37 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax KP over the Sony A37
KP | A37 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | January 2017 | ![]() | May 2012 | More recent by 58 months |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.6" | Bigger screen (+0.4") |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper screen (+691k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony A37 over the Pentax KP
A37 | KP |
---|
Common features in the Pentax KP and Sony A37
KP | A37 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial exact focus | ||
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Tilting | Tilting screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Neither features Touch friendly screen |
Pentax KP vs Sony A37 Physical Comparison
When you are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Pentax KP enjoys external dimensions of 132mm x 101mm x 76mm (5.2" x 4.0" x 3.0") with a weight of 703 grams (1.55 lbs) whilst the Sony A37 has sizing of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") having a weight of 506 grams (1.12 lbs).
Examine the Pentax KP vs Sony A37 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the KP versus the A37.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the KP and A37 is 61 and 67 respectively.

Pentax KP vs Sony A37 Sensor Comparison
Often, its difficult to imagine the gap between sensor measurements merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the KP and A37.
Clearly, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Pentax KP to offer greater detail with its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The newer KP should have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.

Pentax KP vs Sony A37 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax KP vs Sony A37 Specifications
Pentax KP | Sony SLT-A37 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Pentax | Sony |
Model | Pentax KP | Sony SLT-A37 |
Class | Advanced DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Revealed | 2017-01-26 | 2012-05-16 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | PRIME IV | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 23.5 x 15.6mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 366.6mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 24 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 6016 x 4000 | 4912 x 3264 |
Maximum native ISO | 819200 | 25600 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | 27 | 15 |
Cross focus points | 25 | 3 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | Pentax KAF2 | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Number of lenses | 151 | 143 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Tilting | Tilting |
Screen sizing | 3" | 2.6" |
Screen resolution | 921k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 1,440k dots |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.63x | 0.73x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/6000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Maximum silent shutter speed | 1/24000 seconds | - |
Continuous shooting rate | 7.0fps | 6.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 6.00 m (at ISO 100) | 12.00 m |
Flash settings | Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, flash on w/redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync, manual, wireless | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Maximum flash synchronize | - | 1/160 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60i, 30p) | 1920 x 1080 (60, 29.97 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30fps), 640 x 424 (29.97 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 703g (1.55 pounds) | 506g (1.12 pounds) |
Dimensions | 132 x 101 x 76mm (5.2" x 4.0" x 3.0") | 124 x 92 x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | 75 |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | 23.3 |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | 12.9 |
DXO Low light score | not tested | 799 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 390 photos | 500 photos |
Battery type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | D-LI109 | NP-FW50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 secs) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec 3 or 5 images) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported) | SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Card slots | One | One |
Launch cost | $747 | $522 |