Pentax E90 vs Pentax ist DS2

Here, we will be matching up the Pentax E90 vs Pentax ist DS2, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR and both of them are built by Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the E90 (10MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the E90 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

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The E90 was revealed 4 years after the ist DS2 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax E90 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a complete comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the E90 scores against the ist DS2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio E90 & Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are provided at Pentax E90 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera, you should take into account its weight and dimensions. The Pentax E90 provides external measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax E90 vs Pentax ist DS2 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the E90 against the ist DS2.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E90 and ist DS2 is 94 and 68 respectively.

Generally, its tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizes just by reading through specs. The picture below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E90 and ist DS2.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E90 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax E90 will resolve extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more recent E90 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.