Pentax H90 vs Pentax ist DS2

Here is a extended review of the Pentax H90 vs Pentax ist DS2, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR and both of them are produced by Pentax. There is a noticeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the H90 (12MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the H90 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor size.

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The H90 was revealed 4 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax H90 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick overview of how the H90 grades versus the ist DS2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio H90 & Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are provided at Pentax H90 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and volume. The Pentax H90 provides exterior dimensions of 101mm x 65mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.1") having a weight of 153 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax H90 vs Pentax ist DS2 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the H90 compared to the ist DS2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the H90 and ist DS2 is 93 and 68 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading through specs. The visual below might provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the H90 and ist DS2.

All in all, each of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The H90 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Pentax H90 will give you greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more recent H90 will have a benefit in sensor technology.