Pentax I-10 vs Sony A850

Let's take a closer look at the Pentax I-10 and Sony A850, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Pentax and Sony. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the I-10 (12MP) and A850 (25MP) and the I-10 (1/2.3") and A850 (Full frame) posses different sensor size.

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The I-10 was launched 2 months prior to the A850 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Pentax I-10 being a Compact camera and the Sony A850 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple overview of how the I-10 grades against the A850 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax Optio I-10 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. The complete galleries are available at Pentax I-10 Gallery and Sony A850 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and measurements. The Pentax I-10 enjoys outside measurements of 101mm x 65mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.1") and a weight of 153 grams (0.34 lbs) and the Sony A850 has proportions of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") having a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

Check out the Pentax I-10 and Sony A850 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the I-10 against the A850.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the I-10 and A850 is 93 and 54 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizing only by researching specifications. The graphic underneath may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the I-10 and A850.

Plainly, the 2 cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The I-10 due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony A850 will provide you with extra detail utilizing its extra 13MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively.