Pentax P70 vs Pentax ist DL2

Here is a extensive comparison of the Pentax P70 and Pentax ist DL2, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Advanced DSLR and both are produced by Pentax. There exists a substantial gap between the sensor resolutions of the P70 (12MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the P70 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The P70 was unveiled 3 years later than the ist DL2 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Pentax P70 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the P70 matches up versus the ist DL2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio P70 & Pentax ist DL2. The full galleries are provided at Pentax P70 Gallery & Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Pentax P70 has got exterior measurements of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) whilst the Pentax ist DL2 has measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax P70 and Pentax ist DL2 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the P70 compared to the ist DL2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the P70 and ist DL2 is 95 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reviewing specs. The visual below should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the P70 and ist DL2.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The P70 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Pentax P70 will offer you greater detail having an extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics much more aggressively. The younger P70 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.