Pentax P70 vs Sony A700

The following is a extensive comparison of the Pentax P70 versus Sony A700, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the P70 (12MP) and the A700 (12MP) is pretty close but the P70 (1/2.3") and A700 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The P70 was launched 15 months after the A700 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax P70 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A700 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a simple summary of how the P70 scores versus the A700 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio P70 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. The complete galleries are available at Pentax P70 Gallery & Sony A700 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax P70 has external dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") along with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) whilst the Sony A700 has dimensions of 142mm x 105mm x 80mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.1") and a weight of 768 grams (1.69 lbs).

Compare the Pentax P70 versus Sony A700 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the P70 compared to the A700.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the P70 and A700 is 95 and 58 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions just by viewing a spec sheet. The picture below will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the P70 and A700.

As you can see, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit different sensor dimensions. The P70 contains the smaller sensor which should make getting shallower depth of field more difficult. The newer P70 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.