Pentax P80 vs Pentax ist DL2

Here is a in-depth comparison of the Pentax P80 versus Pentax ist DL2, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR and both are manufactured by Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the P80 (12MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the P80 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The P80 was manufactured 3 years later than the ist DL2 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Pentax P80 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the P80 matches up against the ist DL2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio P80 and Pentax ist DL2. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax P80 Gallery and Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera often, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Pentax P80 offers outside measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Pentax ist DL2 has measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Look at the Pentax P80 versus Pentax ist DL2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at the time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the P80 vs the ist DL2.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the P80 and ist DL2 is 95 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing merely by seeing specifications. The graphic here might provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the P80 and ist DL2.

Plainly, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The P80 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax P80 will show more detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern P80 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.