Pentax RS1500 vs Sony A9

Below, we are evaluating the Pentax RS1500 versus Sony A9, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Pentax and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the RS1500 (14MP) and A9 (24MP) and the RS1500 (1/2.3") and A9 (Full frame) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The RS1500 was announced 7 years before the A9 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax RS1500 being a Compact camera and the Sony A9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the RS1500 scores versus the A9 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio RS1500 and Sony Alpha A9. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax RS1500 Gallery and Sony A9 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Pentax RS1500 has got exterior measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony A9 has proportions of 127mm x 96mm x 63mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 673 grams (1.48 lbs).

Examine the Pentax RS1500 versus Sony A9 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the RS1500 compared to the A9.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the RS1500 and A9 is 93 and 65 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements purely by going through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the RS1500 and A9.

Clearly, the two cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The RS1500 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh tougher and the Sony A9 will produce greater detail with its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The older RS1500 will be behind in sensor tech.