Pentax RS1500 vs Sony RX1R

Following is a thorough assessment of the Pentax RS1500 versus Sony RX1R, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Pentax and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the RS1500 (14MP) and RX1R (24MP) and the RS1500 (1/2.3") and RX1R (Full frame) have totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The RS1500 was released 3 years before the RX1R which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax RS1500 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1R being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the RS1500 matches up vs the RX1R in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio RS1500 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax RS1500 Gallery and Sony RX1R Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Pentax RS1500 enjoys outer measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Sony RX1R has specifications of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") along with a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Look at the Pentax RS1500 versus Sony RX1R in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the RS1500 vs the RX1R.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the RS1500 and RX1R is 93 and 79 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to envision the difference between sensor sizes merely by checking technical specs. The picture underneath will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the RS1500 and RX1R.

As you have seen, both of those cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The RS1500 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Sony RX1R will give you extra detail as a result of its extra 10MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged RS1500 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.