Pentax RZ10 vs Pentax ist DL2

Below, we will be reviewing the Pentax RZ10 and Pentax ist DL2, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR and both are sold by Pentax. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the RZ10 (14MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the RZ10 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) use different sensor measurements.

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The RZ10 was manufactured 5 years later than the ist DL2 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax RZ10 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the RZ10 grades against the ist DL2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio RZ10 and Pentax ist DL2. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax RZ10 Gallery and Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Pentax RZ10 comes with outer measurements of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Pentax ist DL2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

See the Pentax RZ10 and Pentax ist DL2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the RZ10 and the ist DL2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the RZ10 and ist DL2 is 92 and 69 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing just by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic here should offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the RZ10 and ist DL2.

As you can see, both of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The RZ10 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax RZ10 will give you more detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The fresher RZ10 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.