Pentax RZ10 vs Pentax ist DS2

Here, we are analyzing the Pentax RZ10 and Pentax ist DS2, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR and both of them are manufactured by Pentax. There is a large difference among the sensor resolutions of the RZ10 (14MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the RZ10 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) offer different sensor dimensions.

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The RZ10 was manufactured 5 years later than the ist DS2 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Pentax RZ10 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the RZ10 matches up vs the ist DS2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio RZ10 & Pentax ist DS2. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax RZ10 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera, you will need to think about its weight and volume. The Pentax RZ10 features physical dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Pentax ist DS2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax RZ10 and Pentax ist DS2 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the RZ10 and the ist DS2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the RZ10 and ist DS2 is 92 and 68 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to picture the gap in sensor measurements only by seeing specifications. The visual below should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the RZ10 and ist DS2.

Plainly, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The RZ10 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Pentax RZ10 will produce greater detail due to its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The fresher RZ10 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.