Pentax X-5 vs Sigma DP1s

The following is a detailed overview of the Pentax X-5 vs Sigma DP1s, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Pentax and Sigma. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the X-5 (16MP) and DP1s (5MP) and the X-5 (1/2.3") and DP1s (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The X-5 was brought out 2 years after the DP1s which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP1s being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple overview of how the X-5 matches up vs the DP1s with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax X-5 and Sigma DP1s. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax X-5 Gallery and Sigma DP1s Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Pentax X-5 has got outer measurements of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") and a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Sigma DP1s has specifications of 109mm x 60mm x 31mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs).

Compare the Pentax X-5 vs Sigma DP1s in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the X-5 against the DP1s.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the X-5 and DP1s is 65 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by checking specifications. The pic here may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the X-5 and DP1s.

To sum up, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The X-5 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax X-5 will give you more detail having its extra 11 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures more aggressively. The more recent X-5 provides an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.