Pentax X-5 vs Sigma DP2

Its time to look more closely at the Pentax X-5 and Sigma DP2, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Pentax and Sigma. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the X-5 (16MP) and DP2 (5MP) and the X-5 (1/2.3") and DP2 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The X-5 was unveiled 2 years later than the DP2 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP2 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the X-5 scores against the DP2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax X-5 & Sigma DP2. The full galleries are provided at Pentax X-5 Gallery & Sigma DP2 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and proportions. The Pentax X-5 features outer dimensions of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") along with a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) while the Sigma DP2 has measurements of 113mm x 60mm x 56mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.2") accompanied by a weight of 280 grams (0.62 lbs).

Look at the Pentax X-5 and Sigma DP2 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing at the time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the X-5 compared to the DP2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the X-5 and DP2 is 65 and 86 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to envision the contrast in sensor measurements merely by checking out specs. The photograph underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the X-5 and DP2.

All in all, the two cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The X-5 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Pentax X-5 will show extra detail having an extra 11MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images way more aggressively. The younger X-5 will have an advantage in sensor innovation.