Pentax ist DL2 vs Sony A290

On this page, we are reviewing the Pentax ist DL2 and Sony A290, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There exists a large gap among the image resolutions of the ist DL2 (6MP) and A290 (14MP) but both cameras have the same sensor measurements (APS-C).

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The ist DL2 was introduced 5 years before the A290 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the ist DL2 grades against the A290 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax ist DL2 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The whole galleries are available at Pentax ist DL2 Gallery & Sony A290 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Pentax ist DL2 offers outer dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs) whilst the Sony A290 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax ist DL2 and Sony A290 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have at the time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the ist DL2 compared to the A290.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ist DL2 and A290 is 69 and 66 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes merely by seeing specifications. The picture below may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ist DL2 and A290.

Plainly, each of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different MP. You can expect to see the Sony A290 to provide more detail using its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos more aggressively. The more aged ist DL2 will be behind in sensor tech.