Pentax ist DL2 vs Sony A900

In this article, we are comparing the Pentax ist DL2 and Sony A900, both Advanced DSLR cameras by rivals Pentax and Sony. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the ist DL2 (6MP) and A900 (25MP) and the ist DL2 (APS-C) and A900 (Full frame) come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The ist DL2 was revealed 3 years earlier than the A900 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the ist DL2 grades vs the A900 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax ist DL2 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A900. The full galleries are available at Pentax ist DL2 Gallery & Sony A900 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Pentax ist DL2 comes with outside measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs) whilst the Sony A900 has proportions of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") and a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax ist DL2 and Sony A900 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the ist DL2 compared to the A900.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the ist DL2 and A900 is 69 and 54 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to see the contrast in sensor measurements only by researching specifications. The graphic below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the ist DL2 and A900.

To sum up, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ist DL2 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF harder and the Sony A900 will render greater detail because of its extra 19MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older ist DL2 will be behind in sensor technology.