Pentax ist DL2 vs Sony HX300

Here, we will be looking at the Pentax ist DL2 versus Sony HX300, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the ist DL2 (6MP) and HX300 (20MP) and the ist DL2 (APS-C) and HX300 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The ist DL2 was launched 8 years before the HX300 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise summation of how the ist DL2 grades versus the HX300 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax ist DL2 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300. The complete galleries are available at Pentax ist DL2 Gallery and Sony HX300 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Pentax ist DL2 features 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) and the Sony HX300 has dimensions of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") with a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax ist DL2 versus Sony HX300 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose during that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the ist DL2 vs the HX300.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the ist DL2 and HX300 is 69 and 63 respectively.

Often, it's hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes purely by looking through technical specs. The pic below may offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ist DL2 and HX300.

As you can tell, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ist DL2 due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Sony HX300 will provide you with greater detail utilizing its extra 14 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged ist DL2 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.