Pentax ist DL2 vs Sony HX350

Here is a extensive overview of the Pentax ist DL2 vs Sony HX350, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Pentax and Sony. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the ist DL2 (6MP) and HX350 (20MP) and the ist DL2 (APS-C) and HX350 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ist DL2 was launched 12 years earlier than the HX350 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX350 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a simple view of how the ist DL2 matches up versus the HX350 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax ist DL2 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax ist DL2 Gallery and Sony HX350 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and proportions. The Pentax ist DL2 has got physical 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 HX350 has measurements of 130mm x 93mm x 103mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.1") with a weight of 652 grams (1.44 lbs).

See the Pentax ist DL2 vs Sony HX350 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the ist DL2 vs the HX350.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the ist DL2 and HX350 is 69 and 62 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic below might give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ist DL2 and HX350.

As you can see, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ist DL2 due to its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Sony HX350 will resolve more detail utilizing its extra 14MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older ist DL2 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.