Pentax ist DL2 vs Sony W810

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Pentax ist DL2 versus Sony W810, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Ultracompact by rivals Pentax and Sony. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the ist DL2 (6MP) and W810 (20MP) and the ist DL2 (APS-C) and W810 (1/2.3") feature different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The ist DL2 was launched 9 years earlier than the W810 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony W810 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise summation of how the ist DL2 grades against the W810 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax ist DL2 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W810. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax ist DL2 Gallery & Sony W810 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax ist DL2 provides physical measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs) while the Sony W810 has dimensions of 97mm x 56mm x 21mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") having a weight of 111 grams (0.24 lbs).

Examine the Pentax ist DL2 versus Sony W810 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the ist DL2 versus the W810.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the ist DL2 and W810 is 69 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reading through a spec sheet. The picture below should give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the ist DL2 and W810.

As you can see, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ist DL2 because of its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Sony W810 will resolve extra detail utilizing its extra 14 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images far more aggressively. The more aged ist DL2 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.