Pentax ist DL2 vs Sony A57

Lets take a closer look at the Pentax ist DL2 versus Sony A57, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Pentax and Sony. There is a noticeable difference between the resolutions of the ist DL2 (6MP) and A57 (16MP) but they use the same exact sensor measurements (APS-C).

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The ist DL2 was unveiled 7 years earlier than the A57 which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summation of how the ist DL2 scores against the A57 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax ist DL2 & Sony SLT-A57. The full galleries are provided at Pentax ist DL2 Gallery & Sony A57 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Pentax ist DL2 offers external dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs) whilst the Sony A57 has specifications of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") along with a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax ist DL2 versus Sony A57 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the ist DL2 and the A57.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the ist DL2 and A57 is 69 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to see the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by going over technical specs. The picture below should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the ist DL2 and A57.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Sony A57 to offer more detail having an extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged ist DL2 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.