Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony A380

On this page, we will be evaluating the Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony A380, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Pentax and Sony. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the ist DS2 (6MP) and A380 (14MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor dimensions (APS-C).

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The ist DS2 was manufactured 5 years earlier than the A380 which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony A380 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the ist DS2 scores versus the A380 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax ist DS2 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A380. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax ist DS2 Gallery & Sony A380 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Pentax ist DS2 comes with outside dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs) whilst the Sony A380 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 519 grams (1.14 lbs).

See the Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony A380 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the ist DS2 versus the A380.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the ist DS2 and A380 is 68 and 68 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizes simply by reviewing specs. The image underneath might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ist DS2 and A380.

All in all, each of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different megapixels. You can expect the Sony A380 to offer you greater detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged ist DS2 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.