Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony A550

Below is a complete overview of the Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony A550, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Pentax and Sony. There is a substantial difference between the image resolutions of the ist DS2 (6MP) and A550 (14MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor sizing (APS-C).

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The ist DS2 was launched 5 years prior to the A550 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the ist DS2 matches up versus the A550 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax ist DS2 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax ist DS2 Gallery & Sony A550 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Pentax ist DS2 provides physical dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs) while the Sony A550 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") having a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

See the Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony A550 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the ist DS2 and the A550.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the ist DS2 and A550 is 68 and 63 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to visualize the gap between sensor measurements merely by reading through specs. The graphic here will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ist DS2 and A550.

All in all, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions but different megapixels. You can expect to see the Sony A550 to give you extra detail utilizing its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older ist DS2 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.