Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony NEX-5

Below is a detailed comparison of the Pentax ist DS2 and Sony NEX-5, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Pentax and Sony. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the ist DS2 (6MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor dimensions (APS-C).

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The ist DS2 was announced 5 years before the NEX-5 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a detailed comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the ist DS2 grades against the NEX-5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax ist DS2 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax ist DS2 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Pentax ist DS2 has external measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Compare the Pentax ist DS2 and Sony NEX-5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the ist DS2 compared to the NEX-5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ist DS2 and NEX-5 is 68 and 89 respectively.

Normally, its hard to imagine the difference between sensor measurements simply by looking at specs. The photograph underneath should give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the ist DS2 and NEX-5.

All in all, both of the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different resolution. You can count on the Sony NEX-5 to resolve greater detail with its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The older ist DS2 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.