Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony NEX-5R
68 Imaging
43 Features
33 Overall
39
89 Imaging
56 Features
76 Overall
64
Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony NEX-5R Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 6MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Screen
- ISO 200 - 3200
- Pentax KAF Mount
- 605g - 125 x 93 x 66mm
- Released August 2005
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 25600
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 276g - 111 x 59 x 39mm
- Announced August 2012
- Replaced the Sony NEX-5N
- Replacement is Sony NEX-5T
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Following is a extended overview of the Pentax ist DS2 versus Sony NEX-5R, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Pentax and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the ist DS2 (6MP) and NEX-5R (16MP) but both cameras have the same sensor size (APS-C).
Mastering Nature Photography with a Digital Microscope CameraThe ist DS2 was brought out 8 years prior to the NEX-5R which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.
Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a short summary of how the ist DS2 matches up vs the NEX-5R for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
Photography Glossary Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony NEX-5R Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax ist DS2 & Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax ist DS2 Gallery & Sony NEX-5R Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax ist DS2 over the Sony NEX-5R
| ist DS2 | NEX-5R |
|---|
Reasons to pick Sony NEX-5R over the Pentax ist DS2
| NEX-5R | ist DS2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Announced | August 2012 | August 2005 | More modern by 85 months | |
| Screen type | Tilting | Fixed | Tilting screen | |
| Screen dimensions | 3" | 2.5" | Bigger screen (+0.5") | |
| Screen resolution | 920k | 210k | Crisper screen (+710k dot) | |
| Touch friendly screen | Quickly navigate |
Common features in the Pentax ist DS2 and Sony NEX-5R
| ist DS2 | NEX-5R | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus manually | More exact focusing | |||
| Selfie screen | Neither offers selfie screen |
Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony NEX-5R Physical Comparison
For anybody who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and size. The Pentax ist DS2 offers exterior measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5R has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).
Check the Pentax ist DS2 versus Sony NEX-5R in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the ist DS2 and the NEX-5R.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the ist DS2 and NEX-5R is 68 and 89 respectively.
Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony NEX-5R Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it can be difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizes simply by looking through specs. The picture underneath should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the ist DS2 and NEX-5R.
As you can plainly see, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You can count on the Sony NEX-5R to result in extra detail having its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged ist DS2 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.
Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony NEX-5R Screen and ViewFinder
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Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony NEX-5R Specifications
| Pentax ist DS2 | Sony Alpha NEX-5R | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Manufacturer | Pentax | Sony |
| Model | Pentax ist DS2 | Sony Alpha NEX-5R |
| Type | Advanced DSLR | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
| Released | 2005-08-22 | 2012-08-29 |
| Body design | Mid-size SLR | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Processor | - | Bionz |
| Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
| Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
| Sensor measurements | 23.5 x 15.7mm | 23.4 x 15.6mm |
| Sensor surface area | 369.0mm² | 365.0mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 6 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
| Anti aliasing filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Max resolution | 3008 x 2008 | 4912 x 3264 |
| Max native ISO | 3200 | 25600 |
| Lowest native ISO | 200 | 100 |
| RAW files | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Focus manually | ||
| Touch to focus | ||
| Continuous autofocus | ||
| Single autofocus | ||
| Autofocus tracking | ||
| Autofocus selectice | ||
| Autofocus center weighted | ||
| Autofocus multi area | ||
| Live view autofocus | ||
| Face detection focus | ||
| Contract detection focus | ||
| Phase detection focus | ||
| Number of focus points | 11 | 99 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mounting type | Pentax KAF | Sony E |
| Available lenses | 151 | 121 |
| Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
| Screen size | 2.5 inches | 3 inches |
| Resolution of screen | 210k dot | 920k dot |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch functionality | ||
| Screen tech | - | Tilt Up 180� Down 50� TFT LCD |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder type | Optical | Electronic (optional) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 95 percent | - |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.64x | - |
| Features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
| Fastest shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
| Continuous shutter speed | 3.0 frames per sec | 10.0 frames per sec |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manual exposure | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Change white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Integrated flash | ||
| Flash range | - | no built-in flash |
| Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in |
| External flash | ||
| Auto exposure bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Fastest flash sync | - | 1/160 secs |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment | ||
| Average | ||
| Spot | ||
| Partial | ||
| AF area | ||
| Center weighted | ||
| Video features | ||
| Video resolutions | - | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Max video resolution | - | 1920x1080 |
| Video format | - | AVCHD |
| Microphone input | ||
| Headphone input | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | No | Built-In |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environment seal | ||
| Water proof | ||
| Dust proof | ||
| Shock proof | ||
| Crush proof | ||
| Freeze proof | ||
| Weight | 605 grams (1.33 lbs) | 276 grams (0.61 lbs) |
| Physical dimensions | 125 x 93 x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") | 111 x 59 x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO Overall score | not tested | 78 |
| DXO Color Depth score | not tested | 23.7 |
| DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | 13.1 |
| DXO Low light score | not tested | 910 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | - | 330 images |
| Type of battery | - | Battery Pack |
| Battery model | 4 x AA | NPFW50 |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10sec (3 images)) |
| Time lapse shooting | With downloadable app | |
| Type of storage | SD/MMC card | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
| Storage slots | One | One |
| Pricing at release | - | $750 |