Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony NEX-6 - A Hands-On, No-Nonsense Camera Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When photography enthusiasts sit down to weigh their next big camera purchase, it never comes down to just sensor specs or megapixels. It’s about how the tool feels in your hands, how intuitively it responds to your creative impulses, and whether it delivers compelling results in real-world scenarios. Today, I’m diving deep into a fascinating matchup: the Pentax ist DS2, a robust entry from the mid-2000s DSLRs, versus the Sony NEX-6, a trailblazing mirrorless camera from 2013 that pushed boundaries for its time.

This isn’t just another spec sheet war. Having spent countless hours shooting, tweaking, and comparing variations in complex lighting conditions and diverse photography genres, I’ll help you untangle how these two cameras genuinely measure up - and who should consider each. Whether you’re a seasoned pro tempted by vintage Pentax charm or a mirrorless aficionado eager for the sleek Sony experience, this review aims to serve both with clarity and real-world practicality.

Let’s embark on this photographic journey through history and innovation - and see which camera earns your pocket’s favor.

Feeling the Camera: Body Design and Ergonomics in the Pentax vs Sony Duel

Before we zoom into sensors and burst rates, the tactile experience is paramount. After all, a camera is a tool you must trust and feel comfortable wielding for hours on end.

The Pentax ist DS2 embodies that classic DSLR heft and style. Its mid-sized SLR build comes in at around 605 grams and measures 125x93x66 mm - fairly chunky by today’s standards but not unwieldy. It fits snugly for photographers with medium to larger hands, aided by its distinctive grip contours and robust physical shutter button. This is a camera designed with a serious return-to-basics ethos, focusing on manual and priority exposure modes with dedicated dials - perfect if you like to tweak settings quickly without diving into menus.

In contrast, the Sony NEX-6 is a quintessential 2013 mirrorless camera: compact, lightweight at just 345 grams, and sporting streamlined dimensions (120x67x43 mm). This makes it an excellent travel companion or street photography sidekick, especially if you prefer discretion and mobility over bulk. The rangefinder-style body feels modern - with a pronounced but sleek grip and tilting rear LCD that boosts versatility.

To visualize this size and ergonomics difference, here’s the direct comparison:

While the Pentax is reminiscent of traditional DSLR heft and sturdiness, the Sony hits the modern sweet spot between portability and usable ergonomics. For long gigs, the heavier Pentax may tire smaller hands, but it offers a reassuring solidity. Meanwhile, the Sony invites quicker, more spontaneous shooting but sacrifices some physical control access.

If you ask me, your choice here hinges on whether you want raw DSLR heft and solid-buttons or agile mirrorless convenience.

Design Details up Close: Controls and Top Plate Layout

Ergonomics include control placement - how effortlessly you can alter shutter speed, ISO, aperture, and focus without fumbling during critical moments.

The Pentax ist DS2 keeps it simple with classic DSLR styling - dedicated wheels and buttons for shutter priority, aperture priority, manual exposure modes, and exposure compensation. However, it lacks illuminated buttons, which sometimes makes adjustments in dim environments slippery. The top plate feels sturdy yet no-nonsense:

By comparison, Sony’s NEX-6 has a neat, minimal top plate with a mode dial and shutter button placed for thumb-and-index finger access, ideal for mirrorless aficionados used to smaller form factors. The camera lacks illuminated buttons too but compensates with a more interactive interface thanks to its electronic viewfinder and tilting LCD - a nod to user feedback from prior models.

The takeaway? Pentax’s control layout appeals to those who prefer dedicated physical dials that don’t rely on on-screen menus - great for traditionalists and manual shooters. Sony prioritizes compactness and digital integration, which suits users adapting to mirrorless digital workflows.

Peering Inside: Sensor Technologies and Image Quality Secrets

Here’s where the gloves come off: the heart of each camera - the sensor - sets the baseline for image quality, dynamic range, color depth, and high ISO usability.

The Pentax ist DS2 uses a 6MP APS-C CCD sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm. CCDs of this era are known for pleasing color rendition and smooth tonal transitions but often suffer in noise control at higher sensitivities. The camera’s max native ISO is capped at 3200, with a base native ISO starting at 200.

Meanwhile, the Sony NEX-6 boasts an APS-C 16MP CMOS sensor of near-identical size (23.5 x 15.6 mm) but benefits from newer back-illuminated CMOS tech, optimizing light gathering and reducing noise. It supports a far larger native ISO range from 100 up to 25600, allowing for more flexibility in low light.

Let’s see these sensor specs side-by-side, courtesy of this handy illustration:

Delving into real-world results, the Sony outperforms the Pentax in overall image quality, especially beyond ISO 800 - where Pentax’s CCD noise creeps in visibly, muddying shadows and blotting color fidelity. The NEX-6’s sensor’s higher effective resolution (16MP vs 6MP) also means more cropping options and larger print sizes without sacrificing detail.

That said, for certain shooting styles - like controlled portraits with good lighting - the Pentax’s CCD can still deliver pleasing skin tones with delicate color gradations, avoiding the sometimes clinical sharpness of CMOS sensors.

Looking Through the Viewfinder: Optical vs Electronic Realities

If you grew up shooting film SLRs, an optical viewfinder (OVF) is irreplaceable - a direct-to-eye window to your composition. If you're more digitally inclined, electronic viewfinders (EVFs) begin to feel like a godsend, previewing exposure and focusing.

The Pentax ist DS2 offers a traditional optical pentaprism viewfinder covering about 95% of the frame at 0.64x magnification. It's clear and bright, but - you’ll see - lacks any electronic overlay or exposure preview, requiring reliance on external exposure meters or experience.

On the flip side, the Sony NEX-6 rocks a built-in EVF with 2,359k-dot resolution, covering 100% frame and offering 0.73x magnification - yielding a detailed, real-time preview of the image including exposure, white balance, and focusing peaking assist.

Checking out screen and viewfinder differences side-by-side:

Trying both for myself, I found the Sony’s EVF incredibly useful - especially in tricky lighting - allowing preview of exposure and effects. The Pentax's OVF, while classical and immediate, requires more experience and guesswork, making it less forgiving for beginners.

Autofocus Systems: The Speed and Accuracy Factor

Autofocus (AF) systems have rapidly evolved, and this is where the decade gap between the Pentax ist DS2 and Sony NEX-6 shows starkly.

Pentax’s DSLR features an 11-point phase-detection AF module, supporting single, continuous, and selective AF modes but no face or subject detection assistance. Its AF system is reliable but decidedly basic, with no real-time tracking or eye detection for portraits.

Sony’s NEX-6 offers a hybrid autofocus system blending 99 phase-detection points with contrast-detect AF, and critical face detection capabilities. While it lacks animal eye AF, the face recognition combined with live view AF helps for portraits and moving subjects alike. Continuous AF works smoothly in burst mode, making it possible to lock onto moderately fast-moving subjects.

With autofocus points and type in mind, Sony clearly holds the advantage for speed, accuracy, and ease of use - especially in modern subjects like fast action or portraiture where face detection can make or break the shot.

Real-World Shooting: Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s talk about how these two perform across the photography landscape - from portraits to sports.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

The Pentax ist DS2’s CCD sensor produces warm, pleasing skin tones with a film-like smoothness. Its 6MP resolution is adequate for large prints, but not ideal for extensive cropping. The camera’s lack of face/eye AF means you need to manually select focus points carefully to nail sharp eyes. Depth-of-field control is lens dependent; Pentax’s large K-mount lens lineup (approx. 151 lenses) includes some classic fast primes that yield lovely smooth bokeh.

Sony’s NEX-6, with 16MP and face detection AF, excels here by providing sharp, well-exposed portraits effortlessly. The higher resolution lets you crop or print large without worry. Its mirrorless design allows attaching discontinued manual focus or legacy lenses via adapters, expanding creative options. Though bokeh quality primarily depends on the lens, Sony’s E-mount native primes can compete with many DSLR lenses.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Details

Pentax’s CCD sensor does well in controlled light for landscapes, but limited resolution and less dynamic range (likely below Sony’s 13+ EV) cap detail retention in shadows and highlights. Notably, it lacks weather sealing common in later Pentax bodies, so outdoor ruggedness is limited.

Sony offers wider dynamic range and improved shadow noise handling. Its max resolution of nearly 16MP captures fine textures better, while the tilting screen aids awkward-angle shots. Both cameras lack significant environmental sealing, so harsh weather calls for caution.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus, Burst Rates, and Telephoto Experience

For wildlife and sports, autofocus speed and continuous shooting rate dominate. Pentax’s 3 fps burst and basic 11-point AF system mean it struggles with rapid subjects.

Sony’s NEX-6 boasts a 10 fps continuous rate and a far superior 99-point AF system, making it a better bet for capturing fleeting moments outside the studio. However, its smaller lens ecosystem (around 121 E-mount lenses) focuses heavily on compact primes and zooms, with telephoto options still limited compared to DSLR lineups.

Street Photography: Quiet, Portable, and Discreet?

Here the NEX-6’s compact body and silent mirrorless shutter win hands down. Pentax’s shutter is audible and its weight less suited to low-profile shooting. The tilting LCD also makes composing street shots from unique angles easier on the Sony.

Macro and Close-Up Work

Neither camera excels with built-in macro features, but both can leverage specialized lenses. Without image stabilization on either, hand-holding macro shots demand steady hands or tripods. The Sony’s tilt screen can assist with composing close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

Sony’s wider ISO range and cleaner noise management enable cleaner night and astrophotos than the Pentax, which becomes noisy by ISO 800 and above. Neither camera has built-in intervalometers (Pentax no, Sony only via downloadable app), limiting time-lapse without external triggers.

Video Capabilities

Pentax ist DS2 offers no video functionality - pretty standard for 2005 DSLRs.

Sony NEX-6 introduces Full HD 1080p video at 60 and 24 fps, with multiple frame rate options and AVCHD/MPEG-4 formats. Although lacking microphone or headphone jacks, its in-body stabilization absence nudges videographers to choose stabilized lenses. HDMI output adds value for external recording.

Evaluating Build Quality, Battery Life, and Connectivity

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized beyond basic durability. Pentax uses 4 AA batteries, easily sourced in the field - a boon for remote shooting - but their bulk adds weight. Battery life is unspecified for Pentax but generally modest at about 200-300 shots per set.

Sony’s NEX-6 runs on a proprietary lithium-ion pack (NP-FW50), rated at around 360 shots per charge - typical for mirrorless of its generation. Faster USB 2.0 and built-in Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) allow image transfer and remote shooting via apps, features Pentax entirely lacks.

Lens Mount and Ecosystem Considerations

Pentax’s venerable K-mount boasts an impressive catalog of over 150 lenses. Including affordable primes, vintage optics, and a strong offering from third parties, it covers every focal length and specialty. However, these lenses tend to be larger and heavier, reflecting the DSLR heritage.

Sony’s E-mount, though younger, features some of the best modern optics including fast primes, compact zooms, and emerging specialized lenses. The system continuously grows but still offers fewer total lenses than Pentax’s decades-long history.

Adapters can bridge the gap, enabling Pentax lenses on Sony bodies or vice versa - with some compromises in autofocus speed or aperture control.

Imaging Performance Scores and Value Assessment

While DxOMark hasn't tested the Pentax ist DS2 due to its age, the Sony NEX-6 holds respectable scores, making it a solid performer relative to peers of its time.

Here’s a comparative overview of overall and genre-specific performance from independent test sources and practical experience:

As you can see, Sony leads in versatility and technical capabilities. Pentax’s DSLR imagery appeals more to specialized uses or collectors valuing classic rendering and film-like color depth.

Sample Images: A Visual Showdown

Looking at the sample galleries reveals key differences in color tone, detail, and dynamic range.

Pentax ist DS2 front Pentax ist DS2 screen back Sony NEX 6 front Sony NEX 6 screen back

Pentax images glow warmly, with charming color fidelity but lack fine detail in low-light or high-contrast scenarios. Sony NEX-6 outputs are sharper, cleaner at high ISO, and more vibrant, evidencing superior sensor and processing muscle.

Who Should Pick Which? Recommendations for Different Users

1. Pentax ist DS2 is ideal if:

   • You adore classic DSLR handling and robust physical controls.
   • Skin tone rendition and a CCD “look” matter to your portrait workflow.
   • You want access to a legendary lens mount with many manual optics.
   • You shoot primarily in good light and prefer manual focus control.
   • Your budget is tight, or you’re a collector/reviewer of vintage digital gear.

2. Sony NEX-6 suits you if:

   • You crave modern autofocus sophistication with face detection.
   • Portability and high burst-frame rates are essential.
   • You want Full HD video capabilities with decent frame rate options.
   • You shoot in low-light frequently and desire flexible ISO performance.
   • Wireless connectivity and a quality electronic viewfinder appeal.
   • You value a growing lens ecosystem and mirrorless technology evolution.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Nostalgia and Innovation

With 2500+ words behind us, the Pentax ist DS2 and Sony NEX-6 represent pivotal moments in camera history. Pentax clings to the tactile DSLR traditions, delivering an experience rooted in deliberate manual photography and classic color science. Sony blends compact mirrorless agility with emerging tech features and user-friendly autofocus systems, appealing to today’s hybrid shooter.

Personally, I see the Pentax ist DS2 as a charming relic with limited but passionate applicability. Conversely, the Sony NEX-6 - a mirrorless pioneer of its era - remains versatile enough to serve modern shooters who want a capable secondary body or an accessible advanced camera without breaking the bank.

Want the tactile, deliberate DSLR vibe? Pentax is your ticket. Seeking modern autofocus, video, and portability? The Sony NEX-6 ticks those boxes with flair.

Happy shooting!