Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony HX1

The following is a comprehensive comparison of the Pentax ist DS2 and Sony HX1, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Pentax and Sony. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the ist DS2 (6MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the ist DS2 (APS-C) and HX1 (1/2.4") feature different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The ist DS2 was brought out 4 years before the HX1 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the ist DS2 grades versus the HX1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax ist DS2 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax ist DS2 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Pentax ist DS2 has external measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs) whilst the Sony HX1 has proportions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax ist DS2 and Sony HX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use at that moment. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the ist DS2 vs the HX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the ist DS2 and HX1 is 68 and 67 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions only by going through specifications. The picture underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the ist DS2 and HX1.

Plainly, both of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ist DS2 because of its larger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh simpler and the Sony HX1 will show extra detail having its extra 3MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images much more aggressively. The more aged ist DS2 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.