Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony HX30V

Let's examine more closely at the Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony HX30V, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Pentax and Sony. There is a sizable difference between the resolutions of the ist DS2 (6MP) and HX30V (18MP) and the ist DS2 (APS-C) and HX30V (1/2.3") possess different sensor measurements.

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The ist DS2 was announced 7 years before the HX30V and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the ist DS2 grades against the HX30V with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax ist DS2 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax ist DS2 Gallery & Sony HX30V Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Pentax ist DS2 offers 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 HX30V has proportions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Compare the Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony HX30V in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the ist DS2 versus the HX30V.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the ist DS2 and HX30V is 68 and 90 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements just by reading through specifications. The visual below will give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ist DS2 and HX30V.

Plainly, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ist DS2 having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Sony HX30V will give greater detail with its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older ist DS2 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.