Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony HX90V

The following is a extended review of the Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony HX90V, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Pentax and Sony. There is a large difference among the sensor resolutions of the ist DS2 (6MP) and HX90V (18MP) and the ist DS2 (APS-C) and HX90V (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The ist DS2 was launched 10 years prior to the HX90V which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX90V being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the ist DS2 scores vs the HX90V when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax ist DS2 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax ist DS2 Gallery & Sony HX90V Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Pentax ist DS2 has got exterior dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs) while the Sony HX90V has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Look at the Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony HX90V in our brand 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. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the ist DS2 and the HX90V.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the ist DS2 and HX90V is 68 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to see the gap in sensor dimensions only by looking through specs. The image here will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ist DS2 and HX90V.

All in all, each of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ist DS2 featuring a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony HX90V will provide you with more detail utilizing its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged ist DS2 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.