Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony RX10

Its time to look more closely at the Pentax ist DS2 and Sony RX10, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by companies Pentax and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the ist DS2 (6MP) and RX10 (20MP) and the ist DS2 (APS-C) and RX10 (1") enjoy different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ist DS2 was revealed 9 years earlier than the RX10 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summary of how the ist DS2 scores versus the RX10 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax ist DS2 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The full galleries are available at Pentax ist DS2 Gallery and Sony RX10 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Pentax ist DS2 features external measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs) and the Sony RX10 has measurements of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") having a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax ist DS2 and Sony RX10 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the ist DS2 against the RX10.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ist DS2 and RX10 is 68 and 58 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to picture the gap between sensor measurements merely by looking at technical specs. The graphic underneath may provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the ist DS2 and RX10.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ist DS2 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Sony RX10 will give extra detail because of its extra 14 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos far more aggressively. The older ist DS2 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.