Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony RX100 VA

Here, we will be looking at the Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony RX100 VA, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Pentax and Sony. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the ist DS2 (6MP) and RX100 VA (20MP) and the ist DS2 (APS-C) and RX100 VA (1") posses totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The ist DS2 was launched 14 years prior to the RX100 VA which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the ist DS2 scores against the RX100 VA when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax ist DS2 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A). The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax ist DS2 Gallery and Sony RX100 VA Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Pentax ist DS2 provides outside dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs) and the Sony RX100 VA has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") having a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Compare the Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony RX100 VA in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the ist DS2 compared to the RX100 VA.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the ist DS2 and RX100 VA is 68 and 89 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to see the difference between sensor dimensions purely by going over specs. The image underneath will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the ist DS2 and RX100 VA.

All in all, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ist DS2 because of its bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh simpler and the Sony RX100 VA will offer you extra detail utilizing its extra 14 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged ist DS2 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.