Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony W560

Below is a extensive assessment of the Pentax ist DS2 versus Sony W560, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Ultracompact by brands Pentax and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the ist DS2 (6MP) and W560 (14MP) and the ist DS2 (APS-C) and W560 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The ist DS2 was introduced 6 years earlier than the W560 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony W560 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the ist DS2 grades against the W560 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax ist DS2 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax ist DS2 Gallery and Sony W560 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Pentax ist DS2 provides physical dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs) while the Sony W560 has specifications of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

Compare the Pentax ist DS2 versus Sony W560 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that moment. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the ist DS2 and the W560.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ist DS2 and W560 is 68 and 96 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements just by going over specs. The photograph below will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the ist DS2 and W560.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ist DS2 having a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Sony W560 will offer more detail using its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics far more aggressively. The older ist DS2 is going to be behind in sensor tech.