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Pentax K-5 vs Sony RX10 II

The Pentax K-5 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II are two enthusiast cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2010 and June 2015. The K-5 is a DSLR, while the RX10 II is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (K-5) and an one-inch (RX10 II) sensor. The Pentax has a resolution of 16.1 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 20 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Pentax K-5
versus
Sony RX10 II
Pentax K-5   Sony RX10 II
Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
Pentax K mount lenses 24-200mm f/2.8
16.1 MP – APS-C sensor 20 MP – 1" sensor
1080/25p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-12,800 (80 - 51,200) ISO 100-12,800 (64 - 25,600)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2359k dots)
3.0" LCD – 921k dots 3.0" LCD – 1229k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
7 shutter flaps per second 14 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens-based stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
740 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
131 x 97 x 73 mm, 760 g 129 x 88 x 102 mm, 813 g
logo
Check K-5 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check RX10 II offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Pentax K-5 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Pentax K-5 and the Sony RX10 II. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Pentax K-5 vs Sony RX10 II
Compare K-5 versus RX10 II top
Comparison K-5 or RX10 II rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony RX10 II is notably smaller (11 percent) than the Pentax K-5. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the RX10 II has a lens built in, whereas the K-5 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

Concerning battery life, the K-5 gets 740 shots out of its Pentax D-LI90 battery, while the RX10 II can take 400 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack. The power pack in the RX10 II can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Pentax K-5 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 i Sep 2010 US$ 1 099ebay.com
2.
 
Sony RX10 II 129 mm 88 mm 102 mm 813 g 400 i Jun 2015 US$ 1 299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 80D 139 mm 105 mm 79 mm 730 g 960 i Feb 2016 US$ 1 199ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G3 X 123 mm 77 mm 105 mm 733 g 300 i Jun 2015 US$ 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D7000 132 mm 105 mm 77 mm 780 g 1050 i Sep 2010 US$ 1 499ebay.com
6.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 i Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
7.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 i Apr 2015 US$ 1 099ebay.com
8.
 
Pentax K-5 II 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 i Sep 2012 US$ 1 099ebay.com
9.
 
Pentax K-30 130 mm 97 mm 71 mm 650 g 410 i May 2012 US$ 849ebay.com
10.
 
Pentax K-50 130 mm 97 mm 71 mm 650 g 410 i Jun 2013 US$ 599ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax K-70 126 mm 93 mm 74 mm 688 g 410 i Jun 2016 US$ 649ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-500 130 mm 97 mm 71 mm 646 g 710 i Jun 2013 US$ 549ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax KP 132 mm 101 mm 76 mm 703 g 390 i Jan 2017 US$ 1 099ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A77 143 mm 104 mm 81 mm 732 g 470 i Aug 2011 US$ 1 399ebay.com
15.
 
Sony RX10 129 mm 88 mm 102 mm 813 g 420 i Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX10 III 133 mm 94 mm 127 mm 1051 g 420 i Mar 2016 US$ 1 499ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX100 IV 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 298 g 280 i Jun 2015 US$ 999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty Camera
Model

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Pentax K-5 features an APS-C sensor and the Sony RX10 II an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the RX10 II is 69 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.7. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Pentax K-5 and Sony RX10 II sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the RX10 II offers a higher resolution of 20 megapixels, compared with 16.1 MP of the K-5. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 2.41μm versus 4.81μm for the K-5). However, it should be noted that the RX10 II is much more recent (by 4 years and 8 months) than the K-5, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Sony RX10 II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the RX10 II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Pentax K-5 are 24.6 x 16.3 inches or 62.6 x 41.5 cm for good quality, 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Pentax K-5 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 80-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II are ISO 100 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 64-25600.

In terms of underlying technology, the K-5 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the RX10 II uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

K-5 versus RX10 II MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the K-5 provides substantially higher image quality than the RX10 II, with an overall score that is 12 points higher. This advantage is based on 0.7 bits higher color depth, 1.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Pentax K-5 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.714.1116282
2.
 
Sony RX10 II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p23.012.653170
3.
 
Canon 80D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.2113579
4.
 
Canon G3 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.412.352163
5.
 
Nikon D7000 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/24p23.513.9116780
6.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
7.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
8.
 
Pentax K-5 II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.814.1123582
9.
 
Pentax K-30 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.713.0112979
10.
 
Pentax K-50 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.713.0112079
11.
 
Pentax K-70 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i23.813.1163980
12.
 
Pentax K-500 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.713.1108779
13.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
14.
 
Sony A77 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.280178
15.
 
Sony RX10 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.912.647469
16.
 
Sony RX10 III 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p23.112.647270
17.
 
Sony RX100 IV 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.659170
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
  empty Camera
Model

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the RX10 II provides a better video resolution than the K-5. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/25p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the RX10 II has an electronic viewfinder (2359k dots), while the K-5 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the RX10 II has a higher magnification than the one of the K-5 (0.70x vs 0.61x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Pentax K-5 and Sony RX10 II in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Pentax K-5optical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 7.0/s i i
2.
 
Sony RX10 II2359 i3.0 / 1229 tilting i 1/3200s 14.0/s i i
3.
 
Canon 80Doptical i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/8000s 7.0/s i i
4.
 
Canon G3 Xoptional i3.2 / 1620 tilting i 1/2000s 5.9/s i i
5.
 
Nikon D7000optical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 6.0/s i i
6.
 
Pentax K-3optical i3.2 / 1037 fixed i 1/8000s 8.3/s i i
7.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical i3.2 / 1037 fixed i 1/8000s 8.3/s i i
8.
 
Pentax K-5 IIoptical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 7.0/s i i
9.
 
Pentax K-30optical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/6000s 6.0/s i i
10.
 
Pentax K-50optical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/6000s 6.0/s i i
11.
 
Pentax K-70optical i3.0 / 921 swivel i 1/6000s 6.0/s i i
12.
 
Pentax K-500optical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/6000s 6.0/s i i
13.
 
Pentax KPoptical i3.0 / 921 tilting i 1/6000s 7.0/s i i
14.
 
Sony A772359 i3.0 / 921 full-flex i 1/8000s 12.0/s i i
15.
 
Sony RX101440 i3.0 / 1229 tilting i 1/3200s 10.0/s i i
16.
 
Sony RX10 III2359 i3.0 / 1229 tilting i 1/2000s 14.0/s i i
17.
 
Sony RX100 IV2359 i3.0 / 1228 tilting i 1/2000s 16.0/s i i
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
  empty Camera
Model

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the RX10 II is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Pentax K-5 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The K-5 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the RX10 II uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The RX10 II supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the K-5 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Pentax K-5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Pentax K-5istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
2.
 
Sony RX10 IIistereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
3.
 
Canon 80Distereo / monoiimini2.0iii
4.
 
Canon G3 Xistereo / monoiimini2.0iii
5.
 
Nikon D7000imono / monoiimini2.0iii
6.
 
Pentax K-3imono / monoiimini3.0iii
7.
 
Pentax K-3 IIimono / monoiimini3.0iii
8.
 
Pentax K-5 IIistereo / monoiimini2.0iii
9.
 
Pentax K-30imono / monoiii2.0iii
10.
 
Pentax K-50imono / monoiimicro2.0iii
11.
 
Pentax K-70istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
12.
 
Pentax K-500imono / monoiii2.0iii
13.
 
Pentax KPistereo / monoiii2.0iii
14.
 
Sony A77istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
15.
 
Sony RX10istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
16.
 
Sony RX10 IIIistereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
17.
 
Sony RX100 IVistereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
  empty Camera
Model

It is notable that the RX10 II offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the K-5 does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-5 (unlike the RX10 II) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the K-5 and the RX10 II have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The K-5 was replaced by the Pentax K-5 II, while the RX10 II was followed by the Sony RX10 III. Further information on the features and operation of the K-5 and RX10 II can be found, respectively, in the Pentax K-5 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony RX10 II Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Pentax K-5 and the Sony RX10 II? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Reasons to prefer the Pentax K-5:

  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (12 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.5 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.1 stops ISO advantage).
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/3200s) to freeze action.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (740 versus 400) on a single battery charge.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2010).

ilogo

Advantages of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (20 vs 16.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 11%.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/25p).
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.61x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 921k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (14 vs 7 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the K-5 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (129x88mm vs 131x97mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years and 8 months of technical progress since the K-5 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the RX10 II is the clear winner of the contest (16 : 10 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

K-5 10:16 RX10 II

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Pentax K-5 and the Sony RX10 II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the K-5 and the RX10 II in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Pentax K-54/5....83/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2010 US$ 1 099ebay.com
2.
 
Sony RX10 II5/5+ +..82/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2015 US$ 1 299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 80D4/5+ +4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 US$ 1 199ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G3 X3.5/5+....4.5/54/5 Jun 2015 US$ 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D70004/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 US$ 1 499ebay.com
6.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
7.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 US$ 1 099ebay.com
8.
 
Pentax K-5 II5/5....80/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 1 099ebay.com
9.
 
Pentax K-304/5....78/1004.5/54.5/5 May 2012 US$ 849ebay.com
10.
 
Pentax K-505/5......5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 US$ 599ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax K-704.5/5..4/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2016 US$ 649ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-500........4.5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 US$ 549ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax KP4/5..3/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 US$ 1 099ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A775/591/100..81/100..5/5 Aug 2011 US$ 1 399ebay.com
15.
 
Sony RX105/5+..80/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 299ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX10 III5/5+..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2016 US$ 1 499ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX100 IV4.5/5+ +..85/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2015 US$ 999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty  Camera 
 Model 

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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  • Canon 77D
  • Canon 80D
  • Canon 90D
  • Canon D30
  • Canon D60
  • Canon G1 X
  • Canon G1 X Mark II
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  • Canon G7 X
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  • Canon G9 X
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  • Canon G12
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  • Canon M
  • Canon M3
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  • Canon M10
  • Canon M50
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  • Canon M100
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  • Canon R
  • Canon R1
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  • Canon R5
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  • Canon R7
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  • Canon R100
  • Canon RP
  • Canon S120
  • Canon SL1
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  • Canon SX1
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  • Canon SX30
  • Canon SX40
  • Canon SX50
  • Canon SX60
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  • Canon SX400
  • Canon SX410
  • Canon SX420
  • Canon SX430
  • Canon SX500
  • Canon SX510
  • Canon SX520
  • Canon SX530
  • Canon SX540
  • Canon SX600
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  • Canon SX700
  • Canon SX710
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  • Canon Rebel
  • Canon T1i
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  • Canon V1
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  • Canon XS
  • Canon XSi
  • Canon XT
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  • Contax N Digital
  • Epson R-D1
  • Fujifilm GFX 50R
  • Fujifilm GFX 50S
  • Fujifilm GFX 50S II
  • Fujifilm GFX 100
  • Fujifilm GFX 100 II
  • Fujifilm GFX 100RF
  • Fujifilm GFX 100S
  • Fujifilm GFX 100S II
  • Fujifilm X-A1
  • Fujifilm X-A2
  • Fujifilm X-A3
  • Fujifilm X-A5
  • Fujifilm X-A7
  • Fujifilm X-A10
  • Fujifilm X-E1
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  • Fujifilm X-E2S
  • Fujifilm X-E3
  • Fujifilm X-E4
  • Fujifilm X-E5
  • Fujifilm X-H1
  • Fujifilm X-H2
  • Fujifilm X-H2S
  • Fujifilm X-M1
  • Fujifilm X-M5
  • Fujifilm X-Pro1
  • Fujifilm X-Pro2
  • Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • Fujifilm X-S10
  • Fujifilm X-S20
  • Fujifilm X-T1
  • Fujifilm X-T2
  • Fujifilm X-T3
  • Fujifilm X-T4
  • Fujifilm X-T5
  • Fujifilm X-T10
  • Fujifilm X-T20
  • Fujifilm X-T30
  • Fujifilm X-T30 II
  • Fujifilm X-T50
  • Fujifilm X-T100
  • Fujifilm X-T200
  • Fujifilm X10
  • Fujifilm X20
  • Fujifilm X30
  • Fujifilm X70
  • Fujifilm X100
  • Fujifilm X100S
  • Fujifilm X100T
  • Fujifilm X100F
  • Fujifilm X100V
  • Fujifilm X100VI
  • Fujifilm XF10
  • Fujifilm XQ1
  • Fujifilm XQ2
  • Fujifilm XP120
  • Fujifilm XP130
  • Fujifilm XP140
  • Hasselblad X1D
  • Hasselblad X1D II
  • Hasselblad X2D 100C
  • Kodak AZ901
  • Kodak S-1
  • Leica C-LUX
  • Leica CL
  • Leica D-LUX Typ 109
  • Leica D-LUX 5
  • Leica D-LUX 6
  • Leica D-LUX 7
  • Leica D-LUX 8
  • Leica Digilux 3
  • Leica M Typ 240
  • Leica M-E Typ 240
  • Leica M Typ 262
  • Leica M8
  • Leica M9
  • Leica M10
  • Leica M10-P
  • Leica M10-R
  • Leica M11
  • Leica Q Typ 116
  • Leica Q2
  • Leica Q3
  • Leica S1
  • Leica S2
  • Leica S3
  • Leica S Typ 006
  • Leica S-E Typ 006
  • Leica S Typ 007
  • Leica SL
  • Leica SL2
  • Leica SL2-S
  • Leica SL3
  • Leica SL3-S
  • Leica T
  • Leica TL
  • Leica TL2
  • Leica V-LUX 1
  • Leica V-LUX 2
  • Leica V-LUX 3
  • Leica V-LUX 4
  • Leica V-LUX Typ 114
  • Leica V-LUX 5
  • Leica X1
  • Leica X2
  • Leica X Vario
  • Leica X Typ 113
  • Leica X-U Typ 113
  • Leitz Ur-Leica
  • Nikon 1 J4
  • Nikon 1 J5
  • Nikon 1 V1
  • Nikon 1 V2
  • Nikon 1 V3
  • Nikon Coolpix A
  • Nikon A1000
  • Nikon B500
  • Nikon B600
  • Nikon B700
  • Nikon D1
  • Nikon D1H
  • Nikon D1X
  • Nikon D2H
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  • Nikon D5
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  • Nikon D40
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  • Nikon D50
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  • Nikon D70
  • Nikon D70s
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  • Nikon D90
  • Nikon D100
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  • Nikon D500
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  • Nikon D610
  • Nikon D700
  • Nikon D750
  • Nikon D780
  • Nikon D800
  • Nikon D800E
  • Nikon D810
  • Nikon D850
  • Nikon D3000
  • Nikon D3100
  • Nikon D3200
  • Nikon D3300
  • Nikon D3400
  • Nikon D3500
  • Nikon D5000
  • Nikon D5100
  • Nikon D5200
  • Nikon D5300
  • Nikon D5500
  • Nikon D5600
  • Nikon D7000
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  • Nikon D7500
  • Nikon Df
  • Nikon L840
  • Nikon P900
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  • Nikon P1000
  • Nikon P1100
  • Nikon P7800
  • Nikon W150
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  • Nikon Z5
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  • Nikon Z6
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  • Nikon Z6 III
  • Nikon Z7
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  • Nikon Z8
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  • Nikon Z30
  • Nikon Z50
  • Nikon Z50 II
  • Nikon Zf
  • Nikon Z fc
  • Olympus E-1
  • Olympus E-3
  • Olympus E-5
  • Olympus E-30
  • Olympus E-300
  • Olympus E-330
  • Olympus E-400
  • Olympus E-410
  • Olympus E-420
  • Olympus E-450
  • Olympus E-500
  • Olympus E-510
  • Olympus E-520
  • Olympus E-600
  • Olympus E-620
  • Olympus E-M1
  • Olympus E-M1 II
  • Olympus E-M1 III
  • Olympus E-M1X
  • Olympus E-M5
  • Olympus E-M5 II
  • Olympus E-M5 III
  • Olympus E-M10
  • Olympus E-M10 II
  • Olympus E-M10 III
  • Olympus E-M10 IV
  • Olympus E-P1
  • Olympus E-P2
  • Olympus E-P3
  • Olympus E-P5
  • Olympus E-P7
  • Olympus E-PL1
  • Olympus E-PL2
  • Olympus E-PL3
  • Olympus E-PL5
  • Olympus E-PL6
  • Olympus E-PL7
  • Olympus E-PL8
  • Olympus E-PL9
  • Olympus E-PL10
  • Olympus E-PM1
  • Olympus E-PM2
  • Olympus PEN-F
  • Olympus Stylus 1
  • Olympus Stylus 1s
  • Olympus TG-4
  • Olympus TG-5
  • Olympus TG-6
  • Olympus XZ-1
  • Olympus XZ-2
  • OM System OM-1
  • OM System OM-1 II
  • OM System OM-3
  • OM System OM-5
  • OM System OM-5 II
  • OM System TG-7
  • Panasonic FZ80
  • Panasonic FZ80D
  • Panasonic FZ100
  • Panasonic FZ150
  • Panasonic FZ200
  • Panasonic FZ300
  • Panasonic FZ1000
  • Panasonic FZ1000 II
  • Panasonic FZ2500
  • Panasonic G1
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  • Panasonic G3
  • Panasonic G5
  • Panasonic G6
  • Panasonic G7
  • Panasonic G9
  • Panasonic G9 II
  • Panasonic G10
  • Panasonic G85
  • Panasonic G97
  • Panasonic G95
  • Panasonic G100
  • Panasonic GF1
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  • Panasonic GF3
  • Panasonic GF5
  • Panasonic GF6
  • Panasonic GF7
  • Panasonic GH1
  • Panasonic GH2
  • Panasonic GH3
  • Panasonic GH4
  • Panasonic GH5
  • Panasonic GH5 II
  • Panasonic GH5s
  • Panasonic GH6
  • Panasonic GH7
  • Panasonic GM1
  • Panasonic GM5
  • Panasonic GX1
  • Panasonic GX7
  • Panasonic GX8
  • Panasonic GX9
  • Panasonic GX85
  • Panasonic GX850
  • Panasonic L1
  • Panasonic L10
  • Panasonic LF1
  • Panasonic LX5
  • Panasonic LX7
  • Panasonic LX10
  • Panasonic LX100
  • Panasonic LX100 II
  • Panasonic S1
  • Panasonic S1 II
  • Panasonic S1H
  • Panasonic S1R
  • Panasonic S1R II
  • Panasonic S5
  • Panasonic S5 II
  • Panasonic S9
  • Panasonic TS7
  • Panasonic ZS70
  • Panasonic ZS80
  • Panasonic ZS100
  • Panasonic ZS200
  • Pentax 645D
  • Pentax 645Z
  • Pentax K-1
  • Pentax K-1 II
  • Pentax K-3
  • Pentax K-3 II
  • Pentax K-3 III
  • Pentax K-5
  • Pentax K-5 II
  • Pentax K-30
  • Pentax K-50
  • Pentax K-70
  • Pentax K-500
  • Pentax KP
  • Pentax K-S1
  • Pentax K-S2
  • Pentax MX-1
  • Pentax Q
  • Pentax WG-8
  • Pentax WG-90
  • Pentax WG-1000
  • Ricoh GR
  • Ricoh GR II
  • Ricoh GR III
  • Ricoh GR IIIx
  • Ricoh WG-6
  • Ricoh WG-60
  • Samsung NX1
  • Samsung NX30
  • Samsung NX500
  • Sigma fp
  • Sigma fp L
  • Sony A1
  • Sony A1 II
  • Sony A7
  • Sony A7 II
  • Sony A7 III
  • Sony A7 IV
  • Sony A7C
  • Sony A7C II
  • Sony A7C R
  • Sony A7R
  • Sony A7R II
  • Sony A7R III
  • Sony A7R IIIA
  • Sony A7R IV
  • Sony A7R IVA
  • Sony A7R V
  • Sony A7S
  • Sony A7S II
  • Sony A7S III
  • Sony A9
  • Sony A9 II
  • Sony A9 III
  • Sony A58
  • Sony A68
  • Sony A77
  • Sony A77 II
  • Sony A99
  • Sony A99 II
  • Sony A850
  • Sony A900
  • Sony A3000
  • Sony A5000
  • Sony A5100
  • Sony A6000
  • Sony A6100
  • Sony A6300
  • Sony A6400
  • Sony A6500
  • Sony A6600
  • Sony A6700
  • Sony H200
  • Sony H300
  • Sony H400
  • Sony HX80
  • Sony HX90V
  • Sony HX95
  • Sony HX99
  • Sony HX350
  • Sony HX400V
  • Sony NEX-3
  • Sony NEX-3N
  • Sony NEX-5
  • Sony NEX-5N
  • Sony NEX-5R
  • Sony NEX-5T
  • Sony NEX-6
  • Sony NEX-7
  • Sony NEX-C3
  • Sony NEX-F3
  • Sony RX0
  • Sony RX0 II
  • Sony RX1
  • Sony RX1R
  • Sony RX1R II
  • Sony RX1R III
  • Sony RX10
  • Sony RX10 II
  • Sony RX10 III
  • Sony RX10 IV
  • Sony RX100
  • Sony RX100 II
  • Sony RX100 III
  • Sony RX100 IV
  • Sony RX100 V
  • Sony RX100 VI
  • Sony RX100 VII
  • Sony WX800
  • Sony ZV-1
  • Sony ZV-1 II
  • Sony ZV-1F
  • Sony ZV-E1
  • Sony ZV-E10
  • Sony ZV-E10 II
  • YI M1
  • Zeiss ZX1
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Specifications: Pentax K-5 vs Sony RX10 II

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

Camera Specifications
Camera Model Pentax K-5 Sony RX10 II
Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
Camera Lens Pentax K mount lenses 24-200mm f/2.8
Launch Date September 2010 June 2015
Launch Price USD 1,099 USD 1,299
Sensor Specs Pentax K-5 Sony RX10 II
Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor Format APS-C Sensor 1" Sensor
Sensor Size 23.7 x 15.7 mm 13.2 x 8.8 mm
Sensor Area 372.09 mm2 116.16 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 28.4 mm 15.9 mm
Crop Factor 1.5x 2.7x
Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixels 20 Megapixels
Image Resolution 4928 x 3264 pixels 5472 x 3648 pixels
Pixel Pitch 4.81 μm 2.41 μm
Pixel Density 4.32 MP/cm2 17.18 MP/cm2
Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
Movie Capability 1080/25p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO Setting 100 - 12,800 ISO 100 - 12,800 ISO
ISO Boost 80 - 51,200 ISO 64 - 25,600 ISO
Image Processor PRIME II BIONZ X
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 82 70
DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.7 23.0
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.1 12.6
DXO Low Light (ISO) 1162 531
Screen Specs Pentax K-5 Sony RX10 II
Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.61x 0.70x
Viewfinder Resolution 2359k dots
Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
LCD Resolution 921k dots 1229k dots
LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
Shooting Specs Pentax K-5 Sony RX10 II
Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/3200s
Continuous Shooting 7 shutter flaps/s 14 shutter flaps/s
Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/32000s
Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens-based stabilization
Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
Storage Medium SDXC cards MS or SDXC cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
UHS card support no UHS-I
Connectivity Specs Pentax K-5 Sony RX10 II
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
Body Specs Pentax K-5 Sony RX10 II
Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
Battery Type Pentax D-LI90 Sony NP-FW50
Battery Life (CIPA)740 shots per charge400 shots per charge
In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
Body Dimensions 131 x 97 x 73 mm
(5.2 x 3.8 x 2.9 in)
129 x 88 x 102 mm
(5.1 x 3.5 x 4.0 in)
Camera Weight 760 g (26.8 oz) 813 g (28.7 oz)
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