Sony Alpha 7 vs Pentax ist DL2

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2
      72
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      55
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Alpha 7 and the Pentax ist DL2, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Sony Alpha 7 was introduced in January 2014 and Pentax ist DL2 was introduced in January 2006. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha 7 Highlights

      • 24.3 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 50 - 25,600 Native ISO
      • 117 Focus Points (117 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 1,230k dot Tilting Screen
      • 2,359k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-In Wi-Fi
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Pentax ist DL2 Highlights

      • 6 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 200 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 5 Focus Points
      • 2.5" 210k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 2.8 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha 7
      4. Advantage of Pentax ist DL2
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Alpha 7 and Pentax ist DL2.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   50 Lowest Native ISO
      •   117 Focus Points
      •   25 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 90
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 474 g (1.04 lb / 16.72 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Built-in Flash

      CONS

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.3 Megapixel
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,359k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 65
      •   Weight - 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz)

      Advantage of Sony Alpha 7

      Sony a7
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha 7 over Pentax ist DL2.

      Sony Alpha 7 vs Pentax ist DL2
      Video Capture vs
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs APS-C
      Higher Sensor Resolution 24.3 Megapixel vs 6 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 50 vs 200
      Higher Native ISO 25,600 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 vs 3008 x 2008
      Timelapse Recording With downloadable app vs
      More Focus Points 117 vs 5
      Center Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Screen Type Tilting vs Fixed
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.5"
      Higher Resolution Screen 1,230k dot vs 210k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 100% vs 95%
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.71x vs 0.57x
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 2.8 fps
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 2248 vs 639
      Higher DxO Color Depth 24.8 vs 22.9
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 14.2 vs 11.1
      Higher DxO Overall Score 90 vs 65
      Higher USB Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) vs USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
      HDMI Output Micro vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Built-In Wi-Fi vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Lighter 474 g (1.04 lb / 16.72 oz) vs 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz)
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha 7.

      Sony a7 IV
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      Full Frame

      33.0 MP

      Sony a7 II
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      Full Frame

      24.3 MP

      Sony a7 III
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Canon 5D
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      Full Frame

      13.3 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Panasonic GX8
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20.3 MP

      Sony NEX-5N
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Nikon D800
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      Full Frame

      36.3 MP

      Nikon Z6
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      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Sony a6500
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon S620
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      1/2.33-inch

      12 MP

      Advantage of Pentax ist DL2

      Pentax ist DL2
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax ist DL2 over Sony Alpha 7.

      Sony Alpha 7 vs Pentax ist DL2
      Built-in Flash vs
      Average Metering vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax ist DL2.

      Sony a7R V
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      Full Frame

      61.0 MP

      Pentax K-01
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      APS-C

      16 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Epson R-D1
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Canon 70D
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A580
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Canon Rebel SL1
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Samsung NX mini
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      1-inch

      20.5 MP

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      APS-C

      10.24 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha 7 Pentax ist DL2
        No Image Stabilization
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha 7 has a 3.0" Tilting screen with 1,230k dot resolution and Pentax ist DL2 has a 2.5" Fixed screen with 210k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes Sony Alpha 7 very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

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      Sony Alpha 7 with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha 7 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 2,359k dot resolution and Pentax ist DL2 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. Sony Alpha 7 has 100% coverage with 0.71x magnification and Pentax ist DL2 has 95% coverage with 0.85x (0.57x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha 7 features a 24.3 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.8 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 855.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 50 - 25,600. Pentax ist DL2 features a 6 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 3,200.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Sony Alpha 7 is equipped with BIONZ X processor and can take pictures up to 6000 x 4000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 6000 x 3376, 3936 x 2624, 3936 x 2216, 3008 x 1688, 3008 x 2000 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Pentax ist DL2 can take pictures up to 3008 x 2008 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2400 x 1600, 1536 x 1024 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Sony Alpha 7 has Sony E lens mount and Pentax ist DL2 has Pentax KAF lens mount. Due to Full Frame sensor in Sony Alpha 7 its crop factor is equal to 1x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length. Due to APS-C sensor in Pentax ist DL2 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Sony Alpha 7 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Pentax ist DL2 nothing can be done. On Pentax ist DL2 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Sony Alpha 7 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi on Sony Alpha 7

      Sony Alpha 7 has a built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      NFC on Sony Alpha 7

      Sony Alpha 7 has Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha 7 comes with NP-FW50 battery pack with battery life of 340 shots and Pentax ist DL2 comes with 4 x AA battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha 7 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot. Pentax ist DL2 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Sony Alpha 7 has Electronically controlled Vertical-traverse Focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Sony Alpha 7, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax ist DL2. Sony Alpha 7 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Pentax ist DL2 can shoot continuously up to 2.8 fps.


      Focusing

      Sony Alpha 7 has Fast Hybrid AF (Phase-detection / Contrast-detection) system with 117 (25 cross-type) focusing points and Pentax ist DL2 has 5 focusing points..


      Flash

      Pentax ist DL2 has a built-in flash and also accepts external flash. Sony Alpha 7 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Sony Alpha 7.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha 7 body has dimensions of 127 x 94 x 48 mm (5 x 3.7 x 1.89") and Pentax ist DL2 body has dimensions of 125 x 93 x 66 mm (4.92 x 3.66 x 2.6"). Sony Alpha 7 weighs 474 g (1.04 lb / 16.72 oz) and Pentax ist DL2 weighs 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz).

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      127 mm

      94 mm

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      125 mm

      93 mm

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      94 mm

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      93 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha 7 and Pentax ist DL2

      Sony Alpha 7 and Pentax ist DL2 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   117 Focus Points
      •   25 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,359k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      49
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   117 Focus Points
      •   25 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,359k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      48
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      81
      •   Large Sensor
      •   117 Focus Points
      •   25 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Large Sensor
      •   117 Focus Points
      •   25 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 474 g (1.04 lb / 16.72 oz)
      GOOD
      76
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      84
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 474 g (1.04 lb / 16.72 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots
      GOOD
      79
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha 7 and Pentax ist DL2 and give them scores of 72 and 55 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      OVERALL
      72
      OVERALL
      55

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      76
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.3 Megapixel
      •   50 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 90
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 65

      Photo

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      POOR
      52
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps

      Video

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      79
      •   117 Focus Points
      •   25 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      74
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,359k dot
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      EXCELLENT
      91
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      47
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha 7

      Pentax ist DL2

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 474 g (1.04 lb / 16.72 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 340 shots
      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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