Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 vs Pentax ist DS2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2
      60
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      53
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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 DSLR-A450 and the Pentax ist DS2, 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 DSLR-A450 was introduced in January 2010 and Pentax ist DS2 was introduced in August 2005. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 Highlights

      • 14.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.7" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Pentax ist DS2 Highlights

      • 6 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 200 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • 2.5" 210k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 2.8 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A450
      4. Advantage of Pentax ist DS2
      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 DSLR-A450 and Pentax ist DS2.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Long Battery Life - 1050 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Built-in Flash

      CONS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 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 DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      •   Weight - 560 g (1.23 lb / 19.75 oz)
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Weight - 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

      Sony DSLR-A450
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 over Pentax ist DS2.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 vs Pentax ist DS2
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixel vs 6 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 4592 x 3056 vs 3008 x 2008
      Center Autofocus vs
      Image Stabilization Sensor Shift vs
      Larger Screen 2.7" vs 2.5"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 210k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 7.0 fps vs 2.8 fps
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Higher USB Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) vs USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
      HDMI Output vs
      Lighter 560 g (1.23 lb / 19.75 oz) vs 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A450.

      Sony DSLR-A560
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A390
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A850
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A230
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A380
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A580
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A290
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A100
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Advantage of Pentax ist DS2

      Pentax ist DS2
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax ist DS2 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A450.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 vs Pentax ist DS2
      More Focus Points 9 vs 11
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.53x vs 0.63x
      Average Metering vs
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax ist DS2.

      Nikon Z6
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      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Canon Rebel XSi
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      APS-C

      12.2 MP

      Sony a6300
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon 1 J1
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      1-inch

      10.1 MP

      Sony a6400
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony a7R IV
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      Full Frame

      61.0 MP

      Nikon 1 AW1
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      1-inch

      14.2 MP

      Canon R5 C
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      45.0 MP

      Nikon D2X
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Sony a9 II
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Fujifilm S5 Pro
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 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.

      STRENGTHS Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 Pentax ist DS2
        Built-in Flash
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 Pentax ist DS2
        No Video Capture
        Low Resolution Sensor14.2 Megapixel6 Megapixel
        High Native ISO200200
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points911
        No Face Detection
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot210k dot
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 has a 2.7" screen with 230k dot resolution and Pentax ist DS2 has a 2.5" screen with 210k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinderPentax ist DS2 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. They both have 95% coverage.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 features a 14.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.4 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 365 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 12,800. Pentax ist DS2 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 DSLR-A450 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4592 x 3056 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4592 x 3056, 4592 x 2576, 3344 x 2224, 3344 x 1872, 2288 x 1520, 2288 x 1280 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Pentax ist DS2 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 DSLR-A450 has Sony A lens mount and Pentax ist DS2 has Pentax KAF lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) 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.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

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


      Battery

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 comes with NP-FM500H battery pack with battery life of 1050 shots and Pentax ist DS2 comes with 4 x AA battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 has a single SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot. Pentax ist DS2 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A450, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax ist DS2. Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps. Pentax ist DS2 can shoot continuously up to 2.8 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 on Sony Alpha DSLR-A450. They also accept external flash. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A450.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 body has dimensions of 137 x 104 x 81 mm (5.39 x 4.09 x 3.19") and Pentax ist DS2 body has dimensions of 125 x 93 x 66 mm (4.92 x 3.66 x 2.6"). Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 weighs 560 g (1.23 lb / 19.75 oz) and Pentax ist DS2 weighs 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz).

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      137 mm

      104 mm

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      125 mm

      93 mm

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      104 mm

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      93 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 and Pentax ist DS2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 and Pentax ist DS2 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 DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 1050 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      49
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 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 DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1050 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      47
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 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 DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      GOOD
      77
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      GOOD
      81
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 560 g (1.23 lb / 19.75 oz)
      GOOD
      75
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      GOOD
      81
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 560 g (1.23 lb / 19.75 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1050 shots
      GOOD
      78
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha DSLR-A450 and Pentax ist DS2 and give them scores of 60 and 53 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 DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      OVERALL
      60
      OVERALL
      53

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      GOOD
      71
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 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 DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      GOOD
      71
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No 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 DSLR-A450

      Pentax ist DS2

      POOR
      48
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 560 g (1.23 lb / 19.75 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1050 shots
      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)


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

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