Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 vs Pentax ist DL2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2
      64
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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 DSLR-A700 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 DSLR-A700 was introduced in December 2007 and Pentax ist DL2 was introduced in January 2006. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 Highlights

      • 10.24 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 920k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • 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 DSLR-A700
      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 DSLR-A700 and Pentax ist DL2.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Built-in Flash

      CONS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.24 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   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 DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      •   Weight - 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)
      •   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 DSLR-A700

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 over Pentax ist DL2.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 vs Pentax ist DL2
      Higher Sensor Resolution 10.24 Megapixel vs 6 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 4272 x 2848 vs 3008 x 2008
      More Focus Points 11 vs 5
      Image Stabilization Sensor Shift vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.5"
      Higher Resolution Screen 920k dot vs 210k dot
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.60x 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
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.9 vs 11.1
      Higher DxO Overall Score 66 vs 65
      Higher USB Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) vs USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
      HDMI Output vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A700.

      Sony DSLR-A390
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A230
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A580
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A550
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A900
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A850
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A380
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A500
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      APS-C

      12.3 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 DSLR-A700.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 vs Pentax ist DL2
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Average Metering vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 581 vs 639
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.3 vs 22.9
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Lighter 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz) vs 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz)

      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

      Sony a7
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      Full Frame

      24.3 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Epson R-D1
      Image cannot be found

      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

      Samsung NX mini
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      1-inch

      20.5 MP

      Canon Rebel SL1
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      APS-C

      18.0 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-A700 Pentax ist DL2
        Built-in Flash
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 Pentax ist DL2
        No Video Capture
        Low Resolution Sensor10.24 Megapixel6 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points115
        No Face Detection
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Live View
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 has a 3.0" screen with 920k dot resolution and Pentax ist DL2 has a 2.5" screen with 210k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderPentax ist DL2 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. They both have 95% coverage.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 features a 10.24 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 366.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400. 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 DSLR-A700 can take pictures up to 4272 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3104 x 2064, 2128 x 1424 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 DSLR-A700 has Sony A lens mount and Pentax ist DL2 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-A700

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 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-A700 comes with NP-FM500H battery pack and Pentax ist DL2 comes with 4 x AA battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 has two card slots - one for Compact Flash (Type I/II), Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo and one for . Pentax ist DL2 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 has Electronically controlled Vertical-traverse Focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A700, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax ist DL2. Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Pentax ist DL2 can shoot continuously up to 2.8 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m on Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Proprietary Hot Shoe (compatible with Minolta and select Sony flashes) to Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A700.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 body has dimensions of 142 x 105 x 80 mm (5.59 x 4.13 x 3.15") and Pentax ist DL2 body has dimensions of 125 x 93 x 66 mm (4.92 x 3.66 x 2.6"). Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 weighs 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz) and Pentax ist DL2 weighs 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz).

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      142 mm

      105 mm

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      125 mm

      93 mm

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      105 mm

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      93 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 and Pentax ist DL2

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 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 DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      77
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   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 DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   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 DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   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 DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      75
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   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 DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      81
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 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 DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      83
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)
      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 DSLR-A700 and Pentax ist DL2 and give them scores of 64 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 DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      OVERALL
      64
      OVERALL
      55

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.24 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 65

      Photo

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      72
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   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 DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   5 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      72
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      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-A700

      Pentax ist DL2

      GOOD
      84
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 768 g (1.69 lb / 27.09 oz)
      •   2 Storage Slots
      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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