Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 vs Pentax Optio RS1500

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500
      64
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      47
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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-A850 and the Pentax Optio RS1500, 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-A850 was introduced in April 2010 and Pentax Optio RS1500 was introduced in March 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 Highlights

      • 24.6 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 922k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Pentax Optio RS1500 Highlights

      • 14 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 0.7 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A850
      4. Advantage of Pentax Optio RS1500
      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-A850 and Pentax Optio RS1500.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      •   Large Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      •   No Video Capture
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1500 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots


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

      AVERAGE

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.6 Megapixel
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 79
      •   Weight - 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 880 shots
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Sony DSLR-A850
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 over Pentax Optio RS1500.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 vs Pentax Optio RS1500
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs 1/2.3-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 24.6 Megapixel vs 14 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 6048 x 4032 vs 4288 x 3216
      RAW Support vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Image Stabilization Sensor Shift vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.70"
      Higher Resolution Screen 922k dot vs 230k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 4 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/1500 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps vs 0.7 fps
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Manual Exposure Mode vs
      Aperture Priority vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Longer Battery Life 880 shots vs 260 shots
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A850.

      Sony DSLR-A290
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A580
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A450
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A500
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Sony DSLR-A380
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A230
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A390
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A560
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      APS-C

      10.24 MP

      Advantage of Pentax Optio RS1500

      Pentax RS1500
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax Optio RS1500 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A850.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 vs Pentax Optio RS1500
      Video Capture vs
      Lower Native ISO 200 vs 80
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 6,400
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Live View vs
      Built-in Flash vs
      Built-in Microphone vs Mono
      Lighter 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz) vs 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz)
      Internal Storage vs 97 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax Optio RS1500.

      Nikon D80
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Nikon D40X
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Olympus E-420
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      Micro Four Thirds

      10.0 MP

      Fujifilm S4200
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.0 MP

      Nikon D4
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D2X
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Sony a7CR
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      Full Frame

      60.2 MP

      Canon R10
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D50
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Fujifilm S3200
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.0 MP

      Nikon D1X
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      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Canon SX30 IS
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.1 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-A850 Pentax Optio RS1500
        HDMI Output Mini Type C Type D Micro
        Environmental Sealing
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 Pentax Optio RS1500
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points99
        No Face Detection
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Max Continuous Shooting3.0 fps0.7 fps
        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-A850 has a 3.0" screen with 922k dot resolution and Pentax Optio RS1500 has a 2.70" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder on Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 98% coverage and 0.74x magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Pentax Optio RS1500.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 features a 24.6 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.9 x 24 mm and a total area of 861.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 3,200 and expands to 200 - 6,400 in boosted mode. Pentax Optio RS1500 features a 14 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 6,400.

      Photography Features

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 6048 x 4032 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4400 x 2936, 4400 x 2936, 3024 x 2016, 6048 x 3408, 4400 x 2472, 3024 x 1704, 3924 x 2656, 2896 x 1928, 1984 x 1320 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Pentax Optio RS1500 can take pictures up to 4288 x 3216 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4288 x 3216, 4224 x 2376, 3216 x 3216, 3072 x 2304, 3072 x 1728, 2592 x 1944, 2592 x 1464, 2048 x 1536, 1920 x 1080, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 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 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 has a Mini Type C HDMI and Pentax Optio RS1500 has a Type D Micro HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 comes with NP-FM500H battery pack with battery life of 880 shots and Pentax Optio RS1500 comes with D-LI92 battery pack with battery life of 260 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 has two card slots - one for Slot1 : Compact Flash (Type I or II, UDMA) and one for Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo. Pentax Optio RS1500 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A850, and up to 1/1500 sec on Pentax Optio RS1500. Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps. Pentax Optio RS1500 can shoot continuously up to 0.7 fps.


      Flash

      Pentax Optio RS1500 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 3.90 m. Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Yes. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A850.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 body has dimensions of 156 x 117 x 82 mm (6.14 x 4.61 x 3.23") and Pentax Optio RS1500 body has dimensions of 114 x 58 x 28 mm (4.49 x 2.28 x 1.1"). Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 weighs 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz) and Pentax Optio RS1500 weighs 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz).

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      156 mm

      117 mm

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      114 mm

      58 mm

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      117 mm

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      58 mm

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      82 mm

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      28 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 and Pentax Optio RS1500

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 and Pentax Optio RS1500 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-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      82
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 880 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      48
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 880 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      78
      •   Large Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      51
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      81
      •   Large Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      80
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 880 shots
      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 and Pentax Optio RS1500 and give them scores of 64 and 47 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-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      OVERALL
      64
      OVERALL
      47

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      71
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 79
      POOR
      48
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      74
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      BAD
      27
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1500 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.7 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization
      BAD
      7
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      POOR
      50
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      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
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   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-A850

      Pentax Optio RS1500

      GOOD
      74
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 895 g (1.97 lb / 31.57 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 880 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 157 g (0.35 lb / 5.54 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 260 shots
      •   Internal Storage


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

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