Sony Alpha SLT-A37 vs Pentax K-5

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5
      67
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      72
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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 SLT-A37 and the Pentax K-5, 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 SLT-A37 was introduced in May 2012 and Pentax K-5 was introduced in December 2010. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37 Highlights

      • 16.1 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 25,600 Native ISO
      • 15 Focus Points (15 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.6" 230k dot Tilting Screen
      • 1,440k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 5.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash

      Pentax K-5 Highlights

      • 16.3 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 80 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 25 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha SLT-A37
      4. Advantage of Pentax K-5
      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 SLT-A37 and Pentax K-5.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth


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

      AVERAGE

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.6"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 75
      •   Weight - 506 g (1.12 lb / 17.85 oz)
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.3 Megapixel
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 82
      •   Weight - 740 g (1.63 lb / 26.10 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 980 shots

      Advantage of Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Sony SLT-A37
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha SLT-A37 over Pentax K-5.

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37 vs Pentax K-5
      Higher Native ISO 25,600 vs 12,800
      More Focus Points 15 vs 11
      Screen Type Tilting vs Fixed
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.73x vs 0.61x
      Higher Video Recording Limit 30 min vs 25 min
      Lighter 506 g (1.12 lb / 17.85 oz) vs 740 g (1.63 lb / 26.10 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha SLT-A37.

      Sony SLT-A55
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A58
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      APS-C

      20.1 MP

      Sony SLT-A57
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony SLT-A77 II
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A33
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A77
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A35
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A99 II
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      Full Frame

      42.4 MP

      Sony SLT-A68
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A65
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A99
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      Full Frame

      24.3 MP

      Pentax K-S1
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      APS-C

      20.12 MP

      Advantage of Pentax K-5

      Pentax K-5
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax K-5 over Sony Alpha SLT-A37.

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37 vs Pentax K-5
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixel vs 16.3 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 80
      Max Image Resolution 4912 x 3264 vs 4928 x 3264
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Cross-type Focus Points 3 vs 9
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 2.6" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 921k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/8000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.5 fps vs 7.0 fps
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/160 sec vs 1/180 sec
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 799 vs 1162
      Higher DxO Color Depth 23.3 vs 23.7
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.9 vs 14.1
      Higher DxO Overall Score 75 vs 82
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Longer Battery Life 500 shots vs 980 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax K-5.

      Pentax K-7
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      APS-C

      15 MP

      Pentax K-5 II
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      APS-C

      16.3 MP

      Pentax KP
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      APS-C

      24.32 MP

      Canon Rebel SL3
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      APS-C

      24.1 MP

      Pentax K-5 IIs
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      APS-C

      16.3 MP

      Panasonic G9
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20.33 MP

      Nikon D60
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A55
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony a6100
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Sony a6300
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony a7 III
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      Full Frame

      24.2 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 SLT-A37 Pentax K-5
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image StabilizationSensor ShiftSensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Type C
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha SLT-A37 Pentax K-5
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        Low Video Recording Limit30 min25 min
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi is possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37 has a 2.6" Tilting screen with 230k dot resolution and Pentax K-5 has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 921k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes Sony Alpha SLT-A37 very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

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      Sony Alpha SLT-A37 with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 1,440k dot resolution and Pentax K-5 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. They both have 100% coverage.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37 features a 16.1 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 - 25,600. Pentax K-5 features a 16.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 12,800 and expands to 80 - 25,600 in boosted mode.


      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 SLT-A37 can take pictures up to 4912 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4912 x 2760, 3568 x 2368, 3568 x 2000, 2448 x 1624, 2448 x 1376 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Pentax K-5 is equipped with PRIME II processor and can take pictures up to 4928 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3936 x 2624, 3072 x 2048, 1728 x 1152 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37 has Sony A lens mount and Pentax K-5 has Pentax KAF2 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

      The cameras have a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when cameras are 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 SLT-A37 has a Mini Type C HDMI and Pentax K-5 has an HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37 comes with NP-FW50 battery pack with battery life of 500 shots and Pentax K-5 comes with D-LI90 battery pack with battery life of 980 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot. Pentax K-5 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha SLT-A37, and up to 1/8000 sec on Pentax K-5. Sony Alpha SLT-A37 can shoot continuously up to 5.5 fps. Pentax K-5 can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m on Sony Alpha SLT-A37 and 13.00 m at ISO 100 on Pentax K-5. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Wireless connection to Sony Alpha SLT-A37 and via Hot Shoe or Wireless connection to Pentax K-5. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on Sony Alpha SLT-A37 and 1/180 sec on Pentax K-5.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37 body has dimensions of 124 x 92 x 85 mm (4.88 x 3.62 x 3.35") and Pentax K-5 body has dimensions of 131 x 97 x 73 mm (5.16 x 3.82 x 2.87"). Sony Alpha SLT-A37 weighs 506 g (1.12 lb / 17.85 oz) and Pentax K-5 weighs 740 g (1.63 lb / 26.10 oz).

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      124 mm

      92 mm

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      131 mm

      97 mm

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      92 mm

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      97 mm

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      85 mm

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      73 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha SLT-A37 and Pentax K-5

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37 and Pentax K-5 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 SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      GOOD
      70
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      81
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      73
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 980 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 980 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      GOOD
      81
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.6"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      81
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      GOOD
      83
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 506 g (1.12 lb / 17.85 oz)
      GOOD
      82
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 740 g (1.63 lb / 26.10 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      GOOD
      81
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 506 g (1.12 lb / 17.85 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      GOOD
      81
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 740 g (1.63 lb / 26.10 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 980 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha SLT-A37 and Pentax K-5 and give them scores of 67 and 72 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 SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      OVERALL
      67
      OVERALL
      72

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      GOOD
      70
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 75
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.3 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 82

      Photo

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      GOOD
      71
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      GOOD
      78
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      GOOD
      72
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      80
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.6"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha SLT-A37

      Pentax K-5

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 506 g (1.12 lb / 17.85 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      GOOD
      70
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 740 g (1.63 lb / 26.10 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 980 shots


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

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