Pentax K-5 vs Canon SL2

Pentax K-5 advantages over Canon SL2

• Larger sensor
  APS-C vs APS-C
  More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
• In-Camera Image Stabilization
  Yes vs No
  Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
• Bigger pixels
  ~ 4.81 vs 3.72 microns
  Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
• Higher effective ISO

  Higher effective ISO

  Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

  Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

  You can learn more at our glossary entry.

  Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.

  K-5 test data on DxO Mark SL2 test data on DxO Mark
  1,162 vs 1,041 iso
  Take photos in low light with less noise
• Top deck display
  Yes vs No
  Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
• More cross-type AF points
  9 vs 1
  Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
• Pentaprism viewfinder
  Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
  Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
• More viewfinder magnification
  0.61x vs 0.54x
  Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
• Faster JPEG shooting
  6.5 fps vs 5.0 fps
  Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
• Faster RAW shooting
  6.5 fps vs 5.1 fps
  Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
• Bigger RAW buffer
  23 vs 5 shots
  Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
• Faster shutter
  1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
  Shoot wide open in bright light