Pentax KM vs Sony Alpha 300 — Which Is Better?
Side by side47 specifications |
Pentax · DSLR · 10.2 MP · APS-C
Pentax KM
41
SCORE
|
Sony · DSLR · 10.2 MP · APS-C
Sony Alpha 300
44
WINNER
|
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| General | ||
Read the General ComparisonGeneralThe Pentax KM and the Sony Alpha 300 are both 2008 DSLRs, each pairing a 10.2 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with a pentamirror viewfinder. Both offer in-body stabilisation, so any compatible lens gains shake reduction. The Sony Alpha 300 arrived in January 2008, while the Pentax KM followed that September. The KM is the smaller and lighter body, measuring 123 x 92 x 68 mm and 590 g against the Sony's 131 x 99 x 75 mm and 632 g. | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2008 | 2008 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
September 22, 2008 | January 30, 2008 |
| Camera type |  DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 123 x 92 x 68 mm | 131 x 99 x 75 mm |
| Camera weight | 590 g | 632 g |
| Optics | 48/100 | 49/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOpticsCropping room is the same, because both record 10.2 megapixel images on APS-C CCD sensors. The Pentax KM helps with action and off-centre subjects, since its 11 autofocus points against the Sony's 9 give more positions for the focus point without recomposing. Its 3.5 fps burst rate also runs slightly ahead of the Sony's 3 fps for short sequences. Their native ISO ceilings match at 3200, and so does the 1/4000 second maximum shutter. The Sony's base ISO of 100 sits below the Pentax's native 125, useful for wide apertures in bright light. Each mounts its own lens system, Pentax KAF or Sony Alpha DT, so lens choice sets your long-term options. | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
10.2 MP050 | 10.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
3872 x 2592 | 3872 x 2592 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CCD | CCD |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
16 x 24 | 16 x 24 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
 APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
3.5 fps045 | 3 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Pentax KAF | Sony Alpha DT |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Prime | Bionz |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
 3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
12530200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
32003003280000 | 32003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
32003003280000 | 32003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
110300 | 90300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
 Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Read the Video ComparisonVideoNeither camera records video, so both serve as stills-only choices and anyone needing movie clips must look elsewhere. Neither offers a built-in intervalometer, so time-lapse sequences need an external timer. | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
N/A | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
N/A | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
N/A | N/A |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
N/A | N/A |
| Features | 21/100 | 34/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonFeaturesThe Sony Alpha 300 has the clearer advantage for awkward shooting positions, because it offers live view on a tilting 2.7 inch LCD. You can hold the camera low or overhead and still frame the shot, which the fixed-screen Pentax KM cannot do since it lacks live view entirely. Both screens share the same 230000 dot resolution. Both cameras carry a built-in flash and support external flash units, so fill light is always within reach. Neither offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or GPS, so neither supports wireless transfer or geotagging, and both lack weather sealing. | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
 Yes | Yes |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
 Yes | Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 2.7" | 2.7" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
2300001150001500000 | 2300001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
No |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
No |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✗ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | 51/100 | 32/100 |
Read the Storage & battery ComparisonStorage and BatteryBattery endurance favours the Pentax KM, rated at 1800 shots from four AA batteries against 730 shots from the Sony's NP-FM500H pack. Fresh AA spares are easy to carry, while the Sony depends on its dedicated pack. Storage formats differ too: the Pentax KM takes SD and SDHC cards, while the Sony Alpha 300 takes Compact Flash. Neither has a second card slot or USB charging, so both record to one card and charge outside the body. | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC | Compact Flash |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | 4 x AA batteries | NP-FM500H |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
1800 shots1505000 | 730 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
Read: Verdict
Verdict
Choose the Sony Alpha 300 if you shoot handheld macros, portraits at unusual angles or crowded scenes where a tilting live view screen helps you frame without contorting. Its live view also eases the transition for anyone coming from a compact camera.
Choose the Pentax KM if you photograph events, travel or wildlife where battery endurance matters, since its rating leads by 1070 shots, 1800 against 730. Its 11 autofocus points and slightly faster 3.5 fps burst also suit children, pets and sports, and it is the lighter body at 590 g against 632 g. Existing Pentax or Sony Alpha lenses are the simplest reason to stay.