Canon SX540 HS vs Pentax K-01

Below, we will be reviewing the Canon SX540 HS and Pentax K-01, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Canon and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap among the resolutions of the SX540 HS (20MP) and K-01 (16MP) and the SX540 HS (1/2.3") and K-01 (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SX540 HS was unveiled 3 years after the K-01 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX540 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a complete comparison, below is a brief summary of how the SX540 HS grades against the K-01 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX540 HS and Pentax K-01. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX540 HS Gallery and Pentax K-01 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Canon SX540 HS provides physical dimensions of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") having a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-01 has measurements of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") and a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX540 HS and Pentax K-01 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the SX540 HS versus the K-01.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX540 HS and K-01 is 69 and 76 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to picture the difference in sensor dimensions purely by checking out technical specs. The image here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX540 HS and K-01.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SX540 HS using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh trickier and the Canon SX540 HS will produce extra detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The younger SX540 HS provides an edge in sensor tech.