Olympus E-30 vs Pentax W80

Below, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-30 and Pentax W80, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-30 (12MP) and the W80 (12MP) is relatively close but the E-30 (Four Thirds) and W80 (1/2.3") feature different sensor measurements.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The E-30 was launched 3 months prior to the W80 and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax W80 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief summary of how the E-30 grades against the W80 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-30 and Pentax Optio W80. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-30 Gallery and Pentax W80 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-30 provides outside measurements of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") with a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) while the Pentax W80 has measurements of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

See the Olympus E-30 and Pentax W80 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the E-30 versus the W80.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-30 and W80 is 60 and 94 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizing merely by viewing specs. The graphic below should offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-30 and W80.

All in all, both of these cameras have got the exact same megapixels albeit different sensor sizing. The E-30 features the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF simpler.