Olympus E-400 vs Pentax K-S1: A Detailed DSLR Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right DSLR is a pivotal step in your photography journey. Whether you’re aiming to capture stunning landscapes, intimate portraits, or fast-paced sports action, understanding how a camera performs across multiple scenarios is crucial. Today, we put two distinct DSLRs under the microscope: the Olympus E-400 and the Pentax K-S1. These cameras come from different eras and design philosophies, yet both promise engaging experiences for photographers.

We have spent considerable hands-on time testing these cameras to bring you an authoritative, nuanced comparison. This review tackles technical specifications, real-world usability, and genre-specific performance - all to help you find your ideal photographic partner.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Physical Design

The feel of a camera in your hands can shape your entire shooting experience. Let's see how these two models compare in physical size and handling comfort.

The Olympus E-400 is impressively compact and lightweight - it feels less intrusive, great for those who want a DSLR without the bulk. Its smaller size makes it an excellent companion for travel or street photography where discretion matters.

Conversely, the Pentax K-S1, while bulkier and heavier, benefits from a sturdy handgrip and solid construction. It’s designed with a comfortable hold for longer shooting sessions, especially useful during events or wildlife outings that demand stability.

In practice: We found the E-400’s petite frame favorable for beginners or casual shooters looking for portability. The K-S1’s heft gives it a more substantial, professional feel, instilling confidence when paired with large lenses.

Control Layout and User Interface: Intuitive Operation vs Advanced Features

Usability directly affects how quickly and efficiently you can capture the moment. Both cameras have distinct control philosophies reflected in their design.

• Olympus E-400: Features a classic DSLR layout with fewer buttons and no top LCD. Controls are straightforward but limited; exposure modes include shutter and aperture priority. Notably, it lacks manual exposure mode, which constrains creative control somewhat.

• Pentax K-S1: Boasts a more modern control scheme with illuminated buttons, a top screen for vital shooting info, and full manual exposure modes. Exposure compensation and bracketing are supported, promoting flexible shooting in dynamic lighting.

For photographers moving beyond entry-level, the K-S1 provides more intuitive access to complex settings without diving deep into menus. The E-400 can feel restrictive but less daunting for newcomers.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Fundamentals

Sensor size, resolution, and image processing are pivotal for capturing high-quality images. Here’s the critical sensor data:

What this means practically:

• The Pentax K-S1’s larger APS-C sensor with double the resolution grants more detailed images, better performance in low light, and wider dynamic range.

• The E-400’s Four Thirds CCD sensor, smaller and with lower pixel count, tends to produce images with less detail and higher noise levels when pushed beyond ISO 1600.

• The absence of an anti-aliasing filter on the K-S1 allows for crisper images, especially beneficial for producing sharp landscapes and portraits.

Our testing confirms that the K-S1 delivers richer color depth, better shadow recovery, and cleaner high ISO images. The E-400 remains adequate for casual shooting but shows its age in demanding situations like night scenes.

LCD and Viewfinder: Framing and Reviewing Your Shots

Clear composition and image review tools help you nail your shots faster.

The Pentax K-S1 impresses with a vibrant, sharper LCD for accurate image review, a vital feature when shooting outdoors or reviewing fine focus details. Its optical pentaprism viewfinder offers 100% coverage and a bright, clear image with decent magnification - ideal for precise manual focusing and composition.

The E-400’s LCD is smaller and noticeably lower resolution, which can hamper image inspection. The pentamirror viewfinder, typical for entry-level models, provides less brightness and only 95% coverage, so you may inadvertently frame outside the edges.

The addition of live view on the K-S1 allows composing via the LCD, a plus for macro, studio, and video work. The E-400’s lack of live view is a limitation in modern workflows.

Autofocus System: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Performance

Whether capturing a fleeting expression or wildlife movement, autofocus (AF) is fundamental.

With only 3 AF points, the Olympus E-400’s autofocus is quite basic. It performs well in stable conditions but struggles with moving subjects or rapid composition changes. It does not support face or tracking autofocus, impacting portrait and action photography.

Pentax’s K-S1 brings an 11-point system with cross-type sensors, significantly enhancing focus precision and speed. Its face detection and continuous tracking autofocus improve success rates when shooting portraits, wildlife, or sports. Additionally, hybrid AF in live view mode delivers better focus accuracy for macro and video.

Our real-world testing on track-and-field photography showed the K-S1 maintaining sharp focus on runners far better than the E-400 (which missed multiple shots). For wildlife, the K-S1’s AF tracking proved invaluable.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance

For dynamic subjects, frame rate and shutter speed ranges determine your ability to capture crucial moments.

The K-S1’s nearly double the burst speed means better chances of catching perfect action frames in sports and wildlife photography. Its faster shutter range offers more flexibility with bright light and long exposures.

The slower 3 fps burst of the E-400 is more aligned with casual shooting and is limiting for fast movers.

Image Stabilization and Flash Capabilities

Steady shots at slow shutter speeds matter for handheld and indoor shooting.

The K-S1’s sensor-based image stabilization stabilizes every compatible lens, a significant advantage for telephoto, macro, and low-light photography. It reduces reliance on tripods and enables sharper images across scenarios.

The Olympus E-400 lacks stabilization, requiring stabilized lenses or a steady hand.

Both provide built-in flashes with similar power and support external flash units, giving you flexible lighting options.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Your lens options dictate creative flexibility using a camera system.

Pentax’s extensive lens lineup gives you access to a broad variety of optics, including fast primes, super telephotos, and specialty lenses. You’ll find excellent used lenses for every budget.

The Olympus E-400 relies on the nascent Four Thirds system, with fewer native lenses. The 2.1x crop factor narrows your field of view, meaning wide angles can be more challenging to achieve.

We highly recommend exploring Pentax’s lens lineup especially if you wish to grow your photography skillset across genres.

Battery Life and Storage Options

For extended photoshoots, battery stamina and storage flexibility are essential.

While the Olympus battery details are scarce, the K-S1 boasts a robust battery life, allowing you to shoot a full day without swapping power sources.

Memory card compatibility favors the Pentax with common SD cards, ensuring affordable, high-capacity storage availability.

Connectivity, Video, and Additional Features

Modern workflows often require video recording and connectivity.

Pentax K-S1 clearly wins on multimedia and connectivity fronts. It records full HD video, supports Wi-Fi transfer through Eye-Fi cards, and includes HDMI output for external monitoring.

If video or instant sharing is crucial to you, K-S1 will align better with contemporary content creation trends.

Photography Disciplines: How Do They Perform in Different Genres?

To help clarify which camera fits your style, let’s analyze performance by photography type.

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-400: Produces natural skin tones but the small sensor limits shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh. Lack of advanced AF features and face detection hinders focusing on eyes.

• Pentax K-S1: Larger sensor and no AA filter enhance detail rendering. Face detection autofocus improves eye focus. In-built stabilization assists handheld portraits in low light.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus E-400: 10MP resolution adequate for small prints. Dynamic range more limited, with CCD sensor less noise-resistant in shadows.

• Pentax K-S1: 20MP grants excellent detail and cropping flexibility. Superior DR and higher ISO range allow shooting in varied light.

Weather sealing is absent on both, offering no protection against elements.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus E-400: Limited AF points and slower drive make tracking moving animals challenging.

• Pentax K-S1: AF tracking, faster burst rates, and longer shutter speed range aid wildlife capture.

Sports Photography

• Olympus E-400: Slow burst rate and basic AF limit success with fast sports.

• Pentax K-S1: Faster continuous shooting and superior autofocus deliver superior sports shooting capability.

Street Photography

• Olympus E-400: Compact size and light weight promote discretion.

• Pentax K-S1: Bulkier but improved ISO flexibility assists in low light street shots.

Macro Photography

• Olympus E-400: No stabilization means tripods beneficial.

• Pentax K-S1: Sensor-shift stabilization is a clear advantage for handheld macro.

Night and Astrophotography

• Olympus E-400: Max ISO 1600 limits low light usability.

• Pentax K-S1: Expansive ISO range and better noise control expand long exposure possibilities.

Video Capabilities

• Olympus E-400: None.

• Pentax K-S1: Full HD video at multiple frame rates.

Travel Photography

• Olympus E-400: Very portable, light on the road.

• Pentax K-S1: Heavier but more versatile for shooting conditions and subjects.

Professional Work

• Olympus E-400: Entry-level, lacks many pro-grade features.

• Pentax K-S1: Advanced DSLR with better file quality, stabilization, and manual controls.

Sample Images and Real-World Output

Visual examples give a clear view of each camera’s capabilities.

Olympus E 400 front Olympus E 400 screen back Pentax K S1 front Pentax K S1 screen back

Notice how the K-S1 renders more detail, better tonal transitions, and less noise in shadows, confirming advantages detailed earlier.

Overall Performance and Value Scorecard

Our rigorous lab tests and field sessions yielded these aggregate ratings:

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

Olympus E-400

• Ideal for beginners or photographers prioritizing portability.
• Great for casual portraits and travel with light gear.
• Budget constraints justify choosing a capable entry-level DSLR.
• Limited video, autofocus, and ISO flexibility may limit creative growth.

Pentax K-S1

• Suited for enthusiasts seeking advanced features within an affordable package.
• Excels across genres: portraits, sports, macro, landscapes, and video.
• Superior image quality, autofocus, stabilization, and expanded ISO capabilities.
• Offers better investment value with extensive lens system compatibility.

Recommendations Based on Your Needs

Unlocking Your Photography Potential

Both cameras have unique strengths shaped by their era and design. The Olympus E-400 remains a charming, compact DSLR suited for starters, while the Pentax K-S1 represents a considerable leap in technological capabilities, ready to serve ambitious photographers seeking depth and flexibility.

We encourage you to handle these cameras in-store, test their controls, and explore compatible lenses. Photography is a journey, and your camera is a trusted companion - choose one that inspires you to create.

Explore more, experiment boldly, and capture your world beautifully.

If you want to dive deeper, check out accessory recommendations and sample image galleries online to get the most from your chosen camera.