Olympus E-400 vs Pentax E90

Here is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus E-400 and Pentax E90, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-400 (10MP) and the E90 (10MP) is relatively comparable but the E-400 (Four Thirds) and E90 (1/2.3") offer different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-400 was released 4 years earlier than the E90 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-400 being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax E90 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a in depth comparison, here is a brief summation of how the E-400 scores against the E90 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-400 and Pentax Optio E90. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-400 Gallery and Pentax E90 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-400 provides physical measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") having a weight of 435 grams (0.96 lbs) whilst the Pentax E90 has proportions of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-400 and Pentax E90 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using during that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the E-400 against the E90.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-400 and E90 is 77 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing just by going through technical specs. The graphic below will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-400 and E90.

As you have seen, both of these cameras provide the same resolution albeit different sensor sizing. The E-400 features the bigger sensor which should make achieving bokeh less difficult. The older E-400 will be behind in sensor technology.