Olympus E-400 vs Pentax S1

The following is a in depth analysis of the Olympus E-400 vs Pentax S1, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the E-400 (10MP) and S1 (14MP) and the E-400 (Four Thirds) and S1 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-400 was manufactured 5 years prior to the S1 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-400 being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the E-400 scores versus the S1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-400 and Pentax Optio S1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-400 Gallery and Pentax S1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-400 has got external measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") having a weight of 435 grams (0.96 lbs) while the Pentax S1 has sizing of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-400 vs Pentax S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the E-400 against the S1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-400 and S1 is 77 and 93 respectively.

Normally, its tough to see the difference in sensor dimensions purely by checking out technical specs. The image below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-400 and S1.

As you have seen, both of those cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-400 because of its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Pentax S1 will produce more detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged E-400 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.