Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-S2

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-S2, both Entry-Level DSLR digital cameras by companies Olympus and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-420 (10MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the E-420 (Four Thirds) and K-S2 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-420 was unveiled 7 years prior to the K-S2 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact SLR).

Before delving in to a detailed comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the E-420 grades versus the K-S2 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-420 & Pentax K-S2. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-420 Gallery & Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-420 provides exterior measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") along with a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Pentax K-S2 has sizing of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") having a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-S2 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at the time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the E-420 vs the K-S2.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-420 and K-S2 is 77 and 64 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing merely by looking at specs. The photograph below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-420 and K-S2.

As you can plainly see, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-420 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax K-S2 will resolve greater detail having an extra 10MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older E-420 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.