Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-x
77 Imaging
45 Features
36 Overall
41
![Olympus E-420 front Olympus E-420 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/w300/fronton/Olympus-E-420.jpg)
![Pentax K-x front Pentax K-x front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-K-x/Pentax-K-x-front.jpg)
69 Imaging
52 Features
47 Overall
50
Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-x Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 1600
- No Video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 426g - 130 x 91 x 53mm
- Announced June 2008
- Succeeded the Olympus E-410
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Bump to 12800)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Max Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 580g - 123 x 92 x 68mm
- Announced December 2009
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-x Overview
Following is a thorough comparison of the Olympus E-420 and Pentax K-x, both Entry-Level DSLR cameras by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-420 (10MP) and the K-x (12MP) is relatively close but the E-420 (Four Thirds) and K-x (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
The E-420 was revealed 18 months before the K-x which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact SLR).
Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the E-420 matches up against the K-x with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-x Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-420 and Pentax K-x. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-420 Gallery and Pentax K-x Gallery.
Reasons to pick Olympus E-420 over the Pentax K-x
E-420 | K-x |
---|
Reasons to pick Pentax K-x over the Olympus E-420
K-x | E-420 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | December 2009 | ![]() | June 2008 | More modern by 18 months |
Common features in the Olympus E-420 and Pentax K-x
E-420 | K-x | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Very accurate focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen dimension | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.7" | Identical screen size |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Exact same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | No Touch friendly screen |
Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-x Physical Comparison
For those who are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-420 enjoys outside measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") with a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Pentax K-x has specifications of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") having a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs).
Contrast the Olympus E-420 and Pentax K-x in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the E-420 compared to the K-x.
![Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-x size comparison Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-x size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-E-420-vs-Pentax-K-x-size-comparison.jpg)
Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-420 and K-x is 77 and 69 respectively.
![Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-x top view buttons comparison Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-x top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-E-420-vs-Pentax-K-x-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-x Sensor Comparison
Often, it can be tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizes only by looking through specs. The pic underneath may offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-420 and K-x.
As you can plainly see, both cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-420 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax K-x will result in greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged E-420 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.
![Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-x sensor size comparison Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-x sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Olympus-E-420-vs-Pentax-K-x-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-x Screen and ViewFinder
![Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-x Screen and Viewfinder comparison Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-x Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-E-420-vs-Pentax-K-x-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-x Specifications
Olympus E-420 | Pentax K-x | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Olympus | Pentax |
Model type | Olympus E-420 | Pentax K-x |
Category | Entry-Level DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Announced | 2008-06-23 | 2009-12-23 |
Body design | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | TruePic III | Prime |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | Four Thirds | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 17.3 x 13mm | 23.6 x 15.8mm |
Sensor area | 224.9mm² | 372.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 | 3:2 |
Full resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4288 x 2848 |
Max native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Max boosted ISO | - | 12800 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Total focus points | 3 | 11 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Micro Four Thirds | Pentax KAF2 |
Amount of lenses | 45 | 151 |
Crop factor | 2.1 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 2.7" | 2.7" |
Resolution of screen | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Screen tech | - | TFT LCD monitor |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | 95 percent | 96 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.46x | 0.57x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 60s | 30s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/6000s |
Continuous shooting speed | 4.0 frames per sec | 5.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | 16.00 m |
Flash modes | Auto, Auto FP, Manual, Red-Eye | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear curtain, Wireless |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Maximum flash sync | 1/180s | 1/180s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | - | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 416 (24 fps) |
Max video resolution | None | 1280x720 |
Video format | - | Motion JPEG |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 426g (0.94 lb) | 580g (1.28 lb) |
Dimensions | 130 x 91 x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") | 123 x 92 x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 56 | 72 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 21.5 | 22.8 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 10.4 | 12.5 |
DXO Low light rating | 527 | 811 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 500 images | 1900 images |
Battery format | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | - | 4 x AA |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | Compact Flash (Type I or II), xD Picture Card | SD/SDHC card |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch price | $999 | $600 |