Olympus E-420 vs Pentax Q

Let's take a deeper look at the Olympus E-420 and Pentax Q, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-420 (10MP) and the Q (12MP) is relatively comparable but the E-420 (Four Thirds) and Q (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-420 was announced 4 years prior to the Q which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the E-420 scores versus the Q with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-420 and Pentax Q. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-420 Gallery and Pentax Q Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-420 provides exterior measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") and a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Pentax Q has dimensions of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") with a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-420 and Pentax Q in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-420 versus the Q.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-420 and Q is 77 and 93 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions purely by going through a spec sheet. The pic here will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-420 and Q.

Clearly, each of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-420 using its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Pentax Q will produce more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged E-420 will be behind in sensor innovation.