Olympus E-420 vs Pentax Q7

Here is a thorough comparison of the Olympus E-420 vs Pentax Q7, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-420 (10MP) and the Q7 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the E-420 (Four Thirds) and Q7 (1/1.7") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-420 was launched 6 years prior to the Q7 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax Q7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-420 matches up versus the Q7 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-420 & Pentax Q7. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-420 Gallery & Pentax Q7 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-420 comes with outside dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") having a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Pentax Q7 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-420 vs Pentax Q7 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the E-420 and the Q7.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-420 and Q7 is 77 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing just by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-420 and Q7.

As you can see, both of those cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-420 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Pentax Q7 will resolve greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older E-420 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.