Olympus E-5 vs Pentax VS20

Let's examine more in depth at the Olympus E-5 and Pentax VS20, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-5 (12MP) and VS20 (16MP) and the E-5 (Four Thirds) and VS20 (1/2.3") feature different sensor measurements.

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The E-5 was launched 11 months before the VS20 which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a concise view of how the E-5 matches up vs the VS20 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-5 and Pentax Optio VS20. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-5 Gallery and Pentax VS20 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-5 features exterior dimensions of 143mm x 117mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) whilst the Pentax VS20 has measurements of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") along with a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-5 and Pentax VS20 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the E-5 and the VS20.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-5 and VS20 is 58 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to picture the difference in sensor sizes only by checking out technical specs. The image below will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-5 and VS20.

As you can tell, each of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-5 due to its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Pentax VS20 will provide extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-5 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.