Olympus E-500 vs Pentax K-S1

The following is a in depth analysis of the Olympus E-500 and Pentax K-S1, both Advanced DSLR cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the E-500 (8MP) and K-S1 (20MP) and the E-500 (Four Thirds) and K-S1 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-500 was launched 9 years earlier than the K-S1 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before delving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the E-500 grades against the K-S1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-500 & Pentax K-S1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-500 Gallery & Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-500 features outer dimensions of 130mm x 95mm x 66mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 479 grams (1.06 lbs) and the Pentax K-S1 has proportions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") and a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-500 and Pentax K-S1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-500 versus the K-S1.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-500 and K-S1 is 70 and 69 respectively.

Generally, its hard to see the contrast in sensor dimensions only by seeing specs. The picture here will offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-500 and K-S1.

All in all, each of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-500 featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-S1 will provide extra detail utilizing its extra 12MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-500 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.