Olympus E-510 vs Pentax K100D

In this write-up, we are looking at the Olympus E-510 versus Pentax K100D, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the E-510 (10MP) and K100D (6MP) and the E-510 (Four Thirds) and K100D (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

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The E-510 was revealed 12 months later than the K100D and they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the E-510 scores vs the K100D with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-510 & Pentax K100D. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-510 Gallery & Pentax K100D Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-510 has got outer dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") with a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) and the Pentax K100D has sizing of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-510 versus Pentax K100D in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the E-510 against the K100D.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-510 and K100D is 69 and 64 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizing merely by reviewing technical specs. The graphic below will provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-510 and K100D.

As you can tell, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-510 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Olympus E-510 will deliver greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more recent E-510 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.