Olympus E-510 vs Pentax K20D

The following is a complete assessment of the Olympus E-510 and Pentax K20D, both Advanced DSLR cameras by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the E-510 (10MP) and K20D (15MP) and the E-510 (Four Thirds) and K20D (APS-C) have different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-510 was launched 7 months before the K20D and they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before going straight to a full comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the E-510 grades versus the K20D in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-510 & Pentax K20D. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-510 Gallery & Pentax K20D Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-510 provides physical dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") along with a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) while the Pentax K20D has measurements of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-510 and Pentax K20D in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the E-510 against the K20D.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-510 and K20D is 69 and 59 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by going through technical specs. The picture below may offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-510 and K20D.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-510 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Pentax K20D will provide extra detail utilizing its extra 5MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-510 will be behind in sensor innovation.