Olympus E-510 vs Pentax P80

Here, we are evaluating the Olympus E-510 and Pentax P80, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-510 (10MP) and the P80 (12MP) is fairly close but the E-510 (Four Thirds) and P80 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-510 was announced 20 months earlier than the P80 making them a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax P80 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-510 matches up against the P80 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-510 & Pentax Optio P80. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-510 Gallery & Pentax P80 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-510 offers exterior dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") having a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) while the Pentax P80 has dimensions of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-510 and Pentax P80 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the E-510 vs the P80.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-510 and P80 is 69 and 95 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizing just by looking through specifications. The photograph underneath will offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-510 and P80.

Plainly, both the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-510 using its larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Pentax P80 will provide you with extra detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The older E-510 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.