Olympus E-510 vs Pentax W80

Here is a extended comparison of the Olympus E-510 and Pentax W80, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-510 (10MP) and the W80 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the E-510 (Four Thirds) and W80 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-510 was manufactured 19 months before the W80 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax W80 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the E-510 grades versus the W80 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-510 and Pentax Optio W80. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-510 Gallery and Pentax W80 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-510 has got outer measurements 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 W80 has proportions of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-510 and Pentax W80 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have during that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-510 versus the W80.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-510 and W80 is 69 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to see the gap between sensor sizing just by reading through technical specs. The photograph below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-510 and W80.

As you can tell, both of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-510 due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Pentax W80 will give greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older E-510 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.