Olympus E-510 vs Pentax Q

Here, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-510 and Pentax Q, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-510 (10MP) and the Q (12MP) is relatively well matched but the E-510 (Four Thirds) and Q (1/2.3") have different sensor sizes.

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The E-510 was unveiled 4 years prior to the Q which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short highlight of how the E-510 grades versus the Q with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-510 and Pentax Q. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-510 Gallery and Pentax Q Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-510 comes with outer dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") having a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q has proportions of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") and a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-510 and Pentax Q in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the E-510 compared to the Q.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-510 and Q is 69 and 93 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions purely by checking technical specs. The image below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-510 and Q.

As you have seen, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-510 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Pentax Q will give you greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged E-510 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.