Olympus E-510 vs Pentax ist DL2

Here, we will be matching up the Olympus E-510 versus Pentax ist DL2, both Advanced DSLR cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There exists a large gap among the image resolutions of the E-510 (10MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the E-510 (Four Thirds) and ist DL2 (APS-C) have totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-510 was revealed 23 months later than the ist DL2 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summation of how the E-510 scores vs the ist DL2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-510 & Pentax ist DL2. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-510 Gallery & Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-510 features 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) and the Pentax ist DL2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-510 versus Pentax ist DL2 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the E-510 against the ist DL2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-510 and ist DL2 is 69 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing just by researching technical specs. The photograph underneath will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-510 and ist DL2.

As you have seen, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-510 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Olympus E-510 will provide you with greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The younger E-510 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.