Olympus E-520 vs Pentax K-S2

Lets take a more detailed look at the Olympus E-520 and Pentax K-S2, both Entry-Level DSLR cameras by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-520 (10MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the E-520 (Four Thirds) and K-S2 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-520 was revealed 7 years before the K-S2 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact SLR).

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-520 grades against the K-S2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-520 and Pentax K-S2. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-520 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-520 features outside dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-S2 has dimensions of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") having a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-520 and Pentax K-S2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the E-520 compared to the K-S2.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-520 and K-S2 is 68 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing purely by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-520 and K-S2.

Clearly, each of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-520 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-S2 will render greater detail because of its extra 10MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The older E-520 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.