Olympus FE-4030 vs Pentax K-500

On this page, we will be comparing the Olympus FE-4030 versus Pentax K-500, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the FE-4030 (14MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is relatively close but the FE-4030 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FE-4030 was introduced 4 years earlier than the K-500 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus FE-4030 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a short summation of how the FE-4030 matches up versus the K-500 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-4030 and Pentax K-500. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus FE-4030 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus FE-4030 comes with outside dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Check the Olympus FE-4030 versus Pentax K-500 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the FE-4030 versus the K-500.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the FE-4030 and K-500 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements merely by looking through technical specs. The photograph underneath might provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FE-4030 and K-500.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FE-4030 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-500 will provide you with more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older FE-4030 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.