Olympus E-M1 vs Pentax ist DS2

The following is a detailed comparison of the Olympus E-M1 versus Pentax ist DS2, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the E-M1 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and ist DS2 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The E-M1 was unveiled 8 years after the ist DS2 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the E-M1 grades against the ist DS2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M1 & Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

When you are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-M1 has exterior dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Pentax ist DS2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

See the Olympus E-M1 versus Pentax ist DS2 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-M1 vs the ist DS2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1 and ist DS2 is 71 and 68 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by looking through specs. The picture underneath might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M1 and ist DS2.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-M1 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Olympus E-M1 will provide you with extra detail having an extra 10MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The newer E-M1 provides an edge in sensor technology.