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Olympus E-M1X vs Pentax ist DS2

Portability
54
Imaging
61
Features
93
Overall
73
Olympus OM-D E-M1X front
 
Pentax ist DS2 front
Portability
68
Imaging
44
Features
33
Overall
39

Olympus E-M1X vs Pentax ist DS2 Key Specs

Olympus E-M1X
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 200 - 25600
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 4096 x 2160 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 997g - 144 x 147 x 75mm
  • Revealed January 2019
  • Superseded the Olympus E-M1 II
Pentax ist DS2
(Full Review)
  • 6MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • Pentax KAF Mount
  • 605g - 125 x 93 x 66mm
  • Launched August 2005
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Olympus E-M1X vs Pentax ist DS2 Overview

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-M1X and Pentax ist DS2, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the E-M1X (20MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the E-M1X (Four Thirds) and ist DS2 (APS-C) use different sensor sizing.

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The E-M1X was revealed 13 years after the ist DS2 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1X being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-M1X matches up against the ist DS2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Olympus E-M1X over the Pentax ist DS2

 E-M1X ist DS2 
LaunchedJanuary 2019August 2005Newer by 164 months
Screen typeFully ArticulatedFixed Fully Articulating screen
Screen sizing3"2.5"Bigger screen (+0.5")
Screen resolution1037k210kSharper screen (+827k dot)
Selfie screen Easy selfies
Touch screen Quickly navigate

Reasons to pick Pentax ist DS2 over the Olympus E-M1X

 ist DS2 E-M1X 

Common features in the Olympus E-M1X and Pentax ist DS2

 E-M1X ist DS2 
Focus manually Very precise focus

Olympus E-M1X vs Pentax ist DS2 Physical Comparison

In case you're intending to travel with your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-M1X enjoys exterior measurements of 144mm x 147mm x 75mm (5.7" x 5.8" x 3.0") with a weight of 997 grams (2.20 lbs) whilst the Pentax ist DS2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-M1X and Pentax ist DS2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select during that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the E-M1X compared to the ist DS2.

Olympus E-M1X vs Pentax ist DS2 size comparison

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1X and ist DS2 is 54 and 68 respectively.

Olympus E-M1X vs Pentax ist DS2 top view buttons comparison

Olympus E-M1X vs Pentax ist DS2 Sensor Comparison

Generally, it can be hard to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions merely by viewing technical specs. The image below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M1X and ist DS2.

As you can tell, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-M1X using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Olympus E-M1X will render extra detail because of its extra 14MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more recent E-M1X provides an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.

Olympus E-M1X vs Pentax ist DS2 sensor size comparison

Olympus E-M1X vs Pentax ist DS2 Screen and ViewFinder

Olympus E-M1X vs Pentax ist DS2 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Photography Glossary

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Olympus E-M1X Portrait photography highlights
Pentax ist DS2 Portrait photography highlights
76
manual focus
resolution is good (20 megapixels)
sensor size is nice (Four Thirds)
includes face detect focus
supports RAW files
50
manual focus
sensor size is good (APS-C)
exports RAW files
does not have liveview
sensor resolution low (6 megapixels)
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Street Comparison

Olympus E-M1X as a Street photography camera
Pentax ist DS2 as a Street photography camera
67
screen articulates
has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor size is nice (Four Thirds)
supports RAW files
features touch to focus
weather proofing
above average high ISO (25,600)
heavier than competitors (997 grams)
60
sensor size is good (APS-C)
exports RAW files
lighter than competition (605 grams)
fixed screen
does not have image stabilization
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Sports Comparison

Olympus E-M1X Sports photography information
Pentax ist DS2 Sports photography information
80
high shutter speed (1/8,000 seconds)
quiet mode (1/32,000 seconds)
fast shooting (60.0 frames/s)
has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
resolution is good (20MP)
sensor size is nice (Four Thirds)
includes tracking focus
weather proofing
better than average battery pack (870 CIPA)
supports phase detect auto focus
38
sensor size is good (APS-C)
has phase detect AF
does not have liveview
slow continuous shooting (3.0 frames/s)
does not have image stabilization
sensor resolution low (6MP)
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Travel Comparison

Olympus E-M1X Travel photography features
Pentax ist DS2 Travel photography features
68
better than average battery pack (870 CIPA)
weather proofing
supports bluetooth
features touch to focus
resolution is good (20MP)
screen is selfie friendly
heavier than competitors (997g)
52
lighter than competition (605 grams)
flash built-in
no Timelapse mode
sensor resolution low (6 megapixels)
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
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Landscape Comparison

Olympus E-M1X Landscape photography advice
Pentax ist DS2 Landscape photography advice
79
manual focus
switch lenses (Micro Four Thirds mount)
screen is a good size (3 inch)
has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
resolution is good (20MP)
sensor size is nice (Four Thirds)
above average high ISO (25,600)
supports RAW files
weather proofing
better than average battery pack (870 per charge)
two card slots
46
manual focus
interchangeable lenses (Pentax KAF mount)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
exports RAW files
screen is small (2.5 inch)
does not have liveview
does not have image stabilization
sensor resolution low (6 megapixels)
no Timelapse mode
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Vlogging Comparison

Olympus E-M1X Vlogging advice
Pentax ist DS2 Vlogging advice
68
screen is selfie friendly
touchscreen functionality
has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
includes face detect focus
high quality video (4096 x 2160 pixels)
comes with mic socket
heavier than competitors (997 grams)
22
lighter than competition (605 grams)
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
does not have image stabilization
low res video ( pxls)
no microphone jack
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Olympus E-M1X vs Pentax ist DS2 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus E-M1X and Pentax ist DS2
 Olympus OM-D E-M1XPentax ist DS2
General Information
Company Olympus Pentax
Model Olympus OM-D E-M1X Pentax ist DS2
Category Pro Mirrorless Advanced DSLR
Revealed 2019-01-24 2005-08-22
Body design SLR-style mirrorless Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Processor Dual TruePic VIII -
Sensor type CMOS CCD
Sensor size Four Thirds APS-C
Sensor measurements 17.4 x 13mm 23.5 x 15.7mm
Sensor area 226.2mm² 369.0mm²
Sensor resolution 20MP 6MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 3:2
Maximum resolution 5184 x 3888 3008 x 2008
Maximum native ISO 25600 3200
Minimum native ISO 200 200
RAW photos
Minimum boosted ISO 64 -
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Number of focus points 121 11
Lens
Lens mounting type Micro Four Thirds Pentax KAF
Available lenses 107 151
Crop factor 2.1 1.5
Screen
Display type Fully Articulated Fixed Type
Display sizing 3 inch 2.5 inch
Display resolution 1,037k dot 210k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic Optical
Viewfinder resolution 2,360k dot -
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent 95 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.74x 0.64x
Features
Lowest shutter speed 60 seconds 30 seconds
Highest shutter speed 1/8000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Highest quiet shutter speed 1/32000 seconds -
Continuous shooting speed 60.0 frames per second 3.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range no built-in flash -
Flash settings Redeye, Fill-in, Flash Off, Red-eye Slow sync (1st curtain), Slow sync.(1st curtain), Slow sync (2nd curtain), manual Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction
External flash
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 237 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM -
Maximum video resolution 4096x2160 -
Video file format MPEG-4, H.264 -
Microphone input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In No
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB Yes (USB-PD allows charging by laptop or external power bank) USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
GPS Built-in None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 997 gr (2.20 pounds) 605 gr (1.33 pounds)
Dimensions 144 x 147 x 75mm (5.7" x 5.8" x 3.0") 125 x 93 x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6")
DXO scores
DXO All around score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 870 pictures -
Style of battery Built-in -
Battery model - 4 x AA
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 secs, custom) Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Storage media - SD/MMC card
Storage slots Two 1
Retail price $2,999 -