Olympus E-PL7 vs Pentax ist DS2

Here is a extensive analysis of the Olympus E-PL7 vs Pentax ist DS2, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the E-PL7 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the E-PL7 (Four Thirds) and ist DS2 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL7 was revealed 9 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the E-PL7 grades versus the ist DS2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL7 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL7 features outer dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Pentax ist DS2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL7 vs Pentax ist DS2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PL7 and the ist DS2.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL7 and ist DS2 is 86 and 68 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing merely by reading through a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL7 and ist DS2.

As you can see, the two cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL7 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Olympus E-PL7 will resolve more detail because of its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The newer E-PL7 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.