Olympus SH-50 vs Pentax K-5

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Olympus SH-50 versus Pentax K-5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SH-50 (16MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is very similar but the SH-50 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SH-50 was launched 2 years later than the K-5 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-50 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a quick view of how the SH-50 grades against the K-5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SH-50 and Pentax K-5. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SH-50 Gallery and Pentax K-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera often, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-50 enjoys physical dimensions of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 has sizing of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SH-50 versus Pentax K-5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the SH-50 compared to the K-5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SH-50 and K-5 is 88 and 60 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing purely by going over technical specs. The graphic below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-50 and K-5.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer the same exact resolution but not the same sensor sizing. The SH-50 provides the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving shallow DOF harder. The fresher SH-50 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.