Olympus SH-50 vs Pentax K-S2

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Olympus SH-50 and Pentax K-S2, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the SH-50 (16MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is fairly similar but the SH-50 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SH-50 was revealed 3 years prior to the K-S2 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-50 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SH-50 grades versus the K-S2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SH-50 and Pentax K-S2. The full galleries are available at Olympus SH-50 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SH-50 has got physical measurements of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Pentax K-S2 has specifications of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SH-50 and Pentax K-S2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the SH-50 compared to the K-S2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SH-50 and K-S2 is 88 and 64 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reviewing specs. The picture underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-50 and K-S2.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SH-50 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-S2 will offer you extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged SH-50 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.