Olympus SH-50 vs Pentax RS1500

Lets look closer at the Olympus SH-50 and Pentax RS1500, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the SH-50 (16MP) and the RS1500 (14MP) is relatively close and both cameras provide the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SH-50 was brought out 23 months after the RS1500 which makes them a generation away from each other. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the SH-50 grades against the RS1500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SH-50 and Pentax Optio RS1500. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-50 Gallery and Pentax RS1500 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera, you have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-50 comes with exterior dimensions of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Pentax RS1500 has dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

See the Olympus SH-50 and Pentax RS1500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the SH-50 versus the RS1500.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SH-50 and RS1500 is 88 and 93 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to picture the difference in sensor dimensions merely by viewing a spec sheet. The picture here will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-50 and RS1500.

Clearly, both of these cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different MP. You should count on the Olympus SH-50 to provide you with greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The newer SH-50 provides an edge in sensor tech.