Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Pentax K-1

In this article, we will be comparing the Olympus SP-590 UZ and Pentax K-1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap among the sensor resolutions of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") and K-1 (Full frame) feature different sensor sizes.

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The SP-590 UZ was revealed 8 years before the K-1 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the SP-590 UZ matches up vs the K-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-590 UZ and Pentax K-1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery and Pentax K-1 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SP-590 UZ features outer dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") having a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) while the Pentax K-1 has specifications of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SP-590 UZ and Pentax K-1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the SP-590 UZ compared to the K-1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-590 UZ and K-1 is 72 and 55 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements purely by researching technical specs. The photograph underneath may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-590 UZ and K-1.

As you can tell, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SP-590 UZ with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-1 will provide you with extra detail because of its extra 24MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The older SP-590 UZ will be behind in sensor technology.