Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Pentax K-500

Let's look more closely at the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Pentax K-500, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap between the resolutions of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and K-500 (16MP) and the SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The SP-590 UZ was announced 5 years before the K-500 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the SP-590 UZ matches up versus the K-500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-590 UZ & Pentax K-500. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-590 UZ provides outer measurements of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") having a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Pentax K-500 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the SP-590 UZ against the K-500.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SP-590 UZ and K-500 is 72 and 64 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to see the difference between sensor measurements just by reviewing technical specs. The graphic below should offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-590 UZ and K-500.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SP-590 UZ with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-500 will offer more detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots far more aggressively. The older SP-590 UZ is going to be behind in sensor innovation.