Olympus SP-600 UZ vs Pentax K-5

On this page, we will be comparing the Olympus SP-600 UZ and Pentax K-5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the SP-600 UZ (12MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the SP-600 UZ (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SP-600 UZ was brought out 10 months before the K-5 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-600 UZ being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the SP-600 UZ grades against the K-5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-600 UZ and Pentax K-5. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SP-600 UZ Gallery and Pentax K-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SP-600 UZ enjoys outside measurements of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") and a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SP-600 UZ and Pentax K-5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the SP-600 UZ compared to the K-5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SP-600 UZ and K-5 is 69 and 60 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to see the gap between sensor sizing only by reading through specs. The graphic below might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-600 UZ and K-5.

All in all, both of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SP-600 UZ featuring a tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-5 will give extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The older SP-600 UZ is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.