Olympus SP-610UZ vs Pentax ist DS2

Its time to look much closer at the Olympus SP-610UZ and Pentax ist DS2, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the SP-610UZ (14MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the SP-610UZ (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The SP-610UZ was announced 5 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-610UZ being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a short highlight of how the SP-610UZ grades against the ist DS2 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-610UZ & Pentax ist DS2. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SP-610UZ Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SP-610UZ provides outer measurements of 107mm x 73mm x 73mm (4.2" x 2.9" x 2.9") with a weight of 405 grams (0.89 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SP-610UZ and Pentax ist DS2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you select at the time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the SP-610UZ compared to the ist DS2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-610UZ and ist DS2 is 79 and 68 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading through specs. The photograph below might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-610UZ and ist DS2.

All in all, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SP-610UZ having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Olympus SP-610UZ will resolve greater detail with its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The fresher SP-610UZ should have a benefit in sensor technology.