Olympus SZ-10 vs Pentax K-500

Following is a in-depth overview of the Olympus SZ-10 vs Pentax K-500, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the SZ-10 (14MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is relatively similar but the SZ-10 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) use totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-10 was released 3 years before the K-500 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-10 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the SZ-10 matches up vs the K-500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-10 & Pentax K-500. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-10 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera often, you have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-10 has physical measurements of 106mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-10 vs Pentax K-500 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ-10 versus the K-500.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-10 and K-500 is 90 and 64 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to envision the difference between sensor sizes purely by reading specifications. The pic below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-10 and K-500.

Plainly, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SZ-10 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax K-500 will deliver more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged SZ-10 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.