Olympus SZ-11 vs Pentax K-1

Let's take a more detailed look at the Olympus SZ-11 and Pentax K-1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-11 (14MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the SZ-11 (1/2.3") and K-1 (Full frame) possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ-11 was announced 5 years before the K-1 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-11 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the SZ-11 matches up against the K-1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-11 & Pentax K-1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-11 Gallery & Pentax K-1 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-11 offers outer measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Pentax K-1 has sizing 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 SZ-11 and Pentax K-1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at the time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the SZ-11 versus the K-1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-11 and K-1 is 89 and 55 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing purely by checking a spec sheet. The visual underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-11 and K-1.

Clearly, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-11 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Pentax K-1 will resolve more detail with its extra 22MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The older SZ-11 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.