Olympus SZ-12 vs Pentax ist DS2

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus SZ-12 vs Pentax ist DS2, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-12 (14MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The SZ-12 was brought out 6 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the SZ-12 grades versus the ist DS2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-12 & Pentax ist DS2. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-12 offers outer dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-12 vs Pentax ist DS2 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the SZ-12 and the ist DS2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-12 and ist DS2 is 89 and 68 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading through specs. The photograph here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-12 and ist DS2.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-12 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field trickier and the Olympus SZ-12 will give greater detail having its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more recent SZ-12 will have a benefit in sensor tech.