Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax K-5

On this page, we are matching up the Olympus SZ-15 versus Pentax K-5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is very well matched but the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-15 was launched 2 years after the K-5 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the SZ-15 scores against the K-5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-15 and Pentax K-5. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Pentax K-5 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-15 enjoys external dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SZ-15 versus Pentax K-5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the SZ-15 compared to the K-5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SZ-15 and K-5 is 88 and 60 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to picture the difference between sensor dimensions only by looking at technical specs. The image here should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-15 and K-5.

As you have seen, both the cameras provide the same MP but different sensor dimensions. The SZ-15 offers the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field more difficult. The newer SZ-15 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.