Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax K-500

Below, we are evaluating the Olympus SZ-15 and Pentax K-500, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-15 was released 5 months before the K-500 and they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the SZ-15 grades vs the K-500 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-15 and Pentax K-500. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-15 has external dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-15 and Pentax K-500 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ-15 and the K-500.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-15 and K-500 is 88 and 64 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor dimensions merely by reading through specifications. The picture below might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-15 and K-500.

To sum up, the 2 cameras have got the exact same megapixels but not the same sensor dimensions. The SZ-15 features the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallower depth of field harder.