Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax Q

Following is a thorough overview of the Olympus SZ-15 and Pentax Q, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There exists a sizable gap between the resolutions of the SZ-15 (16MP) and Q (12MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-15 was manufactured 2 years after the Q which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the SZ-15 grades vs the Q with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-15 & Pentax Q. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery & Pentax Q Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-15 has physical measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Pentax Q has proportions of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-15 and Pentax Q in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ-15 against the Q.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-15 and Q is 88 and 93 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to see the gap between sensor sizes purely by looking at technical specs. The pic underneath might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-15 and Q.

As you have seen, both of these cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Olympus SZ-15 to give greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more modern SZ-15 is going to have an advantage in sensor technology.