Olympus 1 vs Pentax RS1500

In this write-up, we are comparing the Olympus 1 vs Pentax RS1500, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the 1 (12MP) and the RS1500 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the 1 (1/1.7") and RS1500 (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

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The 1 was unveiled 2 years later than the RS1500 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax RS1500 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a complete comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the 1 scores versus the RS1500 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus 1 & Pentax Optio RS1500. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus 1 Gallery & Pentax RS1500 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera often, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 1 has got physical dimensions of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") having a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Pentax RS1500 has dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Compare the Olympus 1 vs Pentax RS1500 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at the time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the 1 compared to the RS1500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the 1 and RS1500 is 79 and 93 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading through technical specs. The visual below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 and RS1500.

As you can tell, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The 1 with its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Pentax RS1500 will give you more detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more recent 1 provides an edge in sensor innovation.