Olympus 550WP vs Pentax K-S1

On this page, we will be looking at the Olympus 550WP versus Pentax K-S1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the 550WP (10MP) and K-S1 (20MP) and the 550WP (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor measurements.

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The 550WP was introduced 6 years earlier than the K-S1 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus 550WP being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a full comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the 550WP matches up versus the K-S1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 550WP and Pentax K-S1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus 550WP Gallery and Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus 550WP provides outer dimensions of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Pentax K-S1 has measurements of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus 550WP versus Pentax K-S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the 550WP against the K-S1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the 550WP and K-S1 is 94 and 69 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizing just by reading through specifications. The graphic here might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the 550WP and K-S1.

To sum up, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The 550WP with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Pentax K-S1 will resolve more detail using its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots more aggressively. The older 550WP is going to be behind in sensor technology.