Olympus 550WP vs Pentax K-x

On this page, we are analyzing the Olympus 550WP and Pentax K-x, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the 550WP (10MP) and the K-x (12MP) is fairly close but the 550WP (1/2.3") and K-x (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

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The 550WP was unveiled 11 months before the K-x so they are of a similar age. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus 550WP being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-x being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the 550WP scores versus the K-x for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus 550WP & Pentax K-x. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus 550WP Gallery & Pentax K-x Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus 550WP has physical measurements of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Pentax K-x has specifications of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") along with a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs).

Check out the Olympus 550WP and Pentax K-x in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the 550WP and the K-x.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 550WP and K-x is 94 and 69 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizes just by looking through technical specs. The picture underneath will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the 550WP and K-x.

As you can tell, both of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The 550WP having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-x will render greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The more aged 550WP will be behind in sensor innovation.