Olympus SH-1 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

In this article, we will be comparing the Olympus SH-1 versus Pentax K-5 IIs, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SH-1 (16MP) and the K-5 IIs (16MP) is pretty comparable but the SH-1 (1/2.3") and K-5 IIs (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The SH-1 was brought out 10 months later than the K-5 IIs and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the SH-1 matches up vs the K-5 IIs with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-1 and Pentax K-5 IIs. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-1 Gallery and Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-1 features exterior dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 IIs has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

See the Olympus SH-1 versus Pentax K-5 IIs in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the SH-1 against the K-5 IIs.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SH-1 and K-5 IIs is 88 and 60 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements purely by seeing technical specs. The graphic below might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-1 and K-5 IIs.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit not the same sensor measurements. The SH-1 offers the smaller sensor which will make getting shallow DOF more challenging. The younger SH-1 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.