Olympus SH-2 vs Pentax K100D

On this page, we are matching up the Olympus SH-2 and Pentax K100D, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the SH-2 (16MP) and K100D (6MP) and the SH-2 (1/2.3") and K100D (APS-C) boast different sensor sizing.

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The SH-2 was manufactured 8 years later than the K100D and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summary of how the SH-2 scores against the K100D with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Pentax K100D. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SH-2 Gallery and Pentax K100D Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SH-2 has got exterior measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Pentax K100D has specifications of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") having a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SH-2 and Pentax K100D in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the SH-2 vs the K100D.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SH-2 and K100D is 88 and 64 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to picture the contrast in sensor sizing merely by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-2 and K100D.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SH-2 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Olympus SH-2 will produce extra detail due to its extra 10MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The more recent SH-2 should have an edge in sensor tech.