Olympus SH-2 vs Pentax K20D

Here is a thorough assessment of the Olympus SH-2 and Pentax K20D, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the K20D (15MP) is relatively comparable but the SH-2 (1/2.3") and K20D (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SH-2 was revealed 6 years later than the K20D and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K20D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the SH-2 grades against the K20D with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-2 & Pentax K20D. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SH-2 Gallery & Pentax K20D Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SH-2 features exterior measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Pentax K20D has proportions of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SH-2 and Pentax K20D in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select during that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the SH-2 compared to the K20D.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SH-2 and K20D is 88 and 59 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to see the contrast in sensor sizing purely by going through specs. The photograph here may give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-2 and K20D.

All in all, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SH-2 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Olympus SH-2 will produce greater detail because of its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The younger SH-2 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.