Olympus SH-3 vs Pentax K-S2

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus SH-3 and Pentax K-S2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is relatively well matched but the SH-3 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SH-3 was released 13 months later than the K-S2 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief overview of how the SH-3 scores vs the K-S2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-3 and Pentax K-S2. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-3 has 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) while the Pentax K-S2 has measurements of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") and a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SH-3 and Pentax K-S2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the SH-3 vs the K-S2.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SH-3 and K-S2 is 88 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to visualize the difference between sensor measurements purely by reading through technical specs. The photograph underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-3 and K-S2.

As you can tell, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SH-3 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-S2 will give you more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more modern SH-3 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.