Olympus SP-100 vs Pentax K-500

The following is a extended overview of the Olympus SP-100 vs Pentax K-500, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is very well matched but the SP-100 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SP-100 was released 3 months after the K-500 so they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a quick summation of how the SP-100 scores vs the K-500 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Pentax K-500. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-100 features exterior measurements of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") along with a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SP-100 vs Pentax K-500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the SP-100 versus the K-500.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-100 and K-500 is 63 and 64 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to see the contrast between sensor dimensions only by looking at technical specs. The image below should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-100 and K-500.

As you have seen, both cameras have got the exact same megapixels but not the same sensor dimensions. The SP-100 offers the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF more challenging.