Olympus SP-100 vs Pentax K-S2

Following is a extended analysis of the Olympus SP-100 and Pentax K-S2, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is very well matched but the SP-100 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The SP-100 was released 12 months earlier than the K-S2 and they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short summation of how the SP-100 matches up against the K-S2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SP-100 & Pentax K-S2. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-100 Gallery & Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SP-100 comes with outside measurements of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") accompanied by a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) while the Pentax K-S2 has specifications of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") having a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-100 and Pentax K-S2 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have at that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the SP-100 against the K-S2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-100 and K-S2 is 63 and 64 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to see the difference between sensor sizes simply by checking specs. The picture below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-100 and K-S2.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SP-100 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-S2 will give you greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged SP-100 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.