Olympus SP-100 vs Pentax Q

Following is a thorough comparison of the Olympus SP-100 versus Pentax Q, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the SP-100 (16MP) and Q (12MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SP-100 was manufactured 2 years after the Q which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the SP-100 grades versus the Q in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Pentax Q. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Pentax Q Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-100 offers outside 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) while the Pentax Q has dimensions of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") and a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-100 versus Pentax Q in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the SP-100 compared to the Q.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-100 and Q is 63 and 93 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes simply by going over technical specs. The pic here might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-100 and Q.

As you have seen, both of these cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Olympus SP-100 to offer you extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more recent SP-100 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.