Olympus SP-100 vs Pentax ist DL2

Let's look a little more in depth at the Olympus SP-100 and Pentax ist DL2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the SP-100 (16MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the SP-100 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

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The SP-100 was revealed 8 years later than the ist DL2 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the SP-100 grades against the ist DL2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Pentax ist DL2. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-100 provides 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) whilst the Pentax ist DL2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SP-100 and Pentax ist DL2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the SP-100 vs the ist DL2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SP-100 and ist DL2 is 63 and 69 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to imagine the difference in sensor measurements purely by researching specifications. The photograph underneath will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-100 and ist DL2.

To sum up, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SP-100 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Olympus SP-100 will provide you with extra detail because of its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more modern SP-100 should have an advantage in sensor technology.