Olympus SP-100 vs Pentax ist DS2

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus SP-100 versus Pentax ist DS2, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the SP-100 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the SP-100 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) possess different sensor size.

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The SP-100 was revealed 8 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting in to a detailed comparison, below is a short summary of how the SP-100 grades vs the ist DS2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SP-100 & Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-100 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera often, you'll need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-100 provides physical dimensions 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 ist DS2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SP-100 versus Pentax ist DS2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the SP-100 and the ist DS2.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SP-100 and ist DS2 is 63 and 68 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizing only by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-100 and ist DS2.

Clearly, both cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SP-100 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Olympus SP-100 will offer you greater detail because of its extra 10MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots much more aggressively. The newer SP-100 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.