Olympus Tough-3000 vs Pentax K-S2

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Olympus Tough-3000 versus Pentax K-S2, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the Tough-3000 (12MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the Tough-3000 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

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The Tough-3000 was brought out 6 years before the K-S2 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus Tough-3000 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the Tough-3000 scores against the K-S2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus Tough-3000 and Pentax K-S2. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus Tough-3000 comes with outside dimensions of 96mm x 65mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 0.9") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-S2 has measurements of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") with a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Look at the Olympus Tough-3000 versus Pentax K-S2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with during that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the Tough-3000 against the K-S2.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the Tough-3000 and K-S2 is 94 and 64 respectively.

Typically, its hard to picture the gap between sensor measurements only by reviewing technical specs. The visual underneath will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the Tough-3000 and K-S2.

As you have seen, both the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The Tough-3000 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-S2 will offer more detail having its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images far more aggressively. The older Tough-3000 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.