Olympus 6000 vs Pentax ist DS2

Lets look closer at the Olympus 6000 versus Pentax ist DS2, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There is a considerable difference between the image resolutions of the 6000 (10MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the 6000 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizing.

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The 6000 was announced 3 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 6000 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief summary of how the 6000 grades versus the ist DS2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus Tough 6000 & Pentax ist DS2. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus 6000 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus 6000 provides exterior measurements of 95mm x 63mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.5" x 0.9") having a weight of 179 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Compare the Olympus 6000 versus Pentax ist DS2 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the 6000 versus the ist DS2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the 6000 and ist DS2 is 94 and 68 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements only by checking a spec sheet. The graphic underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the 6000 and ist DS2.

As you can see, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 6000 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Olympus 6000 will give more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics far more aggressively. The more recent 6000 will have an edge in sensor tech.