Olympus 8000 vs Pentax K-S1

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus 8000 versus Pentax K-S1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the 8000 (12MP) and K-S1 (20MP) and the 8000 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The 8000 was introduced 6 years before the K-S1 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus 8000 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summary of how the 8000 grades vs the K-S1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 & Pentax K-S1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus 8000 Gallery & Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 8000 features exterior dimensions of 95mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") with a weight of 182 grams (0.40 lbs) while the Pentax K-S1 has dimensions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus 8000 versus Pentax K-S1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the 8000 compared to the K-S1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 8000 and K-S1 is 94 and 69 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to see the gap in sensor measurements purely by going through a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the 8000 and K-S1.

Clearly, each of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 8000 using its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Pentax K-S1 will provide greater detail using its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older 8000 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.