Olympus 8000 vs Pentax K100D

Here is a extensive overview of the Olympus 8000 and Pentax K100D, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the 8000 (12MP) and K100D (6MP) and the 8000 (1/2.3") and K100D (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The 8000 was revealed 2 years later than the K100D and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus 8000 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the 8000 grades vs the K100D with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 and Pentax K100D. The full galleries are provided at Olympus 8000 Gallery and Pentax K100D Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus 8000 features outside measurements of 95mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") having a weight of 182 grams (0.40 lbs) and the Pentax K100D has sizing of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") and a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Compare the Olympus 8000 and Pentax K100D in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the 8000 versus the K100D.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the 8000 and K100D is 94 and 64 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing purely by checking specifications. The photograph underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the 8000 and K100D.

To sum up, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The 8000 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Olympus 8000 will give extra detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots more aggressively. The more modern 8000 should have an advantage in sensor tech.