Olympus TG-860 vs Pentax K-50

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus TG-860 versus Pentax K-50, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the TG-860 (16MP) and the K-50 (16MP) is relatively close but the TG-860 (1/2.3") and K-50 (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing

The TG-860 was brought out 15 months after the K-50 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus TG-860 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the TG-860 scores versus the K-50 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 and Pentax K-50. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-860 Gallery and Pentax K-50 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus TG-860 enjoys exterior measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") and a weight of 224 grams (0.49 lbs) while the Pentax K-50 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Compare the Olympus TG-860 versus Pentax K-50 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the TG-860 vs the K-50.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the TG-860 and K-50 is 91 and 63 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes purely by viewing technical specs. The pic below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-860 and K-50.

As you have seen, the two cameras posses the exact same resolution albeit not the same sensor sizes. The TG-860 offers the smaller sensor which should make getting shallower DOF trickier. The newer TG-860 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.