Olympus TG-310 vs Pentax K-01

In this article, we will be reviewing the Olympus TG-310 and Pentax K-01, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the TG-310 (14MP) and the K-01 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the TG-310 (1/2.3") and K-01 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The TG-310 was brought out 17 months before the K-01 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-310 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the TG-310 matches up versus the K-01 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus TG-310 and Pentax K-01. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus TG-310 Gallery and Pentax K-01 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus TG-310 has got external dimensions of 96mm x 63mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.5" x 0.9") and a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-01 has dimensions of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") with a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

Look at the Olympus TG-310 and Pentax K-01 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the TG-310 compared to the K-01.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-310 and K-01 is 94 and 76 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes only by going through a spec sheet. The pic below should offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-310 and K-01.

As you can see, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The TG-310 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax K-01 will produce greater detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged TG-310 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.