Olympus TG-810 vs Pentax K-500

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus TG-810 versus Pentax K-500, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the TG-810 (14MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is fairly close but the TG-810 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The TG-810 was revealed 3 years before the K-500 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-810 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a full comparison, here is a quick summation of how the TG-810 matches up vs the K-500 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus TG-810 and Pentax K-500. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-810 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-810 has external measurements of 100mm x 65mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.6" x 1.0") along with a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus TG-810 versus Pentax K-500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the TG-810 against the K-500.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the TG-810 and K-500 is 92 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to see the difference in sensor sizing just by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph below will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-810 and K-500.

Clearly, the two cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The TG-810 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-500 will render greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics more aggressively. The older TG-810 will be behind in sensor technology.