Olympus TG-1 iHS vs Pentax K-S2

Below is a in depth analysis of the Olympus TG-1 iHS versus Pentax K-S2, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the TG-1 iHS (12MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the TG-1 iHS (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The TG-1 iHS was announced 3 years prior to the K-S2 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-1 iHS being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a complete comparison, here is a concise summation of how the TG-1 iHS grades against the K-S2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS and Pentax K-S2. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus TG-1 iHS Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus TG-1 iHS offers physical dimensions of 112mm x 67mm x 30mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") having a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Pentax K-S2 has specifications of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") and a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus TG-1 iHS versus Pentax K-S2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the TG-1 iHS compared to the K-S2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-1 iHS and K-S2 is 91 and 64 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to visualise the gap between sensor measurements simply by looking at technical specs. The photograph underneath may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-1 iHS and K-S2.

As you can tell, both of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The TG-1 iHS using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-S2 will give you extra detail with its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs more aggressively. The older TG-1 iHS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.