Olympus TG-2 iHS vs Pentax ist DS2

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus TG-2 iHS versus Pentax ist DS2, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the TG-2 iHS (12MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the TG-2 iHS (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The TG-2 iHS was released 7 years after the ist DS2 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus TG-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the TG-2 iHS grades vs the ist DS2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS and Pentax ist DS2. The complete galleries are available at Olympus TG-2 iHS Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus TG-2 iHS comes with external dimensions of 111mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Check out the Olympus TG-2 iHS versus Pentax ist DS2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the TG-2 iHS vs the ist DS2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the TG-2 iHS and ist DS2 is 91 and 68 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizes simply by looking at a spec sheet. The picture here will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-2 iHS and ist DS2.

Clearly, the 2 cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The TG-2 iHS featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Olympus TG-2 iHS will give more detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more recent TG-2 iHS is going to have an edge in sensor tech.