Olympus TG-4 vs Pentax ist DS2

Here, we will be contrasting the Olympus TG-4 vs Pentax ist DS2, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the TG-4 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the TG-4 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The TG-4 was revealed 9 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-4 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going into a full comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the TG-4 grades vs the ist DS2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Tough TG-4 and Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-4 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-4 features outer dimensions of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") along with a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Pentax ist DS2 has measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Check out the Olympus TG-4 vs Pentax ist DS2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the TG-4 versus the ist DS2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the TG-4 and ist DS2 is 90 and 68 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to picture the difference between sensor measurements just by reading through a spec sheet. The visual below should give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-4 and ist DS2.

As you can see, both of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The TG-4 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Olympus TG-4 will give you greater detail because of its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The younger TG-4 should have an advantage in sensor tech.