Olympus VG-120 vs Pentax K-500

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus VG-120 and Pentax K-500, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the VG-120 (14MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the VG-120 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) possess different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The VG-120 was brought out 3 years prior to the K-500 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summation of how the VG-120 matches up against the K-500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VG-120 and Pentax K-500. The entire galleries are available at Olympus VG-120 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus VG-120 offers outside measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Examine the Olympus VG-120 and Pentax K-500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the VG-120 and the K-500.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the VG-120 and K-500 is 96 and 64 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions only by reading through technical specs. The pic below may offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the VG-120 and K-500.

As you can tell, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The VG-120 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh trickier and the Pentax K-500 will give extra detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged VG-120 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.