Olympus VG-120 vs Pentax ist DS2

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus VG-120 vs Pentax ist DS2, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the VG-120 (14MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the VG-120 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) have totally different sensor size.

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The VG-120 was launched 5 years later than the ist DS2 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief view of how the VG-120 grades vs the ist DS2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VG-120 & Pentax ist DS2. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus VG-120 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus VG-120 comes with outer dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst 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 VG-120 vs Pentax ist DS2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the VG-120 versus the ist DS2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the VG-120 and ist DS2 is 96 and 68 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to see the gap in sensor sizing purely by researching specifications. The graphic underneath should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the VG-120 and ist DS2.

Plainly, the 2 cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The VG-120 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Olympus VG-120 will result in greater detail utilizing its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The fresher VG-120 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.