Olympus VG-145 vs Pentax K-500

In this article, we will be analyzing the Olympus VG-145 versus Pentax K-500, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the VG-145 (14MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is pretty close but the VG-145 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The VG-145 was brought out 3 years earlier than the K-500 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VG-145 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going in to a in-depth comparison, below is a concise summation of how the VG-145 grades against the K-500 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VG-145 and Pentax K-500. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus VG-145 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus VG-145 offers exterior measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus VG-145 versus Pentax K-500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at the time. The following is the front view size comparison of the VG-145 versus the K-500.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the VG-145 and K-500 is 96 and 64 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions only by viewing technical specs. The image underneath might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the VG-145 and K-500.

As you can tell, both the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The VG-145 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Pentax K-500 will result in greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged VG-145 will be behind in sensor tech.