Olympus VG-145 vs Pentax ist DS2

Following is a comprehensive analysis of the Olympus VG-145 versus Pentax ist DS2, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the VG-145 (14MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the VG-145 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) posses different sensor measurements.

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The VG-145 was launched 6 years after the ist DS2 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VG-145 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving right into a complete comparison, here is a concise view of how the VG-145 matches up versus the ist DS2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VG-145 & Pentax ist DS2. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus VG-145 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus VG-145 has outer dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Pentax ist DS2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Check the Olympus VG-145 versus Pentax ist DS2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select at the time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the VG-145 vs the ist DS2.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the VG-145 and ist DS2 is 96 and 68 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizes simply by looking through technical specs. The picture underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the VG-145 and ist DS2.

As you have seen, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The VG-145 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Olympus VG-145 will provide you with greater detail utilizing its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The newer VG-145 provides an edge when it comes to sensor technology.