Olympus VG-160 vs Pentax K-5

Below, we are reviewing the Olympus VG-160 versus Pentax K-5, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the VG-160 (14MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is very comparable but the VG-160 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The VG-160 was launched 13 months later than the K-5 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus VG-160 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple summation of how the VG-160 scores against the K-5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus VG-160 & Pentax K-5. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus VG-160 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus VG-160 comes with external dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus VG-160 versus Pentax K-5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the VG-160 and the K-5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the VG-160 and K-5 is 96 and 60 respectively.

Often, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements purely by seeing specifications. The visual here might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the VG-160 and K-5.

Plainly, both of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The VG-160 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Pentax K-5 will show greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics much more aggressively. The younger VG-160 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.