Olympus VG-160 vs Pentax K-r

Following is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus VG-160 and Pentax K-r, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the VG-160 (14MP) and the K-r (12MP) is fairly similar but the VG-160 (1/2.3") and K-r (APS-C) offer different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The VG-160 was unveiled 11 months after the K-r and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VG-160 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving into a complete comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the VG-160 grades against the K-r with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus VG-160 and Pentax K-r. The full galleries are available at Olympus VG-160 Gallery and Pentax K-r Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus VG-160 has got 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-r has dimensions of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

See the Olympus VG-160 and Pentax K-r in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the VG-160 compared to the K-r.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the VG-160 and K-r is 96 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reading technical specs. The pic underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the VG-160 and K-r.

As you have seen, each of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The VG-160 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Olympus VG-160 will offer greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images way more aggressively. The newer VG-160 provides an edge in sensor tech.