Olympus VR-340 vs Pentax K-5

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus VR-340 vs Pentax K-5, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the VR-340 (16MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is very similar but the VR-340 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

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The VR-340 was unveiled 13 months later than the K-5 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VR-340 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going through a complete comparison, below is a concise summary of how the VR-340 grades against the K-5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus VR-340 and Pentax K-5. The full galleries are available at Olympus VR-340 Gallery and Pentax K-5 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and size. The Olympus VR-340 features exterior dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus VR-340 vs Pentax K-5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use during that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the VR-340 and the K-5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the VR-340 and K-5 is 96 and 60 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to visualize the difference between sensor measurements merely by reading a spec sheet. The visual underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the VR-340 and K-5.

Clearly, each of these cameras offer the same exact megapixels but different sensor measurements. The VR-340 contains the tinier sensor which should make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging. The more recent VR-340 provides an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.