Olympus VR-340 vs Pentax K-500

Following is a extensive overview of the Olympus VR-340 vs Pentax K-500, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the VR-340 (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the VR-340 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) use different sensor sizing.

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The VR-340 was introduced 22 months earlier than the K-500 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus VR-340 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the VR-340 matches up vs the K-500 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VR-340 & Pentax K-500. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus VR-340 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus VR-340 features exterior measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Pentax K-500 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Compare the Olympus VR-340 vs Pentax K-500 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the VR-340 versus the K-500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the VR-340 and K-500 is 96 and 64 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizes simply by checking a spec sheet. The pic here should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the VR-340 and K-500.

As you can see, both cameras posses the exact same megapixel count albeit different sensor sizes. The VR-340 has got the tinier sensor which will make obtaining shallow depth of field more difficult. The more aged VR-340 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.