Olympus VR-340 vs Pentax K-S2

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus VR-340 versus Pentax K-S2, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the VR-340 (16MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is fairly comparable but the VR-340 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The VR-340 was released 4 years earlier than the K-S2 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus VR-340 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a brief summary of how the VR-340 matches up versus the K-S2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus VR-340 and Pentax K-S2. The complete galleries are available at Olympus VR-340 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus VR-340 offers external measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Pentax K-S2 has specifications of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") along with a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus VR-340 versus Pentax K-S2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the VR-340 and the K-S2.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the VR-340 and K-S2 is 96 and 64 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes only by going through technical specs. The picture here might offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the VR-340 and K-S2.

As you have seen, both cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The VR-340 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-S2 will show extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos much more aggressively. The more aged VR-340 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.