Olympus XZ-1 vs Pentax K200D

Lets look more closely at the Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax K200D, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the K200D (10MP) is relatively well matched but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and K200D (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-1 was released 2 years later than the K200D and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K200D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the XZ-1 scores against the K200D in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax K200D. The complete galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Pentax K200D Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-1 offers exterior dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst the Pentax K200D has proportions of 134mm x 95mm x 74mm (5.3" x 3.7" x 2.9") along with a weight of 690 grams (1.52 lbs).

See the Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax K200D in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the XZ-1 compared to the K200D.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and K200D is 88 and 61 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to see the difference between sensor measurements just by reading through technical specs. The visual below may offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-1 and K200D.

As you have seen, each of the cameras come with the identical megapixels albeit not the same sensor measurements. The XZ-1 contains the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallower DOF tougher. The younger XZ-1 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.