Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Pentax K-x

Below, we are reviewing the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Pentax K-x, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the K-x (12MP) is very close but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and K-x (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The XZ-2 iHS was revealed 3 years later than the K-x and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-x being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up versus the K-x in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Pentax K-x. The full galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Pentax K-x Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS features outside dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") along with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) while the Pentax K-x has measurements of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") along with a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Pentax K-x in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the XZ-2 iHS and the K-x.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-2 iHS and K-x is 85 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to visualize the difference in sensor measurements only by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-2 iHS and K-x.

Clearly, both of these cameras posses the exact same megapixel count but different sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS offers the smaller sensor which should make getting shallower DOF tougher. The more modern XZ-2 iHS should have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.