Olympus E-1 vs Pentax K-3 II

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus E-1 versus Pentax K-3 II, one is a Pro DSLR and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-1 (5MP) and K-3 II (24MP) and the E-1 (Four Thirds) and K-3 II (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-1 was unveiled 12 years before the K-3 II which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-1 being a Large SLR camera and the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting into a complete comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-1 grades against the K-3 II when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-1 and Pentax K-3 II. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-1 Gallery and Pentax K-3 II Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera, you should factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-1 has got physical dimensions of 141mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") having a weight of 735 grams (1.62 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 II has specifications of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-1 versus Pentax K-3 II in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the E-1 versus the K-3 II.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-1 and K-3 II is 59 and 59 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizes only by reviewing specifications. The picture below will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-1 and K-3 II.

To sum up, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-1 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax K-3 II will offer you greater detail having an extra 19MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.