Olympus E-3 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Following is a thorough review of the Olympus E-3 versus Pentax K-5 IIs, both Advanced DSLR cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and K-5 IIs (16MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and K-5 IIs (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-3 was announced 6 years before the K-5 IIs which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the E-3 matches up against the K-5 IIs with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-3 & Pentax K-5 IIs. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera often, you'll need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-3 offers external measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") along with a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 IIs has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-3 versus Pentax K-5 IIs in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the E-3 against the K-5 IIs.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-3 and K-5 IIs is 56 and 60 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to see the contrast in sensor sizes only by checking out technical specs. The picture underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-3 and K-5 IIs.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-3 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-5 IIs will provide greater detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The more aged E-3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.