Olympus E-300 vs Pentax K-01

Following is a in-depth review of the Olympus E-300 vs Pentax K-01, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-300 (8MP) and K-01 (16MP) and the E-300 (Four Thirds) and K-01 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-300 was revealed 8 years earlier than the K-01 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-300 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-300 grades vs the K-01 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-300 and Pentax K-01. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-300 Gallery and Pentax K-01 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-300 enjoys external dimensions of 147mm x 85mm x 64mm (5.8" x 3.3" x 2.5") and a weight of 624 grams (1.38 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-01 has specifications of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") having a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-300 vs Pentax K-01 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-300 vs the K-01.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-300 and K-01 is 67 and 76 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes just by looking at technical specs. The pic underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-300 and K-01.

As you can tell, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-300 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax K-01 will resolve extra detail because of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged E-300 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.