Olympus E-300 vs Pentax K-5

Here is a in depth analysis of the Olympus E-300 vs Pentax K-5, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by brands Olympus and Pentax. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-300 (8MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the E-300 (Four Thirds) and K-5 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-300 was brought out 7 years prior to the K-5 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before going straight into a full comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the E-300 grades against the K-5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-300 & Pentax K-5. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-300 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-300 provides physical dimensions of 147mm x 85mm x 64mm (5.8" x 3.3" x 2.5") along with a weight of 624 grams (1.38 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 has sizing of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-300 vs Pentax K-5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the E-300 compared to the K-5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-300 and K-5 is 67 and 60 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading through technical specs. The graphic below will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-300 and K-5.

As you have seen, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-300 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-5 will give greater detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots far more aggressively. The older E-300 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.