Olympus E-5 vs Pentax Q10

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus E-5 and Pentax Q10, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-5 (12MP) and the Q10 (12MP) is fairly similar but the E-5 (Four Thirds) and Q10 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-5 was brought out 19 months before the Q10 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax Q10 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a short summation of how the E-5 grades against the Q10 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-5 and Pentax Q10. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-5 Gallery and Pentax Q10 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-5 enjoys external dimensions of 143mm x 117mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q10 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-5 and Pentax Q10 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select during that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the E-5 compared to the Q10.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-5 and Q10 is 58 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing simply by going over specs. The visual underneath will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-5 and Q10.

All in all, the 2 cameras offer the same exact megapixel count but not the same sensor sizing. The E-5 uses the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallow depth of field simpler. The older E-5 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.