Olympus E-510 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Here, we will be matching up the Olympus E-510 versus Pentax K-5 IIs, both Advanced DSLR cameras by brands Olympus and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the E-510 (10MP) and K-5 IIs (16MP) and the E-510 (Four Thirds) and K-5 IIs (APS-C) provide different sensor measurements.

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The E-510 was launched 6 years earlier than the K-5 IIs and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-510 matches up against the K-5 IIs for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-510 and Pentax K-5 IIs. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-510 Gallery and Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-510 comes with physical dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 IIs has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

See the Olympus E-510 versus Pentax K-5 IIs in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the E-510 vs the K-5 IIs.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-510 and K-5 IIs is 69 and 60 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to visualize the gap in sensor measurements only by researching technical specs. The graphic below may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-510 and K-5 IIs.

As you have seen, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-510 because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-5 IIs will provide you with extra detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The older E-510 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.