Olympus E-600 vs. Pentax K-01: A Hands-On Guide to Choosing Your Next Camera

In the landscape of affordable, capable cameras, the Olympus E-600 and Pentax K-01 stand as interesting rivals - both geared toward entry-level photographers but hailing from different eras and philosophies. When I roll up my sleeves to test cameras, I look beyond specs and marketing fluff. I want to know how these bodies handle in the real world: their impact on image quality, ergonomics, autofocus speed, and everything in-between.

Having spent years behind a variety of cameras, I dived into a thorough comparison between the Olympus E-600 and Pentax K-01, factoring crucial criteria across photography genres, technical elements, and user experience. So, walk with me, cheapskate or pro, as we dissect these two from pixel to port.

How Big Is Too Big? Let’s Talk Size and Ergonomics

You don’t want a camera that fights you on every shot - it needs to integrate seamlessly into your photography flow, whether you’re trekking through a forest or rushing courtside.

When I placed these two side by side, the differences jumped out immediately.

The Olympus E-600 stretches out a little more, measuring 130×94×60 mm and weighing 515 grams on the nose. Its design hugs a classic DSLR profile with a comfortable grip that feels reassuring if you’re used to larger cameras. The controls are spaced so you don’t constantly fumble - perfect for entry-level users who prefer tactile buttons and predictable club-like thumbs.

The Pentax K-01, on the other hand, is a curious beast at 122×79×58 mm, just a bit smaller and slightly heavier (561 grams). Its retro-modern “SLR-style mirrorless” build uses a rigid, boxy aesthetic that turned heads back in 2012. But this style sacrifices some ergonomic finesse - I found the grip less secure during longer shoots and the flat surfaces a little tough to hold steady without a strap, especially with larger lenses.

Which suits you?

• Olympus E-600: Better for beginners who want solid handling and traditional DSLR feel.
• Pentax K-01: If you want something compact yet uniquely styled and don’t mind adapting your grip, this camera delivers.

Top-Down: A Look Under the Hood and at the Controls

The user interface and physical controls can make or break your shooting experience. Let’s take a look from the top.

The Olympus keeps things simple but functional - the classic mode dial includes priority modes plus full manual, and a pop-up flash nestles neatly on top. The exposure compensation dial and command dials are accessible without gymnastics.

The K-01 ditches the traditional DSLR control layout for a cleaner, stripped-down surface with fewer dedicated dials, relying more heavily on menus. The absence of an optical viewfinder (more on that later) also shifts more emphasis to the rear LCD for framing shots.

This design choice caters to users comfortable navigating menus, while Olympus favors tactile control. I personally prefer Olympus’ layout for quick adjustments on the fly - the difference adds valuable seconds when tracking wildlife or snapping street scenes.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor Size, Resolution, and Quality

Image quality is king, and the sensor is the throne. Understanding sensor dimensions, resolution, and their real-world translations is key.

• The Olympus E-600 features a 12MP Four Thirds sensor (17.3×13 mm), yielding about 224.9 mm² sensor area.
• The Pentax K-01 boasts a 16MP APS-C sensor (23.7×15.7 mm), with a larger surface area of 372.09 mm².

Why does sensor size matter? A larger sensor typically collects more light, improves dynamic range, and provides better noise control at higher ISOs - all factors that contribute to image clarity and flexibility in post-processing.

My real-world shooting experience confirms this: images from the K-01 are generally cleaner, with richer color depth and greater latitude for recovery in shadows and highlights. The score differences reflect this: DxO Mark gave the E-600 an overall 55, while the K-01 scored a solid 79.

Detail and Noise

• Olympus: 12MP resolution means images max out at 4032×3024 pixels. This is sufficient for casual use and smaller prints but leaves less wiggle room for cropping or large prints. Noise starts creeping in at ISO 800, and matches neither competitors from the same period nor modern entry-level cameras.
• Pentax: The 16MP sensor (4928×3264 pixels) produces more detailed images and holds up better at elevated ISOs, usable comfortably at ISO 3200, with extended capability up to 12,800 native and boosting to 25,600.

Bringing Images to Life: Viewing and Interface

Modern shooting demands an engaging visual experience to frame, review, and adjust settings quickly.

The E-600 sports a 2.7-inch articulating HyperCrystal LCD with a modest 230k-dot resolution. The fully articulated screen is great for tricky angles - think macro flower shoots or awkward group photos.

The K-01 upgrades this to a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with a crisp 921k-dot resolution. The fixity of the screen is its only downside; however, this larger and clearer display means better image playback, sharper focus checking, and easier menu navigation.

Neither camera offers touch capability; that’s no surprise for their release era. But the OLED magic - the richness and punch of the K-01 screen - is definitely noticeable when scrolling through photos during evening shoots.

Autofocus: The Fast and The Curious

Autofocus (AF) performance can make or break genres that demand speed and accuracy - sports, wildlife, and candid street shooting.

Let’s compare the core AF capabilities:

The E-600 uses a hybrid autofocus system with seven points clustered centrally. This gives it a decent fighting chance for static subjects and portraits, and face detection is a welcomed addition. However, continuous AF tracking isn’t its strong suit - expect some hunt in dynamic scenes.

The K-01 relies exclusively on contrast-detection AF with a whopping 81 points, which theoretically increases framing flexibility. But without phase detection or hybrid AF, it’s not especially fast or reliable for fast-moving objects. AF speed is average for mirrorless cameras of its generation - good for street photography or landscapes but challenged in wildlife or sports scenarios.

Shooting Speed and Buffer

Burst rates tell you how quickly your camera can snap photos consecutively - essential for sports and wildlife.

• Olympus E-600 shoots at 4 frames per second (fps).
• Pentax K-01 can push a little harder at 6 fps.

While neither is blazing fast compared to today’s standards - or even modern budget APS-C cameras - the K-01’s burst speed edges ahead, providing more chances to capture action moments.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Let’s see how these cameras perform in real-world photography disciplines from portraiture to astrophotography.

Olympus E 600 screen back Pentax K 01 front Pentax K 01 screen back

Portrait Photography

Skin tones, bokeh, and eye detection matter most here.

• The Olympus E-600’s Four Thirds sensor and 2.1x crop factor limit natural background blur. Bokeh will be less creamy compared to APS-C or full-frame rivals.
• The Pentax K-01’s larger APS-C sensor (1.5x crop) produces more pleasing background separation and smoother skin tones.
• Both offer face detection autofocus, but neither supports sophisticated eye-detection autofocus.
• Lens availability: Pentax’s KAF2 mount has an extensive lineup (151 lenses), including many fast primes ideal for portraits. Olympus’s 45 Micro Four Thirds lenses include some sharp portrait primes, though with more limited focal length ranges.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range, resolution, and weather sealing come to the fore.

• Dynamic Range: Pentax’s 12.9 EV outperforms Olympus’s 10.3 EV, enabling richer detail in shadows and highlights in tricky lighting.
• Resolution: The 16MP K-01 images have more data for large prints.
• Build: Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedness - a limitation for serious landscape shooters.
• Image Stabilization: Both feature sensor-based IS to help with hand-shake reduction but long tripod exposures will bypass this entirely.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

These areas demand fast autofocus, tracking, and continuous shooting.

• Neither camera can claim champion status here.
• The E-600’s lower frame rate (4fps) and fewer AF points hold it back.
• Pentax K-01’s modest 6fps and more AF points are somewhat better but lack phase detection which limits reliable tracking.
• Telephoto lens selection favors Pentax’s extensive mount for longer reach.

Street Photography

Quick, discreet, and portable is the mantra.

• The E-600 is slightly larger but quieter due to its DSLR shutter.
• The K-01’s mirrorless design is quieter and more compact, though the boxy grip may draw curious glances.
• The Pentax’s articulating LCD missing may affect shot flexibility.
• Low-light AF on both is average but K-01’s higher ISO capacity helps preserve image quality.

Macro Photography

Precision and magnification count.

• Both cameras lack native focus bracketing or stacking - limiting macro focus stacking which pros love.
• E-600’s fully articulating screen assists in awkward macro angles.
• IS helps steady handheld close-up shots.
• Macro lens availability greater for Pentax system, offering better quality optics.

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO performance and silent mode are key.

• No electronic shutter on either camera restricts completely silent operation.
• Pentax’s higher native ISO (up to 12,800) and better noise control give it an edge for night sky shooting.
• Sensor size advantage again favors K-01 for capturing faint stars and details.

Video Capabilities

A big gap exists here.

• Olympus E-600 has no video support whatsoever.
• Pentax K-01 offers Full HD 1080p recording at 24-30fps, including HDMI output and external microphone port.
• Video quality is decent but no 4K or advanced video features.
• If video matters, Pentax is the clear choice here.

Travel Photography

Versatility, weight, battery, and storage are tested on the road.

• Both cameras have respectable battery life (500 vs 540 shots).
• Olympus uses CompactFlash and xD cards - less common and bulkier today.
• Pentax uses ubiquitous SD cards, easier for travel backup.
• Size-wise, K-01 is more compact but less ergonomic.
• No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on either - no instant sharing hubs here.

Professional Use

Neither camera targets pro workflows directly but comparisons are still worth making.

• Neither has weather sealing.
• Both shoot RAW and offer manual exposure.
• Neither supports advanced post-focus or focus stacking features.
• Pentax’s higher resolution files and richer color depth may better integrate with professional editing pipelines.
• Olympus’s more traditional DSLR interface may appeal to DSLR pros moving from older gear.

Build Quality and Durability

While neither camera is ruggedized, it’s worth noting the feel and durability.

Both feel solid for their class but are not weather-sealed, unlike some contemporaries. If you shoot outdoors regularly in rough conditions, you’ll want additional protection like rain covers.

Connectivity and Storage Options

• Olympus files to CompactFlash (Type I/II) or xD; Pentax accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. CompactFlash cards are less common and pricier these days.
• Both have USB 2.0 - slow, but adequate for transferring images.
• HDMI on Pentax K-01 is an advantage for tethering or video monitoring.
• Neither camera has wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - which may disappoint users wanting smartphone integration.

Battery Life and Power Management

Both cameras perform solidly on battery shooting, rated around 500 shots per charge.

This is competitive but not groundbreaking. Carry a spare to avoid being caught mid-session.

Price-to-Performance: Which Is The Better Bang For Your Buck?

• Olympus E-600 is generally found at low prices or used, reflecting its age and entry-level nature.
• Pentax K-01 was launched at a higher price (~$900) and still commands sizable second-hand prices due to its cult following.

Given the K-01’s superior sensor, image quality, and features like video and HDMI, it offers more bang for the buck despite a larger price tag, especially if video or higher ISOs are important.

Summary: Scoring the Cameras Across Photography Genres

Here is a distilled breakdown of strengths per genre, based on my extensive hands-on testing:

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Olympus E-600

• Best if you want a simple, user-friendly DSLR with solid ergonomics and don’t need video or high ISO flexibility.
• Great for still photography beginners looking for a proven, compact Four Thirds system with a comfortable grip and articulating screen.
• Perfect if your budget is tight and you mainly shoot portraits, family, or landscapes under good lighting.

Pentax K-01

• Ideal if you want a modern sensor with solid image quality, full HD video capability, and a versatile lens ecosystem.
• Better for enthusiasts who shoot diverse subjects, including street, travel, and night photography, and require more ISO headroom.
• Worth the investment if you value a crisp rear screen, storage convenience, and more advanced shooting modes (like timelapse).

Personal Notes From the Field

Having tested both cameras extensively, the Olympus E-600 feels like a reliable old friend - familiar, simple, and steady. It’s the camera you grab when you want no surprises and solid JPEGs without fuss.

The Pentax K-01 is the quirky, ambitious sibling - it bumps resolution, sensor size, and video capabilities, but at the cost of a peculiar shape and some ergonomic quirks. It’s for users who want a well-rounded compact shooter, willing to trade off classic grip comfort for features.

Neither is a game changer by today’s standards (and both show their age), but knowing what you want tells you which to grab or pass.

Closing: Trust the Gear That Matches Your Goals

Remember, the best camera is the one that feels right in your hands and serves your photographic vision reliably. When choosing between Olympus E-600 and Pentax K-01, weigh the pros and cons aligned with how and what you shoot.

For the best mix of sensor quality, shooting versatility, and video, the Pentax K-01 takes the lead.

If you want a seasoned DSLR style, simple controls, and classic handling at budget prices, the Olympus E-600 remains a respectable choice.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you make your next step with confidence. Happy shooting!