Olympus E-600 vs Pentax K-500: A Hands-On Comparative Review for Serious Photographers

In the ever-progressing realm of digital cameras, I’ve often found that the devil really is in the details - especially when comparing entry-level DSLRs that, on paper, might seem similarly capable. Today, I’m diving deep into two such contenders: the Olympus E-600 and the Pentax K-500. Both cameras are designed for photographers stepping up from point-and-shoot or smartphone photography, yet each brings a unique technological heritage and shooting philosophy.

Having personally handled and rigorously tested hundreds of cameras over my 15+ years as a professional reviewer and working photographer, I’ll take you on a detailed journey through sensor tech, autofocus performance, ergonomics, and more. My goal is to equip you with genuine, real-world insights - not just spec-by-spec summations - to help you find which camera aligns best with your photographic passion and budget.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Design Philosophy

Let’s start with the tangible: how these cameras feel in hand and their physical designs.

Visually, both have the classic DSLR silhouette but with notable differences:

• Olympus E-600: Compact and lightweight at roughly 515 grams, the E-600 feels like an eager travel companion. Its smaller dimensions (130x94x60 mm) and Micro Four Thirds lens mount system make it especially portable. The controls are intuitively placed, though I found the body a bit plasticky compared to higher-end Olympus models. The flip-out “HyperCrystal” 2.7-inch fully articulating screen facilitates flexibility for creative shooting angles and self-portraits (a nice touch for vloggers or solo travelers).

• Pentax K-500: Heftier at 646 grams and marginally larger (130x97x71 mm), the K-500 discerns itself as a more traditionally robust DSLR. The Pentax design includes a pentaprism viewfinder known for decent brightness and 100% frame coverage, compared to E-600’s pentamirror and a mere 95%. The fixed 3-inch LCD has a notably higher resolution (921k dots) but lacks articulation, restricting dynamic viewpoints slightly.

From my extensive hands-on experience, the E-600’s compactness makes it ideal for street and travel photography where discretion and portability matter. The K-500, with its beefier grip and richer viewfinder, caters more toward photographers who prefer a solid, DSLR feel for longer shoots or outdoor adventures.

Viewing & Composing: Screens and Viewfinders Put to the Test

Top-down, Olympus offers a simpler layout, leaning on minimalism that suits beginners climbing the learning curve. Pentax packs more visible dials and buttons, giving enthusiasts quick access to ISO, drive modes, and exposure compensation without diving into menus - something I appreciate during fast-moving shoots like sports or wildlife.

Diving deeper:

• Olympus’s Fully Articulated Screen: Despite its lower resolution, the articulation is a practical boon. I used it extensively for macro work and low-angle street candid shots - great when you need to keep your eye on the viewfinder but also want to experiment with unconventional angles.

• Pentax’s Fixed High-Res Display: Perfect for critical manual focusing and reviewing images in fine detail immediately after capture. However, I missed the versatility of articulation, especially when shooting on a tripod or awkward setups.

In the viewfinder department, Pentax’s brighter, 100% coverage optical pentaprism outperforms Olympus’s pentamirror, lending itself to precise framing and a more immersive shooting experience. This is an important consideration for professionals who demand framing accuracy and eye comfort during extended sessions.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Pixel Power and Beyond

This is where the cameras’ fundamental differences become very clear.

• Olympus E-600: Utilizes a Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3x13 mm, sporting 12MP resolution. The smaller sensor size equates to a 2.1x crop factor, affecting focal length equivalent and depth of field characteristics. The sensor is paired with the TruePic III+ processor, delivering respectable image quality with solid color depth (21.5 bits) and moderate dynamic range (10.3 EV stops). Native ISO maxes out at 3200, which in my testing means ISO 1600 is the practical upper limit for clean images.

• Pentax K-500: Packs a significantly larger APS-C CMOS sensor of 23.7x15.7 mm, boasting 16MP resolution, enabling more detailed captures and better low-light performance. The PRIME M processor handles data efficiently, yielding excellent dynamic range (~13.1 EV stops) and color depth (23.7 bits). Enable ISO to soar up to 51,600 (though I recommend staying under 3200 to keep noise manageable). The larger sensor area explains the overall image fidelity advantage I noticed in raw files, especially evident in landscapes and portrait skin tones.

Testing both cameras side-by-side in controlled conditions underscored Pentax’s edge in retaining shadow detail and preserving highlight tones. The Olympus sensor is commendable given the era but shows visible noise artifacts sooner.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed Under Pressure

Autofocus remains critical in many genres, from portraiture to fast-paced sports.

• Olympus E-600: Offers a hybrid AF system combining phase- and contrast-detection with 7 focus points, including face detection. However, it lacks eye detection or animal recognition AF and does not support continuous AF tracking during burst shooting. The max burst is limited to 4 fps, which I found wanting during rapid action sequences.

• Pentax K-500: Features 11 AF points, 9 of which are cross-type, centered focus coverage, and supports AF tracking, greatly enhancing focus reliability on moving subjects. It also offers continuous AF in live view and a responsive live view contrast detection system. Plus, with 6 fps burst rate, the K-500 proved markedly better for wildlife and sports in my field trials, rarely losing track of erratically moving animals or athletes.

On slower-paced genres like landscape or studio portraiture, Olympus’s AF is perfectly adequate, while Pentax’s system is a distinct advantage for dynamic scenarios.

Built Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Both cameras are positioned as entry-level models and reflect this in their build.

• Neither offers comprehensive weather sealing, nor are they shock or freeze proof. That said:

• Olympus E-600: Feels lighter and more vulnerable; not ideal for harsh environmental conditions. Handle with care when traveling in wet or dusty locations.

• Pentax K-500: Surprisingly robust for its class, with some limited dust and moisture resistance (dependent on lens). The grip feels secure and snug, better suited for outdoor adventures where you might encounter uneven terrain or moderate weather challenges.

For me, when shooting landscapes or wildlife in temperate conditions, the K-500 earns bonus points here.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: More Than Just Mounts

A camera is only as versatile as its lenses.

• Olympus E-600: Uses the Micro Four Thirds mount system, which currently enjoys a rich, modern lens lineup with excellent optical quality and a strong third-party support base. At the time of the E-600’s release, selection was more limited, but today options range from ultra-wide primes to high-speed telephotos. The 2.1x focal length multiplier means a 25mm lens behaves like a 50mm equivalent, lending a telephoto advantage for wildlife and sports, but requiring wider lenses when shooting landscapes or interiors.

• Pentax K-500: Mounts the Pentax KAF2 bayonet, with access to a huge vast ecosystem of legacy and current lenses - ranging from affordable primes, excellent macro optics, to fast telephoto zooms. The 1.5x crop factor offers a balance; wider lenses retain their field of view without excessive multiplication, helpful in architecture and wide scenic captures.

In practical terms, I find Pentax’s lens ecosystem more flexible for diverse photography disciplines. Olympus’s system rewards portability and modern lens tech but requires adapting to the effective focal length crop.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Shooting All Day, Every Day

Shooting longevity is often overlooked yet crucial.

• Olympus E-600: Packs a proprietary BLS-1 battery with a respectable approximate 500-shot capacity per charge, according to CIPA standards. Storage is dual-format (Compact Flash or xD), but the lack of wireless connectivity and USB 2.0 is limiting in our modern mixed media workflow.

• Pentax K-500: Uses standard AA batteries (four), scoring an impressive 710 shots per charge equivalency (AA batteries' actual longevity depends on the battery type chosen - NiMH recommended). Storage uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, a more universal format. Like Olympus, no built-in Wi-Fi or GPS, though GPS is optional via external add-on modules.

Practically, I find the K-500’s use of AA batteries beneficial in remote travel - scouting for replacements is effortless, which can mean the difference between capturing a fleeting moment or missing it entirely. However, I missed the convenience of internal rechargeable batteries on both.

Shooting Experience Across Photography Disciplines

Let me now walk you through how each camera performed across common photography genres based on hands-on testing:

Portrait Photography: Rendering Skin and Bokeh

The Pentax K-500’s larger APS-C sensor and excellent dynamic range gave portraits noticeably richer skin tones and smoother gradations in shadow areas. Using Pentax’s legacy fast primes, I achieved creamy bokeh, partly because of the sensor size and partly due to lens selection variety.

The Olympus E-600, while capable, with its 12MP sensor and 4:3 aspect, produced slightly less shallow depth of field and a more clinical rendering of skin tones. The articulating screen and effective face detection AF helped compose creative shots but couldn’t fully compensate for sensor size limitations.

Landscape Photography: Detail and Tonal Range

Once again, Pentax’s K-500 shined here with higher resolution images revealing finer textures and richer detail in RAW files. Its improved dynamic range helped preserve detail from dawn’s soft light to deep shadows within forest scenes.

I found the Olympus E-600 adequate for casual landscapes but noticed quicker highlight clipping and slightly muted color reproduction compared to Pentax. The 4:3 aspect ratio lends itself to certain classical compositions but isn't standard across printing options.

Wildlife and Sports: Tracking and Responsiveness

With faster burst rates (6 fps) and advanced AF tracking, the Pentax K-500 was my go-to for photographing birds in flight and local sports. The higher maximum shutter speed (1/6000s vs 1/4000s) also enables freezing rapid action better.

The Olympus struggled to keep pace, with slower 4 fps burst and more rudimentary AF systems. However, its 2.1x crop factor can artificially extend telephoto reach, giving a framing advantage when used with compatible lenses.

Olympus E 600 screen back Pentax K 500 front Pentax K 500 screen back

Here are sample photos from both systems showing portraits, landscapes, and action shots - note the Pentax images’ finer detail and more dynamic tonal range.

Street Photography: Discretion and Mobility

The E-600’s compact size and quiet operation suited street shooting, especially in crowded environments where discretion is valued. The articulating screen allowed me to shoot from waist level, blending into scenes easily.

The K-500’s larger size and louder shutter made it slightly more conspicuous. Still, its quicker AF and better low-light sensitivity balanced that out when chasing dynamic subjects at dusk or in backlit alleyways.

Macro Photography: Precision and Stabilization

Neither camera supports focus bracketing or focus stacking, limiting macro capabilities for extreme close-ups.

• The Olympus E-600’s sensor-based image stabilization helped get steady shots handheld, especially paired with Olympus's own MFT macro lenses. The articulating screen was also a huge advantage for framing tiny subjects close to the ground.

• The Pentax K-500 performs well optically, and with its broader lens selection, I had access to dedicated macro primes with outstanding sharpness. However, the lack of in-body stabilization was felt, requiring tripods or stabilized lenses.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO Performance and Exposure Versatility

For night photography, sensor size plays a critical role.

• Pentax K-500 impresses with clean images at ISO 1600 and usable shots even at 3200, owing to its larger APS-C sensor and efficient processing. The availability of extended ISO allows more creative exposure choices without fear of noise overwhelming fine detail.

• Olympus E-600 struggles beyond ISO 800 in low-light. Noise becomes quickly evident, which can hamper astrophotography where long exposures and high ISO are common. Its max shutter speed of 1/4000 and lack of silent shutter modes also limit certain scenarios.

Video Capabilities for Hybrid Shooters

This is quite one-sided:

• Olympus E-600 does not offer video recording in any resolution, a major drawback for anyone wanting stills/video hybrid functionality.

• Pentax K-500 supports Full HD 1080p video (up to 30fps) along with HD and lower resolutions, catering to casual videographers. However, the lack of microphone/headphone ports and stabilized video means it’s not for professional video work but fine for vlogging and family filming.

Looking at their screens up close, Pentax’s larger, higher-res fixed LCD offers a better experience for video playback and still image review, whereas Olympus’s articulate screen aids creative framing flexibility but feels dated by today’s standards.

Connectivity, Workflow, and Integration

Neither camera offers built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS. This reflects their era but limits instant sharing capabilities, a downside for social media-focused users.

Storage remains straightforward: Olympus uses Compact Flash and xD cards, less common now; Pentax adopts SD cards, the industry standard - making Pentax more compatible with current workflows.

USB 2.0 interfaces on both are slow by today’s standards but suffice for basic tethering and file transfer.

Summarizing Performance Scores

Breaking down their comprehensive performance:

• The Pentax K-500 scores significantly higher overall with its superior sensor, AF system, and burst rate.

• Olympus E-600, while modest in scoring, delivers solid value in image stabilization and portability.

Analyzing genre-specific strengths:

• Pentax K-500 excels in landscapes, wildlife, sports, and low-light scenarios.
• Olympus E-600 holds its ground in portability-centric genres like street and travel photography.
• Neither options are ideal for professional video work or extensive macro with focus bracketing.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Is Right for You?

Having spent weeks photographing in varied environments with both models, here’s my takeaway:

Choose the Olympus E-600 if:

• You prioritize compactness and portability for street or casual travel photography.
• You value a fully articulating LCD screen for creative framing and self-portraits.
• Your subjects are more static or you work mostly in daylight.
• Video is not a requirement.
• You appreciate sensor-based image stabilization for handheld shots.
• You want access to the Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem.

Opt for the Pentax K-500 if:

• Your focus is on image quality - higher resolution, better dynamic range, cleaner high ISO.
• You shoot action, wildlife, or sports requiring faster burst rates and AF tracking.
• You want Full HD video recording capability.
• Durability and traditional DSLR feel are important.
• You prefer a larger APS-C sensor for creative image control and tonality.
• You need longer battery life and universal AA battery support.
• Access to a vast lens selection including older primes and super-telephotos appeals.

A Practitioner’s Final Advice

If I were advising a beginner or enthusiast with tight budget constraints who values travel flexibility, the Olympus E-600 remains a charming, capable tool for learning and experimenting.

But for photographers who desire a dependable all-rounder offering superior image quality, faster operation, and minor video ability, the Pentax K-500 delivers exceptional value that punches well above its entry-level category.

I encourage you to try holding each camera yourself if possible; ergonomics and intuitive operation often reveal personal preferences no specs sheet can quantify. And remember: lenses and your eye behind the viewfinder usually impact your photographic results more than the difference of a few megapixels or frame rates.

Whatever your choice, both cameras can help you capture compelling images and unlock your photographic vision.

Happy shooting!

Note: I have no affiliations with Olympus or Pentax. All opinions here come from independent, extensive testing and comparison to help you navigate your next camera purchase confidently.