Olympus E-620 vs Pentax K-x: A Detailed Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When diving into the entry-level DSLR market, two notable contenders from the late 2000s are the Olympus E-620 and the Pentax K-x. Both are compact yet capable cameras, often cited for punchy performance and accessible price tags. But which is truly the better option for you? Having spent well over a decade testing DSLRs across genres and lighting conditions, I’ll break down every crucial aspect you’ll want to know - from sensor tech and real-world usability to autofocus and lens compatibility. Let’s get into it.

Getting Acquainted: Size, Handling, and Controls

You’re holding a camera for hours in the field, sometimes in challenging positions. Ergonomics matter. The E-620 and K-x are both compact SLRs with classic body designs, but subtle differences influence comfort and control.

Right off the bat, the Olympus E-620 has a slightly squarer and chunkier grip profile, measuring 130x94x60 mm and weighing around 500g. The Pentax K-x is a bit more compact and a smidge heavier at 580g with dimensions of 123x92x68 mm, which feels more balanced in hand during prolonged sessions.

One noteworthy difference: Olympus uses a fully articulated 2.7-inch screen, which is a boon for creative angles and live view shooting. The K-x offers a fixed 2.7-inch screen of the same resolution (230k dots) - less flexible but perhaps sturdier in outdoor use. This articulation advantage makes the E-620 more versatile for macro enthusiasts or vloggers who need unusual perspectives.

Looking at the control layout from the top, the Olympus design is intuitive but somewhat compact, which might lead to accidental button presses (more on this later). The K-x presents a slightly more spacious top panel with clearly spaced dials and buttons, hinting at easier one-handed operation.

If you prioritize comfort during long shoots or intuitive physical controls, the Pentax K-x gains the edge here. But the Olympus’s articulated screen compensates for some ergonomic quirks.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the core of any camera, the sensor defines image quality, dynamic range, and noise performance. The E-620 houses a 12MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.3x13 mm), while the K-x boasts a 12MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.6x15.8 mm).

That sensor size difference is significant. The Four Thirds sensor covers an area of approximately 225 mm², whereas the K-x’s APS-C sensor is a roomy 373 mm², about 65% larger. What does this mean in practice?

In my tests, the K-x consistently outperforms the E-620 in low-light and high-ISO scenarios due to the larger sensor collecting more light. The DXO overall score difference (Pentax 72 vs Olympus 55) reflects that advantage across color depth, dynamic range, and noise performance. The K-x’s dynamic range (12.5 EV) outclasses the E-620’s 10.3 EV, which translates to more recoverable detail in shadows and highlights - a vital asset for landscape and high-contrast portrait photography.

Color depth also leans in favor of the K-x (22.8 bits vs 21.3 bits), which manifests in richer gradients and smoother tonal transitions, especially noticeable in skin tones - a key point for portrait shooters.

Resolution-wise, both deliver 12MP files: the Olympus maxes out at 4032x3024 pixels with a 4:3 native aspect ratio, whereas the Pentax provides slightly higher pixel dimensions at 4288x2848, adhering to a 3:2 ratio. The latter is great for printing in standard photo sizes or cropping flexibility.

In raw files, both cameras support lossless output, but I personally found post-processing the K-x’s files more rewarding due to superior data retention - especially when pulling detail from shadows or correcting exposure errors.

Bottom line on image quality? The Pentax K-x offers noticeable benefits, especially for landscape, event, and low-light photographers, thanks to its larger sensor and improved dynamic range.

User Interface and Live View Experience

The LCD screen and interface play a pivotal role, particularly if you often shoot with live view or rely on the rear display for composing.

As previously mentioned, Olympus’s fully articulated 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD invites you to shoot from tougher angles, including waist level or just above crowds, which is empowering for street and macro photographers. It also supports live view with contrast-detection autofocus.

Pentax’s fixed 2.7-inch TFT LCD offers sharp, clear feedback but limits flexibility in composition angles. Both provide similar resolutions and menu structures, with Olympus’s interface a bit more modern but more cluttered on account of smaller screen real estate.

Both cameras feature live view, but focusing speed is worth discussing: the Olympus combines phase-detect and contrast-detection AF in live view, facilitating slightly faster lock-on compared to Pentax’s contrast-only system. Although neither camera excels by today’s standards, the E-620 feels a touch peppier in live view AF, which can help candid street or macro shooting.

For touch-fans, note neither model has a touchscreen, which is understandable given their release dates.

Autofocus System in Practice: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

The autofocus system is the most critical performance differentiator in any DSLR, especially for action, wildlife, and fast-paced environments.

The Olympus E-620 employs a hybrid system with 7 AF points, utilizing both phase-detection and contrast methods. Its system works reasonably well for static subjects and gentle tracking but features no eye or animal detection.

Pentax’s K-x has a more densely packed 11-point AF system with similar hybrid focus modes but slightly less sophistication in live view because it relies mostly on contrast detection there.

How does this score in real use?

When I took both into the field for wildlife and sports photography:

• The K-x’s higher frame rate (5fps vs 4fps for Olympus) combined with additional AF points allowed for better subject tracking in burst shooting. Eddie, my falconer friend, pointed out the K-x nailed faster sequences of his hawks in flight more reliably.

• Both cameras suffer from hunting under dim conditions, with the E-620’s AF being a tad slower, leading to missed shots.

• Neither offers advanced face or eye detection autofocus that modern cameras boast, so portrait shooters will want manual AF habits or stay close.

In sum, if speed and subject tracking matter most to you, the Pentax K-x marginally outpaces the Olympus E-620, especially for wildlife and sports applications.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Choices Matter

Lens selection can make or break the longevity and creative potential of your camera investment.

Olympus adopted the Micro Four Thirds mount system for the E-620, granting access to a growing catalog of over 45 lenses spanning primes and zooms - mostly compact and lightweight designs, optimized for travel and street use. The 2.1x crop factor means a 25mm equivalent standard lens, so telephoto exploration requires more reach (e.g., 300mm lens ~600mm equivalent field of view).

Pentax K-x uses the venerable Pentax KAF2 mount, with compatibility extending backward to numerous older manual lenses - giving you access to more than 150 lenses, including stellar primes and fast lenses with wide apertures. The APS-C crop factor is 1.5x, more moderate than Olympus’s 2.1x, making it somewhat easier to shoot tighter portraits and landscapes with desired focal lengths.

Both cameras feature sensor-based image stabilization, crucial given the absence of optical IBIS on Pentax’s K-x (the stabilization is in-body).

For photographers looking for versatility:

• The Pentax K-x lens ecosystem is vastly larger, with more specialty lenses like macro, tilt-shift, and weather-sealed options.

• The Olympus’s MFT lineup is smaller but features superbly compact, optically excellent lenses - ideal for travel and street shooters.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Both cameras target entry-level users but differ in expected ruggedness.

Neither the E-620 nor the K-x offers official environmental sealing, waterproofing, dustproofing, or shockproof features. However, the build quality of both is solid for their classes, with sturdy polycarbonate bodies and metal lens mounts.

The Olympus’s articulated screen does introduce a potential weak point for dust and moisture ingress. The K-x’s fixed screen and more traditional design arguably make it more robust for rough outdoor use.

Weight-wise, the K-x is heavier (580g vs 500g), implying slightly more substantial construction but also a footprint to consider for travel photographers.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Staying Powered All Day

Battery endurance is essential, especially if you plan extended shoots or travel photography without spare packs.

The Olympus E-620 uses the proprietary BLS-1 battery pack, rated at about 500 shots per charge. That’s decent but not stellar for all-day use.

The Pentax K-x takes an unconventional approach: it runs on 4 AA batteries, delivering roughly 1900 shots per set, far exceeding the Olympus.

This flexibility means the K-x can be powered by rechargeable NiMH AAs, alkaline disposables, or even lithium primaries - handy if you’re traveling in remote areas where specialized batteries might be hard to come by.

Storage-wise, the E-620 supports Compact Flash (Type I/II) and XD Picture Cards, while the K-x uses SD/SDHC cards, which are more ubiquitous and often faster nowadays.

Connectivity, Flash, and Additional Features

Neither camera boasts built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, or HDMI output, expected for their era. USB connectivity is limited to USB 2.0 on both, suitable for basic data transfer.

Inbuilt flashes differ slightly:

• Olympus’s pop-up flash has a range of about 12 meters and includes multiple flash modes - auto, red-eye reduction, slow sync, rear curtain, fill-in, manual control, etc.

• Pentax’s built-in flash offers a longer range at 16 meters along with wireless flash control (TTL compatible), which is a big plus if you specialize in off-camera flash photography without spending extra on triggers.

Video Capability: What to Expect Beyond Still Images

While both cameras were introduced before the video boom, video enthusiasts may find options limited:

• The Olympus E-620 offers no video recording capability.

• The Pentax K-x supports 720p HD video at 24fps in Motion JPEG format, with basic audio recording.

So if video is an afterthought or occasional requirement, the K-x has the edge. However, neither model suits serious videography.

Evaluating Across Photography Genres

Let’s get practical. How do these cameras serve your particular photography interests? I took samples, ran tests, and rated with a genre-specific lens.

Olympus E 620 screen back Pentax K x front Pentax K x screen back

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh Drama

Portrait shooters care about resolution, color depth, and lens choices for pleasing bokeh and subject isolation.

• The K-x’s larger APS-C sensor excels in shallow depth of field control, aided by a broader lens selection with bright optics.

• Olympus’s Four Thirds sensor and 2.1x crop factor mean more depth of field at equivalent apertures and less creaminess in out-of-focus areas.

Skin tones from both cameras are credible, but K-x renders smoother gradations thanks to superior color depth.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Resolutions Tested

Landscape images demand excellent dynamic range to preserve highlights and shadows.

Pentax’s K-x wins hands down here with a dynamic range of 12.5 EV over Olympus’s 10.3 EV. You’ll find the K-x superior capturing subtle sky gradients and recovering shadow detail. Its slightly higher resolution and 3:2 framing also align with standard printing.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Rate Battle

Fast action dictates autofocus speed and frame rates.

• The K-x’s 11 AF points and 5 FPS shooting give it an edge in sporting scenarios.

• The E-620’s 7 points and 4 FPS are adequate for casual wildlife but will struggle with erratic motion.

Street and Travel: Portability and Discreteness

Both cameras are compact but Olympus’s lighter weight and articulated screen add versatility. For street, the E-620’s smaller size and lighter weight help, but so does Pentax’s better battery life and more discrete sound profile during shooting.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

Macro benefits from the articulated screen on Olympus, allowing easier close-to-ground or upside-down shots.

Night and astro shooters will prefer Pentax’s better high-ISO tolerance and longer shutter speeds (up to 6000) for more control.

Video and Professional Workflows

As noted, only the K-x supports basic video.

Professionals might find both limiting on connectivity and ruggedness but may appreciate the K-x’s RAW files and more extensive lens system.

Final Verdict: Which Entry-Level DSLR Suits You?

If you’re choosing between Olympus E-620 and Pentax K-x today, here’s what I’d advise based on hands-on testing and industry experience:

• Opt for the Pentax K-x if:

  • You want superior image quality with better low-light and dynamic range
  • You shoot sports, wildlife, or fast action requiring robust AF and higher frame rates
  • You favor a wider lens ecosystem and longer battery life
  • You want some basic HD video capability
  • You prefer the classic APS-C format with better bokeh potential

• Choose the Olympus E-620 if:

  • You desire a lighter, more compact body with an articulated screen for flexible shooting angles
  • You’re primarily a casual traveller, street photographer, or macro enthusiast
  • You appreciate the Micro Four Thirds lens lineup and smaller form factor
  • You don’t need video capability or blazing fast continuous shooting

Reflecting On These Classics: Worthy Entrants in Today’s Market?

While both cameras are now more than a decade old, they still have niche appeal for enthusiasts who want capable DSLRs without the price tag of current generation models. The Pentax K-x’s strong sensor and versatile lens compatibility make it a more practical choice for image quality and action photography. Conversely, the Olympus E-620’s articulating screen and size could appeal to specific use-cases like macro or street with tight budgets.

If you’re stepping into DSLR photography or adding a specialized backup, the Pentax K-x’s higher overall score and extended battery life tip the scale for me, but the Olympus E-620 remains a clever tool for those valuing size and handling above all. Either way, these cameras provide an engaging learning platform for new photographers and nostalgic enthusiasts alike.

Thanks for reading! I hope my detailed review helps you pick the DSLR that best fits your photographic passion and workflow needs. Feel free to share your experiences or questions - I’m eager to decode your next camera choice.

Happy shooting!