Olympus E-M1 vs Pentax K-30

In this article, we will be looking at the Olympus E-M1 versus Pentax K-30, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the K-30 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and K-30 (APS-C) use different sensor size.

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The E-M1 was announced 13 months after the K-30 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the E-M1 matches up against the K-30 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Pentax K-30. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 comes with outer measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") having a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-30 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-M1 versus Pentax K-30 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is the front view size comparison of the E-M1 against the K-30.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 and K-30 is 71 and 63 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes purely by checking out technical specs. The picture below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1 and K-30.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels albeit different sensor sizes. The E-M1 features the smaller sensor which should make obtaining shallower depth of field more challenging. The younger E-M1 provides a benefit in sensor technology.