Olympus E-M1 vs Pentax K-5

In this write-up, we are comparing the Olympus E-M1 vs Pentax K-5, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and K-5 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-M1 was brought out 2 years later than the K-5 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a thorough comparison, below is a brief summation of how the E-M1 scores vs the K-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M1 & Pentax K-5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera, you will need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 enjoys outside dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-M1 vs Pentax K-5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the E-M1 against the K-5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1 and K-5 is 71 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to envision the gap between sensor measurements simply by checking specs. The visual underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M1 and K-5.

All in all, both cameras offer the same exact megapixel count but not the same sensor measurements. The E-M1 comes with the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier. The fresher E-M1 will have an edge with regard to sensor technology.