Olympus E-M1 vs Pentax K-50

Let's look much closer at the Olympus E-M1 versus Pentax K-50, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the K-50 (16MP) is relatively close but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and K-50 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

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The E-M1 was launched within a month of the K-50 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the E-M1 scores against the K-50 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M1 & Pentax K-50. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-M1 Gallery & Pentax K-50 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 offers outside measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") along with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Pentax K-50 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-M1 versus Pentax K-50 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the E-M1 versus the K-50.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 and K-50 is 71 and 63 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizing purely by viewing specifications. The graphic underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1 and K-50.

To sum up, each of the cameras have got the exact same megapixels albeit different sensor sizing. The E-M1 provides the smaller sensor which is going to make getting shallower depth of field more difficult.