Olympus OM-D E-M1 vs Pentax KP: A Deep Dive into Two Distinctive Cameras for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing between the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the Pentax KP is akin to deciding whether you want a compact, lightning-fast mirrorless system or a rugged, traditional DSLR experience. Both cameras offer compelling specs but cater to slightly different shooting styles and priorities. Having tested these cameras extensively across many genres, I'm here to break down the strengths, quirks, and real-world performance you can expect, helping you make a confident choice.

Let’s start by taking a look at their physical size and ergonomics.

Size, Feel, and Handling: Mirrorless Compactness vs DSLR Substance

The Olympus E-M1 is a compact, SLR-style mirrorless body measuring 130x94x63 mm and weighing just 497 g. The Pentax KP, by comparison, feels heftier at 703 g and is physically larger (132x101x76 mm). That extra bulk comes from the DSLR design with a pentaprism viewfinder and more robust build.

If portability and shooting on the go matter most, the E-M1’s small footprint is a joy - especially paired with the Micro Four Thirds lens system which tends to be lighter and smaller. Yet, the KP roots you in a familiar DSLR grip, more substantial and arguably more comfortable for longer shoots, especially with massive primes or telephotos.

Ergonomically, the KP feels traditional with larger dial controls and a tactile shutter button, but the Olympus offers a highly customizable button layout and a more refined electronic interface I’ll describe shortly.

Speaking of controls, the Olympus E-M1's top plate reveals a modern assistive design: dual control dials, a mode dial, and dedicated function buttons make it a playground for those who crave quick access. The Pentax KP goes classic, with fewer direct controls but sturdily built dials, favoring simplicity.

Bottom line? If you prefer lean, fast mirrorless handling with advanced customization options, the E-M1 has your back. If a DSLR-style grip with solid physical controls suits you better, it’s the KP to pick.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Balancing Resolution and Sensor Size

Size matters in sensor tech, and here the two diverge notably.

The Olympus E-M1 employs a 16MP Four Thirds-sized sensor (17.3x13 mm), while the Pentax KP boasts a 24MP APS-C sensor (23.5x15.6 mm). What does this mean practically? The KP’s larger sensor gathers more light, aiding low-light performance, wider dynamic range, and generally cleaner images at higher ISO settings.

Don't underestimate the E-M1 though. Its TruePIC VII processor and well-tuned sensor provide impressive color depth (23 stops) and a dynamic range of 12.7 (per DxOMark). The E-M1 scores an overall 73 in DxOMark metrics, respectable for its class. The KP lacks official DxOMark testing but its sensor size and resolution offer a solid theoretical advantage.

Noise performance differences become very clear above ISO 1600; the Pentax KP maintains cleaner files with less chroma noise, making it ideal for astrophotography, night street shooting, or environmental portraits in dim conditions.

Resolution-wise, the Olympus’s 16MP can deliver great prints and large web-ready files, but the Pentax’s 24MP files provide more cropping freedom and fine detail, excellent for landscape or studio uses.

Both bodies sport an anti-aliasing filter, which slightly softens images but reduces moiré - a common DSLR/mirrorless trade-off. Ultimately, the KP’s sensor is more versatile for demanding lighting and resolution needs, but the E-M1 is no slouch and benefits from the Micro Four Thirds lens variety.

Viewing Experience: Electronic vs Optical Viewfinder and LCD Screens

One of the Olympus E-M1’s signature features is its EVF - a 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.74x magnification. The KP offers a traditional pentaprism optical viewfinder, fully mechanical, with 100% coverage but lower magnification at 0.63x.

I personally find the E-M1’s EVF a revelation, especially in changing lighting and previewing exposure and white balance in realtime. It feels like shooting with a live histogram integrated into the viewfinder experience. Still, purists will appreciate the immediacy and zero lag of the KP’s optical finder.

The tilting LCD screen on both cameras measures 3 inches but differs in resolution and touch functionality.

The E-M1’s 1037k-dot touchscreen interface facilitates menu navigation, quick focus point selection, and intuitive operation even with gloves on. The Pentax KP’s screen, lacking touchscreen, feels more basic with 921k-dot resolution. Navigating menus or touch-focused framing is somewhat slower but solid for traditional DSLR shooters.

For video or live view use, the Olympus’s EVF plus high-res back screen speed things up considerably.

Autofocus Performance Across Types of Photography

AF is always a critical factor, so let’s dive into real-world speed and accuracy for varied shooting disciplines.

The Olympus E-M1 offers 81 autofocus points using a hybrid system with phase-detection and contrast-detection AF, boasting face detection and continuous AF tracking good enough for modest sports and wildlife work. Its contrast detect system is improved over earlier models and works well in live view or video.

The KP, meanwhile, uses 27 phase-detection focus points in the traditional DSLR format, with 25 cross-type sensors, ensuring solid tracking but less dense coverage. Its prime strength is in still subjects or slower action, though the phase-detect solution is very reliable.

For sports and wildlife photographers prioritizing burst speed and reliable AF tracking, the E-M1 hits 10fps continuous shooting with AF, outpacing the KP’s 7fps. This speed advantage can mean the difference between catching a decisive moment or missing it. However, the KP’s native autofocus on an APS-C sensor yields slightly better subject isolation when combined with long focal length primes.

Summary for autofocus:

• Olympus E-M1: Best for fast-moving subjects, better continuous AF and burst rates, with sophisticated EVF autofocus aids.
• Pentax KP: Robust, dependable DSLR AF for slower or studio work, but less competitive in fast action and tracking.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Choosing Your Glassware

The E-M1 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount with a substantial ecosystem of 107 native lenses, including a wide selection of ultra-wide, fast primes, and compact zooms from Olympus and Panasonic plus third-party makers.

The KP uses the Pentax KAF2 mount and can access approximately 151 lenses (including legacy and modern optics), with many specialist lenses for macro, tilt-shift, or portraiture. Pentax lenses often stand out for their robust weather sealing - perfect when paired with the KP’s similarly sealed body.

Lens size and weight differences matter here. Micro Four Thirds lenses tend to be smaller, lighter, and highly portable. APS-C Pentax lenses are often larger, heavier, but generally optically excellent with sharp wide apertures.

If lens variety and compactness are your priority for travel or street shooting, E-M1’s system edges ahead. For DSLR enthusiasts wanting optically specialized, long telephoto, or ultra-wide primes with extensive manual control, the Pentax KP’s lens lineup is a treasure trove.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Shooting in the Elements

Both cameras offer impressive weather sealing but with subtle differences.

The Olympus E-M1 body is fully weather-sealed against dust, splashes, and freezing temperatures, making it a solid choice for landscape and outdoor work. The mirrorless design means fewer moving parts exposed, and the body is lighter and easier to carry for long hikes.

The Pentax KP is notorious for its ruggedness - a smaller but exceedingly tough DSLR assuring sealing against harsh weather and dust. Its grip and body materials feel tank-like, which suits long-term professional outdoor use.

Neither camera is fully waterproof or shockproof, but both will withstand general rain, dust, or cold conditions without complaint.

Battery Life and Storage Options: How Long Can You Shoot?

The E-M1 delivers around 350 shots per charge, respectable for mirrorless cameras of its generation but on the lower end if you’re shooting all day on location. The KP, with larger battery size, stretches to approximately 390 shots, helped by the optical finder that consumes no power.

Both cameras use a single SD card slot; however, the KP supports UHS-I cards, meaning faster write speeds when paired with fast cards - a boon when shooting burst sequences or video.

If battery endurance is critical for your shooting style (e.g., extended weddings, remote wildlife), packing extra E-M1 batteries is recommended.

Video Capabilities: Which Camera Captures Moving Images Better?

Both cameras max out at 1080p Full HD video, but their capabilities differ.

The Olympus E-M1 records in H.264 and Motion JPEG formats at 30fps maximum. Its sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization is a standout feature here, allowing handheld footage to look impressively smooth. There is also a microphone input, allowing for decent audio quality with external mics.

The Pentax KP also offers 1080p recording at 60i or 30p in MPEG-4/H.264 but lacks in-body stabilization, making handheld shooting more challenging. Additionally, the KP has no HDMI output, limiting external monitoring and functionality on set. It does have a microphone port but no headphone jack.

For run-and-gun filmmakers or hybrid shooters, the Olympus E-M1’s video features and stabilization give it an edge.

Specialized Photography Disciplines: Matching Camera to Genre

Now, how do these cameras perform in the various major photographic areas you might shoot?

Portrait Photography

Portrait work demands skin tone accuracy, creamy bokeh, and strong eye detection.

The Pentax KP’s APS-C sensor delivers naturally shallower depth-of-field for tighter subject isolation and beautiful subject-background separation. Its color rendition is warm and flattering out of the box. The E-M1’s smaller sensor translates to deeper DOF at equivalent framing, but Olympus’s 5-axis IS keeps images sharp.

Eye AF tracking on the E-M1 works well, although the KP lacks sophisticated eye detection, relying on manual focus skill.

If you prefer versatility with lighter gear and fast focus tracking, E-M1 works great. For stunning optical bokeh and classic portrait tones, KP wins.

Landscape Photography

Landscapers prioritize dynamic range, weather sealing, and high resolution.

KP’s full-frame-sized APS-C sensor captures more dynamic range and detail, essential for bright highlights and deep shadows. With the rugged weather sealed body and plenty of sharp, wide prime lenses, KP satisfies professional outdoor demands.

The E-M1’s dynamic range is solid but slightly lower; Micro Four Thirds lenses tend to be smaller but may require more stopping-down.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

This is where shooting speed and autofocus excel.

The Olympus E-M1 offers 10fps continuous shooting with AF, fast burst times, and 81 focus points that track movement well. Combined with lighter, long telephoto lenses, it’s my pick for wildlife shooters needing speed and portability.

Pentax KP’s 7fps speed and 27 AF points are respectable but less suited to fast-moving subjects.

Street Photography

Portability, quiet shutter, and discretion are paramount.

E-M1’s silent electronic shutter allows near-silent capture - perfect for street candid moments without disturbance. Its smaller size and lighter system lenses improve mobility.

KP’s DSLR design and louder shutter are less subtle, plus the bigger lenses add weight.

Macro Photography

Both cameras offer focus bracketing (focus stacking) - Olympus with stacking control, Pentax with bracketing but no stacking.

The lens ecosystem for the KP includes more specialized macro optics, but Micro Four Thirds macros tend to be extremely sharp and lightweight.

Stabilization is better on Olympus for handheld macro shots.

Night and Astrophotography

Here sensor size and noise performance dominate.

Pentax KP’s APS-C sensor with its wide ISO range (up to 819,200) offers excellent low-light capacity and cleaner images at very high ISOs. This, combined with robust long exposures and bulb timer functions, make it ideal for astrophotography.

Olympus’ E-M1 has good noise handling up to ISO 3200 but falls behind KP’s capability for deep night sky work.

Travel Photography

Weight, versatility, and battery life come into play.

The E-M1’s compact size, weather sealing, image stabilization, and vast Micro Four Thirds lens selection suit well for active travel shooters wanting one system for landscapes, portraits, and street.

Pentax KP offers sturdiness and higher resolution, but at a weight and size penalty.

Professional Work

Both cameras offer raw capture, manual control, and weather sealing, but Olympus’s mirrorless format and faster AF performance suit more dynamic professional workflows like event and reportage.

Pentax KP appeals to DSLR purists needing rugged reliability and extensive lens availability.

Olympus E M1 front Olympus E M1 screen back Pentax KP front Pentax KP screen back

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless and Remote Control

Both cameras feature built-in wireless for image transfer and remote shutter control. Olympus E-M1 supports Wi-Fi with app control, making tethered shooting easier.

Neither offers Bluetooth or NFC, and only the E-M1 has HDMI output.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: What Will You Get for Your Money?

At around $799, the Olympus E-M1 provides competitive specs, especially the advanced autofocus system, fast shooting, and video features.

The Pentax KP comes in slightly cheaper on average (~$747) but offers a higher resolution sensor along with rugged DSLR reliability.

If you seek speed, compactness, and video, expect to pay around the E-M1’s level. For resolution, color fidelity, and classic DSLR feel at a similar price, KP delivers.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose Olympus OM-D E-M1 if:

  • You want fast autofocus and continuous shooting (sports, wildlife, street)
  • Weight and size matter, especially paired with compact Micro Four Thirds lenses
  • Video recording with stabilization is important
  • You prefer a high-res EVF and touchscreen control
  • You value a modern mirrorless ecosystem with extensive lens options

• Choose Pentax KP if:

  • You prioritize resolution, dynamic range, and high ISO performance (landscape, astrophotography)
  • You prefer optical viewfinder experience and rugged DSLR build
  • You want extensive choice of premium DSLR lenses including specialized optics
  • You need longer battery life and classic DSLR handling
  • Silent shutter and video features are less critical

Both cameras have admirable build quality, solid weather sealing, and offer manual control and raw shooting. Your choice largely depends on your preferred photographic style and whether you prioritize speed and portability (Olympus) or resolution and rugged DSLR solidity (Pentax).

Remember from my experience testing countless cameras, no device is perfect - it’s about the best fit for your shooting habits and workflows. I hope this comparison helps you narrow down your next camera purchase with confidence.

Happy shooting!