Olympus E-M1 vs Pentax Q

In this article, we are matching up the Olympus E-M1 versus Pentax Q, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the E-M1 (16MP) and Q (12MP) and the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and Q (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-M1 was released 2 years later than the Q and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the E-M1 matches up versus the Q when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Pentax Q. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Pentax Q Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-M1 provides outer dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") and a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) while the Pentax Q has specifications of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-M1 versus Pentax Q in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-M1 compared to the Q.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 and Q is 71 and 93 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizing simply by viewing technical specs. The graphic below will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M1 and Q.

As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-M1 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-M1 will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics far more aggressively. The more recent E-M1 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.