Olympus E-M5 II vs Pentax K-1 II: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Pros

When it comes to investing in a serious camera, the choices can be dizzying, especially if you’re weighing two cameras that come from very different lineages: mirrorless vs DSLR, Micro Four Thirds vs Full Frame sensors, compactness vs heft. Today, we’re diving deep into the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II and the Pentax K-1 Mark II, both advanced models known for their rugged reliability and image quality - but serving markedly different photographic philosophies.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years, I find comparisons like this immensely rewarding, if only because they force us to articulate not just technical specs, but how these translate into the everyday shooting experience. So buckle up for a journey through sensor sizes, autofocus wizardry, build quality, and more - spiced with real-world insights, subtle pros & cons, and candid exploration.

Size and Ergonomics: Featherweight vs Brickhouse

First off, let's talk about the physicality of these cameras - because size and ergonomics heavily influence your shooting style and comfort during long sessions.

The Olympus E-M5 II is firmly in the lightweight mirrorless camp, sporting a compact 124x85x45mm chassis that weighs just 469 grams including battery. Its design is SLResque but clever, with a deep grip and well-placed buttons that feel intuitive. Add to that the fully articulated 3” touchscreen and you have a nimble tool well-suited for travel and street shooting alike.

Contrast this with the Pentax K-1 II, a proper full-frame DSLR beast weighing more than twice as much at 1010 grams and measuring 137x110x86mm. The heft is unmistakable - and, for some, a welcome anchor that stabilizes your hand, especially with large lenses. With a traditional DSLR heft and a solid mid-size SLR body, the K-1 II offers an imposing presence but carries the cost of portability.

What’s more, the Pentax benefits from an intuitive top plate display and robust control layout geared towards seasoned DSLR users who prefer physical dials over touchscreens. In comparison, the Olympus embraces modern mirrorless aesthetics with touch sensitivity, though the smaller body may intimidate larger-handed users.

Ergonomics are, inevitably, subjective - but if your shooting style involves a lot of walking or waiting for that decisive street moment, the E-M5 II’s lightness is a blessing. Conversely, if you prize a commanding grip and physical controls while shooting landscapes or studio portraits, the K-1 II’s form factor will feel more natural.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs Full Frame

Here’s where the most critical differences crop up: sensor technology and resulting image quality.

The Olympus E-M5 II uses a 16MP Four Thirds MOS sensor measuring 17.3x13mm giving an area of 224.9mm². This sensor is essentially a cropped design, with a 2.1x focal length multiplier. It’s accompanied by the TruePic VII image processor - solid but not flagship level by today’s standards.

The Pentax K-1 II ups the ante considerably with a 36MP full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 35.9x24mm (861.6mm²), roughly four times the sensor area of the Olympus. The absence of an anti-aliasing filter on this sensor is a conscious choice to gain extra resolution and detail at the risk of moiré in tricky patterns.

In practical shooting, the Pentax’s large sensor shines in dynamic range, low-light capability, and overall detail resolution. With 36MP, images have the reversible luxury to be cropped or printed large without losing fidelity. Additionally, the lack of an AA filter offers crisper results (though it requires more care to avoid aliasing).

The Olympus’ smaller sensor naturally faces limitations in high ISO noise performance and depth of field control. Still, Micro Four Thirds cameras have matured impressively in image quality, aided by Olympus’ long-standing expertise in image processing and excellent lens designs. The built-in 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization makes the E-M5 II a formidable performer for handheld photography, allowing sharper shots at slower shutter speeds even in challenging light.

Color depth and dynamic range remain solid for its class with DxO scores placing it well above typical APS-C models from earlier mirrorless generations. However, when push comes to shove, the Pentax offers significantly superior image latitude and ISO flexibility, topping out at an astounding ISO 819,200 (though practical usability is lower).

Handling and Interface: Touchscreen Modernity vs Classic DSLR

Handling extends beyond grip - it’s about your connection with the camera’s controls and interface.

Olympus enjoys a fully articulated 3” touchscreen with 1,037k-dot resolution, enabling fast menu navigation, focus point changes, and intuitive touch shutter. This contributes to a modern, flexible shooting style especially favored by mirrorless users who like experimenting with angles - low or high - with ease.

On the flipside, the Pentax K-1 II skips touchscreen altogether in favor of a 3.2” fixed screen with similar resolution. Its optical pentaprism viewfinder - though lacking electronic overlays - delivers a clear, bright image consistent with DSLR tradition. Furthermore, the K-1 II includes a top plate LCD, a handy feature for quick access to settings (something the E-M5 II lacks).

The Pentax controls involve dedicated dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation, plus customizable function buttons. While they don't have touchscreen ease, many professionals swear by the tactile feedback and quick adjustments enabled by such direct controls.

If you’re a fan of touch interfaces and live composing on the rear screen, Olympus takes the crown. But if you love the precision and feedback of a DSLR and optical viewfinder, Pentax K-1 II will feel like home.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Speed and Tracking in the Wild

Autofocus is fundamental - especially if your subject moves unpredictably or you shoot wildlife or sports.

The Olympus E-M5 II features a contrast detection AF system with 81 selectable points and face detection. It lacks phase detection, which generally means slower focusing and more hunting in low light or fast action. It supports continuous autofocus and tracking, but in the wild, its 10fps burst rate helps compensate, capturing fleeting moments without delay.

Pentax’s DSLR heritage shines via a hybrid autofocus system combining phase detection with 33 AF points (25 cross-type), delivering reliable and faster focus acquisition in various lighting conditions. The 4.4fps burst rate is moderate but steadier for tracking moving subjects compared to Olympus’ mirrorless burst spurt.

Both cameras include face detection, but neither features advanced modern additions like animal eye autofocus - something bear in mind if you’re into pet or wildlife photography.

Speech from personal testing: For casual wildlife with slower subjects or portraits, Olympus AF can suffice, though it requires patience under dim conditions. Pentax, on the other hand, excels if tracking speed and precision are mission-critical.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Rugged Companions for the Outdoors

Weather sealing matters deeply if your shoots take you into inclement conditions.

Both cameras boast robust environmental sealing, but the Pentax K-1 II truly stands out with a weather-resistant, magnesium alloy body designed to endure dust, moisture, and cold. The K-1 II is tailored for rugged fieldwork, courtesy of its weather-resistant switches, seals, and dual SD card slots offering data redundancy.

Olympus E-M5 II also offers a weather-sealed body, weather-resistant to splashes and light rain, though it is smaller and not quite as bulletproof. The benefit here is more about balance - offering durability without heft.

If your workflow involves outdoor landscapes, adventure, or travel under unpredictable conditions, either camera will perform reliably. But the K-1 II has the edge for professional ruggedness.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Micro Four Thirds Versus Pentax K Mount

Let’s not underestimate how lens availability and compatibility shape your system’s versatility.

The Olympus E-M5 II taps into the strong Micro Four Thirds system, boasting over 100 native lenses from Olympus and Panasonic, including options for everything from ultrawide to super-telephoto and macro. Third-party lenses from Sigma and Tamron further complement this ecosystem, many with optical stabilization layer synergy.

Pentax K-1 II uses the Pentax KAF4 mount, compatible with a mature and rich lineup of 151 lenses including both age-old classics and modern optics. Pentax is regarded for high-quality prime and zoom lenses, many weather-sealed, offering excellent sharpness and build consistency.

Lens focal length multiplier plays a role - 4/3 sensors have a 2.1x crop factor, making a 12mm lens behave roughly like 25mm full-frame, whereas Pentax’s 1x multiplier matches real focal lengths exactly.

Personally, I find Micro Four Thirds lenses smaller and lighter, great for travel and versatility. Pentax lenses tend to be heftier but bring exquisite image quality, especially primes.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Power and Daylight Shooting

Battery life is another essential factor to keep you shooting without scrambling for chargers.

The Olympus E-M5 II provides roughly 310 shots per charge using its BLN-1 battery. This is average for mirrorless cameras of its era and means carrying spare batteries is wise for full-day use.

Pentax K-1 II shines here with a substantial 670 shots per charge using the D-LI90 battery - over twice Olympus’ endurance. Additionally, K-1 II supports dual SD card slots, a boon for pros who want automatic backup or extended storage.

If you prioritize prolonged shooting sessions or travel where charging facilities are scarce, Pentax clearly gives you more breathing room.

Connectivity and Extras: The Modern Necessities

Both cameras include Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer, though Olympus leans more into the built-in wireless offerings with mobile app support for remote shooting and easy sharing.

Pentax, true to DSLR tradition, has a more conservative approach, incorporating built-in GPS for geotagging images - handy for travel photographers keeping track of locations.

Olympus’s USB connection is USB 2.0, as is Pentax’s - nothing particularly blazing fast here, but serviceable.

Overall, Olympus embraces a more connected mirrorless vibe suited to modern workflows; Pentax focuses on professional reliability and practical utility.

Image Stabilization and Video Features: How Do They Stack Up?

Both cameras offer sensor-based, 5-axis image stabilization - a massive benefit for handheld photography.

Olympus made a name for itself pioneering effective sensor-shift stabilization, and the E-M5 II’s 5-axis IS really helps in low light and video. This moves it up a notch for casual videography and sharp stills without bulky tripods.

The Pentax K-1 II also includes 5-axis stabilization but with fewer video-focused features. The video modes on both cameras max out at Full HD 1080p (up to 60fps on Olympus, interlaced 60i on Pentax), so neither is a go-to for video professionals or 4K enthusiasts.

Microphone inputs exist on both models, but only the Pentax includes a headphone jack - valuable for monitoring audio when shooting video.

For casual video capture, Olympus is more convenient; Pentax is more of a stills-first platform.

Real-World Samples and Image Quality in Practice

Still not convinced? Let’s look at some actual image samples shot in various conditions (note: sample images courtesy of both cameras).

Olympus E M5 II front Olympus E M5 II screen back Pentax K 1 II front Pentax K 1 II screen back

Portraits on the Pentax show stunning resolution capturing skin tones with gorgeous natural gradation, and creamy bokeh thanks to full-frame optics. Olympus renders portraits cleanly, though with noticeably less depth-of-field compression - a byproduct of sensor size.

Landscape shots are a Pentax playground, boasting expansive dynamic range that preserves highlight and shadow detail impressively. The Olympus images are sharp and color-rich too, benefiting from excellent lenses - but the sensor’s smaller size limits ultimate resolution and tonal nuance.

Wildlife shooting favors the Olympus for portability and faster burst mode for capturing animals in action, assuming lighting is decent. However, tracking-fast moving subjects in dimmer conditions leans toward Pentax’s autofocus stability.

Street photography is where Olympus really comes into its own - its discreet size, silent electronic shutter options, and quick responsiveness outshine Pentax’s larger DSLR presence.

In macro, Olympus’ image stabilization and articulated touch interface really help get close and precise focus, though Pentax counters with its superior sensor resolution for crop-in details.

Night photography favors Pentax’s huge ISO range and base low-ISO performance, though Olympus’ image stabilization can help here for slower shutter speeds handheld.

Scoring the Cameras: Overall and by Genre

Let’s put the analysis into numbers (based on my firmware-updated testing and DxOMark data where applicable):

Diving deeper, here’s a genre-specific breakdown:

• Portraits: Pentax K-1 II takes it for resolution and full-frame bokeh
• Landscapes: Pentax edges ahead for dynamic range and resolution
• Wildlife: Olympus preferred for portability and burst rate (assuming good light)
• Sports: Pentax autofocus accuracy better, but burst rate lower
• Street: Olympus wins on stealth and size
• Macro: Olympus with IBIS and articulation favored for ease
• Night/Astro: Pentax shines with high ISO and low noise
• Video: Olympus broader stabilization and touch interface aid usability
• Travel: Olympus size/weight and connectivity top picks
• Professional: Pentax durability, sensor, and dual slots appeal

Final Verdict and Recommendations

After extensively shooting side-by-side with both cameras, here’s the distilled advice:

• Choose the Olympus E-M5 II if:

  • You prioritize portability, travel, or street shooting where lightness and stealth matter
  • You value an articulated touchscreen for easy high/low angle shooting and video
  • You shoot mostly in decent light and want versatile burst modes for wildlife or sports
  • You have a Micro Four Thirds lens collection or want a compact system
  • Your budget caps near $700 and you want good weather resistance without bulk

• Choose the Pentax K-1 II if:

  • Ultimate image quality, dynamic range, and ISO flexibility are non-negotiable
  • You shoot a wide range of genres including landscape, studio portraits, night, and macro
  • You prefer a DSLR shooting style with an optical viewfinder and physical controls
  • Weather sealing, battery life, and dual card slots are vital for professional reliability
  • You are invested in or want access to Pentax’s extensive full-frame lenses
  • Budget and weight are less concerning, with a price around $1,700

Parting Thoughts: The Age-Old Mirrorless vs DSLR Debate

This comparison underscores the distinct paths Olympus and Pentax have taken - mirrorless compact versatility versus DSLR full-frame mastery. Neither camera is “better” universally, but both excel brilliantly in their niches.

For photographers craving maximum image quality in a rugged body, the Pentax K-1 II remains a potent contender despite its age. Meanwhile, Olympus’ E-M5 II reminds us how beautifully lightweight cameras can serve diverse needs with clever features like 5-axis IS and touch interfaces.

Choosing between them comes down to your style, shooting environment, system preferences, and budget. I hope this guide helps you feel a little more confident in locking your next main camera decision.

If you want to dive deeper into specific aspects like lens recommendations or detailed autofocus testing, just shout. Until then, happy shooting!

Image Credits:

All sample images, sensor diagrams, and ergonomic illustrations are courtesy of manufacturer resources and hands-on testing sessions.