Olympus E-M5 II vs Pentax K-500

Here is a in depth comparison of the Olympus E-M5 II and Pentax K-500, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-M5 II (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is relatively close but the E-M5 II (Four Thirds) and K-500 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

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The E-M5 II was released 15 months later than the K-500 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M5 II being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a thorough comparison, here is a short view of how the E-M5 II grades vs the K-500 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M5 II and Pentax K-500. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M5 II Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-M5 II provides external dimensions of 124mm x 85mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") with a weight of 469 grams (1.03 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-M5 II and Pentax K-500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the E-M5 II vs the K-500.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-M5 II and K-500 is 80 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizing just by viewing a spec sheet. The visual underneath may give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M5 II and K-500.

Clearly, both cameras provide the same resolution albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-M5 II uses the smaller sensor which will make achieving shallow DOF more difficult. The younger E-M5 II will have an advantage in sensor tech.