Olympus E-M5 vs Pentax K-30

Here is a in-depth comparison of the Olympus E-M5 versus Pentax K-30, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-M5 (16MP) and the K-30 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and K-30 (APS-C) have totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-M5 was brought out 6 months earlier than the K-30 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a short summation of how the E-M5 grades vs the K-30 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Pentax K-30. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-M5 Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M5 has got outer dimensions of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-30 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).

Take a look at the Olympus E-M5 versus Pentax K-30 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use at that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the E-M5 vs the K-30.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-M5 and K-30 is 81 and 63 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizing purely by reading through a spec sheet. The visual underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M5 and K-30.

As you can see, both of these cameras have the same megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-M5 includes the tinier sensor which is going to make getting shallow depth of field harder.