Olympus E-M5 vs Pentax Q

The following is a in-depth comparison of the Olympus E-M5 and Pentax Q, former is a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the E-M5 (16MP) and Q (12MP) and the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and Q (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-M5 was revealed 11 months after the Q so they are of a similar age. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-M5 matches up against the Q in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M5 & Pentax Q. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-M5 Gallery & Pentax Q Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-M5 offers outer measurements of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Pentax Q has dimensions of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") with a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-M5 and Pentax Q in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-M5 and the Q.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-M5 and Q is 81 and 93 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions just by going over specs. The image below may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M5 and Q.

All in all, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-M5 with its larger sensor will make achieving bokeh simpler and the Olympus E-M5 will deliver more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images way more aggressively. The newer E-M5 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.