Olympus E-M5 vs Pentax ist DL2

Below, we are reviewing the Olympus E-M5 versus Pentax ist DL2, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the E-M5 (16MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and ist DL2 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-M5 was brought out 6 years later than the ist DL2 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-M5 grades vs the ist DL2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Pentax ist DL2. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M5 Gallery and Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-M5 provides physical dimensions of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Pentax ist DL2 has measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-M5 versus Pentax ist DL2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-M5 compared to the ist DL2.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-M5 and ist DL2 is 81 and 69 respectively.

Often, it is hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing simply by going over technical specs. The graphic here should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M5 and ist DL2.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-M5 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Olympus E-M5 will offer you extra detail having its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics much more aggressively. The newer E-M5 is going to have an edge in sensor tech.