Olympus E-P1 vs Pentax K-01

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Olympus E-P1 versus Pentax K-01, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and K-01 (16MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and K-01 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-P1 was introduced 3 years earlier than the K-01 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the E-P1 scores vs the K-01 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Pentax K-01. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Pentax K-01 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-P1 has outer measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Pentax K-01 has specifications of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") accompanied by a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-P1 versus Pentax K-01 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using during that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the E-P1 compared to the K-01.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and K-01 is 86 and 76 respectively.

Often, its difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizes merely by checking technical specs. The picture here will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P1 and K-01.

As you have seen, both the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-P1 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax K-01 will resolve more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.