Olympus E-P1 vs Pentax K-5

In this article, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-P1 vs Pentax K-5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and K-5 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-P1 was brought out 16 months prior to the K-5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the E-P1 grades against the K-5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Pentax K-5. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Pentax K-5 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera often, you have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P1 enjoys external dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-P1 vs Pentax K-5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-P1 compared to the K-5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and K-5 is 86 and 60 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizing purely by checking out a spec sheet. The visual underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P1 and K-5.

As you can see, the two cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-P1 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-5 will provide greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The older E-P1 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.