Olympus E-P1 vs Pentax K20D

The following is a extensive comparison of the Olympus E-P1 versus Pentax K20D, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the K20D (15MP) is relatively comparable but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and K20D (APS-C) possess different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-P1 was announced 14 months after the K20D which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K20D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-P1 scores vs the K20D with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Pentax K20D. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Pentax K20D Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-P1 provides 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 K20D has specifications of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P1 versus Pentax K20D in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the E-P1 vs the K20D.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and K20D is 86 and 59 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions simply by going through a spec sheet. The pic underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P1 and K20D.

Clearly, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-P1 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K20D will produce greater detail with its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The younger E-P1 should have an edge in sensor technology.