Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax K-01

The following is a in depth assessment of the Olympus E-P3 and Pentax K-01, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and K-01 (16MP) and the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and K-01 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P3 was unveiled 9 months prior to the K-01 so they are of a similar age. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-P3 matches up vs the K-01 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P3 & Pentax K-01. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-P3 Gallery & Pentax K-01 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P3 enjoys outside dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") along with a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Pentax K-01 has measurements of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") accompanied by a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-P3 and Pentax K-01 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select at the time. Following is a front view size comparison of the E-P3 against the K-01.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P3 and K-01 is 86 and 76 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to envision the gap in sensor dimensions only by viewing specifications. The pic here may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P3 and K-01.

Plainly, both of those cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-P3 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-01 will provide you with greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged E-P3 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.