Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax K-x

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-P3 and Pentax K-x, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the K-x (12MP) is relatively comparable but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and K-x (APS-C) come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-P3 was released 21 months later than the K-x which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-x being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the E-P3 grades vs the K-x when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P3 & Pentax K-x. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery & Pentax K-x Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P3 has got outer measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") having a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-x has proportions of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") along with a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-P3 and Pentax K-x in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the E-P3 and the K-x.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-P3 and K-x is 86 and 69 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to see the difference in sensor sizing just by seeing a spec sheet. The visual below may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P3 and K-x.

Clearly, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-P3 uses the smaller sensor which should make achieving shallow DOF harder. The fresher E-P3 will have an edge in sensor technology.