Olympus E-P5 vs Pentax K-500

Here is a detailed analysis of the Olympus E-P5 versus Pentax K-500, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-P5 (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the E-P5 (Four Thirds) and K-500 (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P5 was brought out within a month of the K-500 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-P5 scores vs the K-500 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P5 and Pentax K-500. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P5 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P5 features external measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P5 versus Pentax K-500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-P5 against the K-500.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P5 and K-500 is 85 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing merely by looking at specifications. The photograph below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P5 and K-500.

To sum up, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit different sensor sizing. The E-P5 comes with the tinier sensor which should make getting shallow depth of field harder.