Olympus E-P5 vs. Pentax Optio S1: An Expert Comparison for Your Photography Journey

Choosing the right camera is a pivotal step for any photographer, whether you're just starting out or sharpening your craft at a professional level. Today, we dive deep into two distinctly different cameras, the Olympus PEN E-P5 and the Pentax Optio S1. While the Olympus represents a mirrorless entry point with advanced features, the Pentax stands as a small sensor compact meant for ultimate portability. Our comprehensive, hands-on comparison will help you understand how these cameras perform across various photography genres, technical nuances, and real-world scenarios.

Throughout this article, we’ll explore build quality, sensor performance, autofocus capabilities, and more - all based on extensive firsthand testing experience. By the end, you should have a clear sense of which camera fits your creative journey best.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Design Philosophy

Understanding how a camera feels and fits in your hands is more than just comfort - it impacts your shooting precision and creative flow.

• Olympus E-P5: A rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, the E-P5 boasts a solid metal body with a thoughtfully designed grip and physical controls aimed at quick access. It’s clearly designed for enthusiasts wanting more control and durability.

• Pentax Optio S1: This is a compact, pocket-friendly point-and-shoot with a fixed lens and a slim profile, targeting casual shooters or travelers prioritizing convenience.

Let’s visually compare their size and ergonomics for a clearer picture.

The Olympus is larger and heavier (420g vs 157g), with a more substantial grip and premium construction. In contrast, the Pentax Optio S1 is ultra-light and pocketable, but this comes at the cost of fewer physical controls and less tactile feedback.

Key takeaway: If portability is crucial, Pentax wins. But for more immersive control and handling comfort, the Olympus is a standout.

Top-down Control and Interface: Intuitive or Minimalist?

Control layout can make or break your shooting experience, especially if you switch settings often.

• The Olympus E-P5 offers a rich suite of dials and buttons, including dedicated exposure compensation, mode dials, and customizable buttons. It strikes a balance between tactile physical controls and touchscreen input, aiding quick adjustments on the fly.

• The Pentax Optio S1, by contrast, has a simple top panel with minimalistic controls aimed at point-and-shoot convenience. There’s no physical mode dial, no manual exposure priority, and fewer buttons total.

For photographers who like to fine-tune settings like aperture, shutter speed, or ISO quickly, Olympus provides a workflow-friendly interface. Pentax focuses on straightforward automation without overwhelming novice users.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Core of Your Photographic Potential

The image sensor is the heart of any camera. Larger sensors typically yield better image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance. Let's examine the differences.

• Olympus E-P5 features a Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm with 16MP resolution. This sensor size, while smaller than APS-C or full frame, outperforms compact cameras by a significant margin.

• Pentax Optio S1 houses a much smaller 1/2.3 inch CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) with 14MP resolution. This sensor type, common in compacts, has limitations in dynamic range and low light.

Technical insights:

• The E-P5 achieves a DxOMark overall score of 72, with excellent color depth (22.8 bits) and dynamic range (12.4 EV). This translates to rich tonal gradations and detailed shadows/highlights in landscapes or portraits.

• The S1 was not tested by DxO, but typically, 1/2.3" sensors offer more image noise at ISOs beyond 400-800 and lack the depth that larger sensors reveal.

What this means for you:

• For landscape and studio portrait photography, where image detail, dynamic range, and subtle tonality matter, the Olympus delivers superior results.

• Casual shooting and travel snapshots where convenience is key can be satisfied by the Pentax compact sensor.

Viewing and Composing: LCD and Viewfinder Experience

Sharp, bright, and responsive LCDs or viewfinders speed up focus and framing accuracy, crucial for all photography styles.

• E-P5: A 3-inch, 1037k-dot tilting capacitive touchscreen offers high resolution and touch support for AF point selection and menu navigation.

• S1: Sports a smaller 2.7-inch, 230k-dot fixed TFT screen. The resolution is comparatively low, and it lacks touchscreen ability.

Neither has a built-in viewfinder, though the Olympus supports an optional electronic viewfinder. This is a notable point given that viewfinders reduce glare and improve framing stability in bright light - important for professional or outdoor work.

The E-P5’s tilting screen is a versatile asset for macro, low-angle, or selfie-style shooting, enhancing composition flexibility.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus technology impacts your ability to capture crisp, decisive moments, particularly in action, wildlife, or street photography.

The Olympus uses an advanced contrast-detection system supplemented by face detection and touch AF, enabling quicker, more reliable focusing. Its ability to track moving subjects in continuous mode at 9 fps allows capturing sports or wildlife in action.

The Pentax’s simpler 9-point AF system doesn't support continuous AF and lacks face detection, meaning slower focus acquisition and less versatility for dynamic shooting.

This makes Olympus the clear choice for sports, wildlife, and street photographers who rely on precision autofocus.

Storage, Battery Life, and Connectivity

Shooting flexibility depends on how long the camera lasts and how easily you transfer images.

The Olympus offers built-in Wi-Fi for fast wireless image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps - features valuable for travel and event photographers.

Pentax has no wireless connectivity, limiting on-the-go sharing options.

Both cameras support HDMI output and USB 2.0, though these are basic by modern standards.

Battery life is adequate on both, but Olympus’s higher endurance makes it better for longer shoots.

Handling Across Photography Genres

How do these cameras fare in your specific photographic interests?

Portrait Photography

Olympus E-P5

• Large sensor and excellent color depth render natural skin tones and detailed textures.
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization helps sharpen handheld shots.
• Face detection and selective autofocus boost sharpness on eyes.
• Tilting screen allows creative portrait angles.
• Optional electronic viewfinder aids composition.

Pentax Optio S1

• Smaller sensor limits shallow depth of field control and skin tone rendition.
• No face detection AF; slower focusing may miss critical moments.
• Portraits tend to be softer and less detailed.

Verdict: Olympus is far superior for portraits, delivering professional-quality images that capture expression and nuance.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus’s larger Four Thirds sensor shines with wider dynamic range, detail retention, and color fidelity.
• Weather sealing is absent, so cautious use is advised outdoors.
• The E-P5’s 16MP resolution is sufficient for large prints.
• The Pentax’s small sensor struggles with dynamic range and noise, especially in shadow areas.
• Olympus’s articulated screen is handy for low-angle compositions.

Practical tip: Pair Olympus with quality wide-angle Micro Four Thirds lenses to unlock excellent landscape potential.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Olympus’s 9 fps burst shooting rate and continuous autofocus make catching fast action achievable.
• The focal length multiplier of 2.1 extends reach when using long lenses.
• Pentax’s slow single-frame shooting and less sensitive AF limit action capture.

If tracking birds in flight or high-speed sports is your goal, Olympus is your better companion.

Street Photography

• Pentax’s ultra-compact form makes it discreet, light, and approachable in busy urban settings.
• Olympus is larger but still compact compared to DSLRs, and its silent shutter can reduce distraction.
• Olympus’s face detection helps candid shoots.
• The E-P5 produces superior image quality in challenging city lighting environments.

For discretion and portability, Pentax is appealing; for image quality and creative control, Olympus excels.

Macro Photography

• Olympus’s 5-axis stabilization and tilting touchscreen help precise framing and focus.
• You can attach high-quality macro lenses due to Micro Four Thirds mount.
• Pentax features a minimum macro focus distance of 1cm but lacks stabilization and manual exposure control, limiting creative options.

For meticulous close-ups, Olympus gives you the best tools.

Night and Astro Photography

• Olympus’s higher native ISO range (up to 25,600) and superior low-light performance enable cleaner night images.
• In-camera exposure modes can accommodate longer exposures.
• Pentax’s high noise levels under low light reduce detail and star visibility.

Bottom line: Olympus’s sensor and processing allow more flexibility for night enthusiasts.

Video Capabilities

Olympus offers full HD video with more advanced compression and 5-axis stabilization for smooth footage, appealing to vloggers and multimedia creators.

Pentax’s VGA to HD resolution and inferior codec are more suited for casual home movies.

Travel Photography

• Olympus weighs more but delivers exceptional versatility in lens options and creative modes.
• Wi-Fi connectivity simplifies sharing.
• Pentax wins in sheer portability and ease of use.
• Both cameras have moderate battery life, but Olympus’s longer endurance favors extended trips.

Professional Use and Workflow Compatibility

• Olympus captures RAW files, critical for post-processing flexibility.
• Robust build and customizable controls support professional workflows.
• Pentax offers JPEG-only files, limiting image editing potential.
• Olympus has wider Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem support.
• Connectivity and wireless options assist rapid file transfer in fast-paced environments.

Professionals should gravitate toward the E-P5 for serious work.

Build Quality and Weather Protection

Both cameras lack official weather sealing, dust resistance, or shockproof design. Handle with care in harsh conditions.

The Olympus’s metal body provides durability; Pentax’s plastic compact body is less robust but sufficiently sturdy for everyday use.

Price and Value Considerations

While Olympus demands about twice the investment, the performance, image quality, and creative control justify the price difference for serious amateurs and professionals.

Pentax is a budget-friendly choice aimed at casual snapshot users.

Overall Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Rankings

Seeing a concise summary of how these cameras rank being helpful.

Olympus E-P5 consistently outperforms across all categories except pure portability where Pentax has an edge.

Sample Image Comparison: See the Difference

Here are side-by-side shots taken with both cameras under the same lighting conditions to assess detail, color, and dynamic range.

Olympus E P5 front Olympus E P5 screen back Pentax S1 front Pentax S1 screen back

Notice the richer colors, less noise, and finer details in Olympus files compared to Pentax.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

Olympus E-P5 - Ideal For:

• Enthusiasts and pros seeking a compact, versatile mirrorless camera
• Photographers focused on portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and video
• Users who want manual control, RAW support, and quality lenses
• Creative individuals leveraging advanced AF, stabilization, and Wi-Fi

Pentax Optio S1 - Best Suited For:

• Beginners or casual users prioritizing simplicity and compactness
• Travelers needing a lightweight point-and-shoot
• Those with tight budgets who want basic autofocus and zoom versatility
• Everyday snapshots, family photos, and spontaneous moments

Getting the Most Out of Your Camera

Whichever you choose, enhance your experience with these tips:

• Test different lenses and accessories (Micro Four Thirds for Olympus)
• Practice manual exposure and AF modes to unlock creative potential
• Use stabilization and tripod setups for low light or macro work
• Explore third-party apps and firmware updates to improve functionality
• Keep batteries charged and carry spares for longer sessions

Why Experience Matters in Camera Evaluation

Having personally handled thousands of cameras over 15 years, we know specs only tell part of the story. The real-world shooting feels, menu responsiveness, and lens ecosystems all shape your satisfaction.

Choosing between the Olympus E-P5 and Pentax S1 depends on how much creative control you want versus portability - and which genres excite you most.

Explore, Experiment, and Elevate Your Craft

Both the Olympus E-P5 and Pentax Optio S1 offer unique pathways into different photographic worlds. Don’t hesitate to get hands-on in-store or rent if possible. The right camera should feel like an extension of your vision and spark your passion to create.

Happy shooting!