Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax Efina

Here is a detailed overview of the Olympus E-PL1 and Pentax Efina, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Ultracompact by companies Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the Efina (14MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and Efina (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was manufactured 4 years before the Efina and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax Efina being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the E-PL1 matches up against the Efina in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Pentax Efina. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Pentax Efina Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 has got exterior measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Pentax Efina has specifications of 87mm x 54mm x 21mm (3.4" x 2.1" x 0.8") and a weight of 91 grams (0.20 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL1 and Pentax Efina in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the Efina.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1 and Efina is 86 and 97 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizing merely by looking at specifications. The visual below should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and Efina.

To sum up, the two cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Pentax Efina will resolve more detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older E-PL1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.