Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax K-5 IIs, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and K-5 IIs (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and K-5 IIs (APS-C) come with totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was launched 4 years prior to the K-5 IIs which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting through a full comparison, below is a short introduction of how the E-PL1 grades against the K-5 IIs in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Pentax K-5 IIs. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 has got physical dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 IIs has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax K-5 IIs in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the K-5 IIs.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and K-5 IIs is 86 and 60 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions purely by going through specifications. The picture underneath may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1 and K-5 IIs.

Plainly, the 2 cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Pentax K-5 IIs will produce greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.