Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax K-50

On this page, we are matching up the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax K-50, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and K-50 (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and K-50 (APS-C) offer different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL1 was launched 4 years earlier than the K-50 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a full comparison, here is a quick view of how the E-PL1 grades versus the K-50 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Pentax K-50. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Pentax K-50 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1 has got outside measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-50 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax K-50 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL1 vs the K-50.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1 and K-50 is 86 and 63 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to imagine the gap between sensor measurements merely by checking technical specs. The photograph here will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and K-50.

As you can tell, both of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-50 will give more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos more aggressively. The older E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.