Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax K-7

Here, we are looking at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax K-7, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the K-7 (15MP) is very comparable but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and K-7 (APS-C) boast different sensor size.

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The E-PL1 was revealed 8 months after the K-7 so they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-7 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the E-PL1 matches up versus the K-7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Pentax K-7. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Pentax K-7 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 provides physical measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Pentax K-7 has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax K-7 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have at the time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PL1 versus the K-7.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and K-7 is 86 and 60 respectively.

Normally, its hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizes simply by seeing specs. The pic below will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and K-7.

All in all, both the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Pentax K-7 will provide greater detail because of its extra 3MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The newer E-PL1 should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.