Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax K-S1

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax K-S1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There exists a large gap among the resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and K-S1 (20MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and K-S1 (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL1 was launched 5 years prior to the K-S1 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a complete comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-PL1 matches up against the K-S1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Pentax K-S1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1 has physical dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Pentax K-S1 has proportions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") having a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax K-S1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL1 versus the K-S1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1 and K-S1 is 86 and 69 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to visualise the difference in sensor measurements purely by viewing a spec sheet. The visual below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1 and K-S1.

Clearly, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax K-S1 will result in extra detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The older E-PL1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.