Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax K-S2

Following is a comprehensive comparison of the Olympus E-PL1 and Pentax K-S2, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and K-S2 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was introduced 5 years earlier than the K-S2 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting into a complete comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-PL1 scores versus the K-S2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Pentax K-S2. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 enjoys physical measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Pentax K-S2 has dimensions of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") and a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL1 and Pentax K-S2 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PL1 versus the K-S2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and K-S2 is 86 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizes only by looking through a spec sheet. The picture underneath will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and K-S2.

Clearly, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax K-S2 will render more detail using its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.