Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax K-r

Its time to look a little more closely at the Olympus E-PL1 and Pentax K-r, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the K-r (12MP) is fairly similar but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and K-r (APS-C) use different sensor size.

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The E-PL1 was manufactured 9 months prior to the K-r so they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-PL1 scores versus the K-r with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Pentax K-r. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Pentax K-r Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 enjoys 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) whilst the Pentax K-r has specifications of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") and a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL1 and Pentax K-r in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL1 versus the K-r.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and K-r is 86 and 67 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizing purely by reviewing specifications. The visual here will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1 and K-r.

To sum up, the two cameras offer the same exact MP but different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 includes the tinier sensor which will make getting shallower DOF harder. The older E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.