Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax K110D

Lets look closer at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax K110D, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and K110D (6MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and K110D (APS-C) provide different sensor measurements.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-PL1 was manufactured 4 years later than the K110D and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K110D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the E-PL1 scores versus the K110D when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Pentax K110D. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Pentax K110D Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1 features outside measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Pentax K110D has measurements of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") and a weight of 585 grams (1.29 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax K110D in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the K110D.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and K110D is 86 and 67 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizing only by researching a spec sheet. The visual here may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and K110D.

Clearly, both of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Olympus E-PL1 will provide you with extra detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos more aggressively. The more modern E-PL1 provides an edge with regard to sensor technology.