Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax K20D

Lets look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax K20D, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the K20D (15MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and K20D (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1 was unveiled 24 months later than the K20D which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K20D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going right into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-PL1 scores vs the K20D with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Pentax K20D. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Pentax K20D Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera, you should think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1 offers exterior measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Pentax K20D has measurements of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax K20D in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the E-PL1 versus the K20D.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and K20D is 86 and 59 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizing just by going over specs. The graphic here might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and K20D.

All in all, both the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K20D will deliver extra detail having an extra 3MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more modern E-PL1 should have an edge in sensor innovation.