Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax P70

Following is a extensive review of the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax P70, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the P70 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and P70 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1 was launched 15 months after the P70 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax P70 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-PL1 grades vs the P70 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Pentax Optio P70. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Pentax P70 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera, you need to take into account 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") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Pentax P70 has dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax P70 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL1 versus the P70.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and P70 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to imagine the gap in sensor sizes simply by checking out specifications. The pic below should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and P70.

Plainly, both of the cameras posses the exact same MP albeit different sensor sizes. The E-PL1 features the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field easier. The newer E-PL1 should have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.