Olympus E-PL1s vs Pentax K-1

On this page, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-PL1s vs Pentax K-1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and K-1 (Full frame) boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1s was manufactured 6 years earlier than the K-1 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summary of how the E-PL1s matches up against the K-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Pentax K-1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Pentax K-1 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1s provides external 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 K-1 has measurements of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL1s vs Pentax K-1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the E-PL1s compared to the K-1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and K-1 is 86 and 55 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing purely by reviewing specs. The photograph below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1s and K-1.

All in all, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1s featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-1 will offer more detail due to its extra 24MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures more aggressively. The older E-PL1s is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.