Olympus E-PL1s vs Pentax K-7

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus E-PL1s vs Pentax K-7, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the K-7 (15MP) is very similar but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and K-7 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL1s was launched 14 months later than the K-7 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-7 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a full comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the E-PL1s matches up vs the K-7 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Pentax K-7. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Pentax K-7 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera often, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1s enjoys outer dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Pentax K-7 has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1s vs Pentax K-7 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL1s compared to the K-7.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and K-7 is 86 and 60 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to imagine the gap between sensor measurements simply by reviewing specs. The graphic here might give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1s and K-7.

All in all, both the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1s due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax K-7 will deliver extra detail utilizing its extra 3MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics far more aggressively. The newer E-PL1s should have an advantage in sensor innovation.