Olympus E-PL1s vs Pentax K-x

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Olympus E-PL1s vs Pentax K-x, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the K-x (12MP) is very similar but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and K-x (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1s was unveiled 11 months after the K-x so they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-x being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief overview of how the E-PL1s grades vs the K-x with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Pentax K-x. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Pentax K-x Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera often, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1s enjoys exterior measurements 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-x has proportions of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") having a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL1s vs Pentax K-x in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL1s versus the K-x.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1s and K-x is 86 and 69 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes just by going over specs. The picture underneath will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1s and K-x.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras come with the identical resolution but not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL1s includes the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging. The younger E-PL1s will have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.