Olympus E-PL1s vs Pentax K100D S

On this page, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PL1s and Pentax K100D S, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and K100D S (6MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and K100D S (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1s was launched 3 years later than the K100D S and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K100D S being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise view of how the E-PL1s grades against the K100D S when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Pentax K100D Super. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Pentax K100D S Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1s offers outer dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Pentax K100D S has specifications of 129mm x 91mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.8") having a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL1s and Pentax K100D S in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at that moment. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL1s versus the K100D S.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1s and K100D S is 86 and 65 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to visualise the gap between sensor measurements only by going over technical specs. The photograph below should give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1s and K100D S.

As you have seen, both of those cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1s featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Olympus E-PL1s will offer greater detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The more recent E-PL1s is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.