Olympus E-PL1s vs Pentax E85

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus E-PL1s and Pentax E85, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the E85 (12MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and E85 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL1s was revealed 15 months after the E85 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax E85 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-PL1s grades versus the E85 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Pentax Optio E85. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Pentax E85 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1s features external measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Pentax E85 has specifications of 93mm x 58mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL1s and Pentax E85 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL1s and the E85.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and E85 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reading specifications. The picture underneath may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1s and E85.

To sum up, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL1s provides the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallow DOF easier. The younger E-PL1s is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.