Olympus E-PL1s vs Pentax Q

Let's take a deeper look at the Olympus E-PL1s and Pentax Q, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the Q (12MP) is fairly comparable but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and Q (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL1s was manufactured 7 months before the Q which means that they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summation of how the E-PL1s scores vs the Q for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Pentax Q. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Pentax Q Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1s has external measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Pentax Q has measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") along with a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL1s and Pentax Q in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PL1s vs the Q.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1s and Q is 86 and 93 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to envision the difference in sensor sizes merely by checking out specs. The picture underneath will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1s and Q.

All in all, the two cameras provide the same megapixels but not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL1s uses the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallow depth of field simpler. The more aged E-PL1s will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.