Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax K-5

Here, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-PL2 versus Pentax K-5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. There is a crucial difference among the resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and K-5 (APS-C) posses different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL2 was manufactured 2 months later than the K-5 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-PL2 scores vs the K-5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Pentax K-5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Pentax K-5 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL2 comes with physical dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL2 versus Pentax K-5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view size comparison of the E-PL2 and the K-5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL2 and K-5 is 85 and 60 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizing just by researching technical specs. The photograph below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL2 and K-5.

As you have seen, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL2 because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-5 will provide you with extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively.