Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax K-500

On this page, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PL2 versus Pentax K-500, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and K-500 (16MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and K-500 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL2 was launched 3 years before the K-500 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple view of how the E-PL2 scores versus the K-500 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Pentax K-500. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL2 enjoys exterior 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) and the Pentax K-500 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL2 versus Pentax K-500 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL2 compared to the K-500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL2 and K-500 is 85 and 64 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reviewing technical specs. The visual here will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL2 and K-500.

As you can tell, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL2 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-500 will offer greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos more aggressively. The older E-PL2 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.