Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax K-S2

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax K-S2, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and K-S2 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL2 was manufactured 5 years earlier than the K-S2 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-PL2 grades versus the K-S2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Pentax K-S2. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL2 offers outer measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) and the Pentax K-S2 has specifications of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax K-S2 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL2 and the K-S2.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL2 and K-S2 is 85 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing just by reading through specifications. The graphic underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL2 and K-S2.

To sum up, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL2 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-S2 will give you greater detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older E-PL2 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.