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Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax Q-S1

Portability
85
Imaging
48
Features
47
Overall
47
Olympus PEN E-PL2 front
 
Pentax Q-S1 front
Portability
92
Imaging
38
Features
54
Overall
44

Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax Q-S1 Key Specs

Olympus E-PL2
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 362g - 114 x 72 x 42mm
  • Released February 2011
  • Old Model is Olympus E-PL1s
  • Refreshed by Olympus E-PL3
Pentax Q-S1
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 12800
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax Q Mount
  • 203g - 105 x 58 x 34mm
  • Launched August 2014
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Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax Q-S1 Overview

In this article, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL2 versus Pentax Q-S1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is relatively close but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and Q-S1 (1/1.7") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL2 was introduced 4 years earlier than the Q-S1 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the E-PL2 scores against the Q-S1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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Reasons to pick Olympus E-PL2 over the Pentax Q-S1

 E-PL2 Q-S1 

Reasons to pick Pentax Q-S1 over the Olympus E-PL2

 Q-S1 E-PL2 
LaunchedAugust 2014February 2011More modern by 42 months

Common features in the Olympus E-PL2 and Pentax Q-S1

 E-PL2 Q-S1 
Manual focus More exact focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen sizing3"3"Equivalent screen dimensions
Screen resolution460k460kThe same screen resolution
Selfie screen Neither features selfie screen
Touch screen Neither features Touch screen

Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax Q-S1 Physical Comparison

For those who are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL2 enjoys exterior dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q-S1 has specifications of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL2 versus Pentax Q-S1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL2 against the Q-S1.

Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax Q-S1 size comparison

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL2 and Q-S1 is 85 and 92 respectively.

Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax Q-S1 top view buttons comparison

Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax Q-S1 Sensor Comparison

Generally, it is very difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizes only by researching technical specs. The pic below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL2 and Q-S1.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL2 uses the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower DOF less difficult. The more aged E-PL2 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.

Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax Q-S1 sensor size comparison

Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax Q-S1 Screen and ViewFinder

Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax Q-S1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Olympus E-PL2 Portrait photography advice
Pentax Q-S1 Portrait photography advice
60
focusing manually
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
has face detect focus
saves RAW formats
sensor resolution low (12MP)
46
manual focus
includes face detection focusing
delivers RAW files
resolution not great (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/1.7")
Photography Glossary

Street Comparison

Street photography with Olympus E-PL2
Street photography with Pentax Q-S1
73
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
saves RAW formats
no moving screen
69
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
delivers RAW files
lighter than competitors in class (203g)
fixed screen
sensor size is tiny (1/1.7")
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Sports Comparison

Olympus E-PL2 as a Sports photography camera
Pentax Q-S1 as a Sports photography camera
45
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
has tracking focus
very slow continuous shooting (3.0 frames per second)
sensor resolution low (12MP)
bad battery (280 per charge)
lacks phase detect auto focus
37
high shutter speed (1/8,000s)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
includes tracking autofocus
continuous shooting slow (5.0 frames/s)
resolution not great (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/1.7")
low battery life (250 per charge)
no phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Olympus E-PL2 Travel photography info
Pentax Q-S1 Travel photography info
51
has built in flash
no Timelapse function
bad battery (280 CIPA)
sensor resolution low (12MP)
doesn't have a selfie friendly screen
60
lighter than competitors in class (203g)
built-in flash
low battery life (250 CIPA)
resolution not great (12MP)
does not have selfie friendly display
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Landscape Comparison

Olympus E-PL2 Landscape photography highlights
Pentax Q-S1 Landscape photography highlights
61
focusing manually
swap lenses (Micro Four Thirds mount)
screen size is good (3 inches)
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
saves RAW formats
sensor resolution low (12MP)
bad battery (280 CIPA)
no Timelapse function
55
manual focus
switch lenses (Pentax Q mount)
nice screen size (3 inches)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
delivers RAW files
resolution not great (12 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/1.7")
low battery life (250 per charge)
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Vlogging Comparison

Olympus E-PL2 Vlogging highlights
Pentax Q-S1 Vlogging highlights
29
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
has face detect focus
doesn't have a selfie friendly screen
video res low (1280 x 720 pxls)
no microphone socket
35
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
includes face detection focusing
high quality video (1920 x 1080 pixels)
lighter than competitors in class (203g)
does not have selfie friendly display
lack of external microphone port
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Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax Q-S1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus E-PL2 and Pentax Q-S1
 Olympus PEN E-PL2Pentax Q-S1
General Information
Make Olympus Pentax
Model Olympus PEN E-PL2 Pentax Q-S1
Type Entry-Level Mirrorless Entry-Level Mirrorless
Released 2011-02-11 2014-08-04
Body design Rangefinder-style mirrorless Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Chip Truepic V Q Engine
Sensor type CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor size Four Thirds 1/1.7"
Sensor measurements 17.3 x 13mm 7.44 x 5.58mm
Sensor area 224.9mm² 41.5mm²
Sensor resolution 12MP 12MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution 4032 x 3024 4000 x 3000
Highest native ISO 6400 12800
Lowest native ISO 100 100
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch to focus
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Number of focus points 11 -
Lens
Lens mounting type Micro Four Thirds Pentax Q
Amount of lenses 107 8
Crop factor 2.1 4.8
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display size 3 inch 3 inch
Display resolution 460k dot 460k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Display tech HyperCrystal LCD AR(Anti-Reflective) coating -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic (optional) None
Features
Minimum shutter speed 60s 30s
Fastest shutter speed 1/4000s 1/8000s
Continuous shutter speed 3.0 frames per sec 5.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range 10.00 m 4.90 m (at ISO 100)
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Manual (3 levels) Auto, redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync
External flash
AEB
White balance bracketing
Fastest flash sync 1/160s -
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) 1920 x 1080 (30,25, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24p), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24p)
Highest video resolution 1280x720 1920x1080
Video file format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 362g (0.80 lb) 203g (0.45 lb)
Dimensions 114 x 72 x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") 105 x 58 x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score 55 not tested
DXO Color Depth score 21.4 not tested
DXO Dynamic range score 10.2 not tested
DXO Low light score 573 not tested
Other
Battery life 280 photographs 250 photographs
Style of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model BLS-5 D-LI68
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/SDHC SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Storage slots One One
Pricing at release $0 $250