Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax X-5

Let's look more closely at the Olympus E-PL2 versus Pentax X-5, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There is a substantial difference among the image resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and X-5 (16MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and X-5 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL2 was revealed 18 months prior to the X-5 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a quick view of how the E-PL2 scores vs the X-5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Pentax X-5. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Pentax X-5 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL2 provides external measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) while the Pentax X-5 has proportions of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") having a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL2 versus Pentax X-5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL2 against the X-5.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL2 and X-5 is 85 and 65 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to see the gap in sensor measurements only by seeing a spec sheet. The visual below will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL2 and X-5.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL2 having a larger sensor will make achieving bokeh simpler and the Pentax X-5 will show greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images a little more aggressively. The older E-PL2 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.