Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-01
88 Imaging
48 Features
52 Overall
49
![Olympus PEN E-PL3 front Olympus PEN E-PL3 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/w300/fronton/Olympus-PEN-E-PL3.jpg)
![Pentax K-01 front Pentax K-01 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-K-01/Pentax-K-01-front.jpg)
76 Imaging
57 Features
68 Overall
61
Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-01 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 200 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 313g - 110 x 64 x 37mm
- Announced September 2011
- Older Model is Olympus E-PL2
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Increase to 25600)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 561g - 122 x 79 x 58mm
- Revealed May 2012
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-01 Overview
Below, we are contrasting the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax K-01, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Olympus and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and K-01 (16MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and K-01 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor size.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
The E-PL3 was announced 8 months prior to the K-01 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.
Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief view of how the E-PL3 scores vs the K-01 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-01 Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Pentax K-01. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Pentax K-01 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Olympus E-PL3 over the Pentax K-01
E-PL3 | K-01 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting display |
Reasons to pick Pentax K-01 over the Olympus E-PL3
K-01 | E-PL3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | May 2012 | ![]() | September 2011 | Fresher by 8 months |
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Clearer display (+461k dot) |
Common features in the Olympus E-PL3 and Pentax K-01
E-PL3 | K-01 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial exact focus | ||
Display dimension | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Identical display size |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Neither includes Touch display |
Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-01 Physical Comparison
When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 features physical dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Pentax K-01 has proportions of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") with a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).
Compare the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax K-01 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PL3 versus the K-01.
![Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-01 size comparison Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-01 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-PL3-vs-Pentax-K-01-size-comparison.jpg)
Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and K-01 is 88 and 76 respectively.
![Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-01 top view buttons comparison Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-01 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-PL3-vs-Pentax-K-01-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-01 Sensor Comparison
Typically, its tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading through technical specs. The photograph below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and K-01.
As you have seen, both cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-01 will resolve extra detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older E-PL3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.
![Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-01 sensor size comparison Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-01 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-PL3-vs-Pentax-K-01-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-01 Screen and ViewFinder
![Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-01 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-01 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-PL3-vs-Pentax-K-01-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-01 Specifications
Olympus PEN E-PL3 | Pentax K-01 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Olympus | Pentax |
Model type | Olympus PEN E-PL3 | Pentax K-01 |
Type | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Announced | 2011-09-20 | 2012-05-30 |
Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Truepic VI | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | Four Thirds | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 17.3 x 13mm | 23.7 x 15.7mm |
Sensor surface area | 224.9mm² | 372.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12MP | 16MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4032 x 3024 | 4928 x 3264 |
Maximum native ISO | 12800 | 12800 |
Maximum enhanced ISO | - | 25600 |
Minimum native ISO | 200 | 100 |
RAW pictures | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Total focus points | 35 | 81 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Micro Four Thirds | Pentax KAF2 |
Total lenses | 107 | 151 |
Crop factor | 2.1 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Tilting | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 460 thousand dot | 921 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Display technology | HyperCrystal LCD AR(Anti-Reflective) coating | TFT LCD monitor |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic (optional) | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 60 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 6.0fps | 6.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | no built-in flash | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Manual (3 levels) | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow-speed Sync, Trailing Curtain Sync |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | 1/160 secs | 1/180 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps),1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25, 24 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video format | AVCHD, Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Mic 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 proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 313 grams (0.69 pounds) | 561 grams (1.24 pounds) |
Dimensions | 110 x 64 x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") | 122 x 79 x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 52 | 79 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 20.9 | 23.7 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 10.3 | 12.9 |
DXO Low light rating | 499 | 1135 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 300 photographs | 540 photographs |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | BLS-5 | D-LI90 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Retail pricing | $399 | $899 |