Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-01

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.

Photography Glossary

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.

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.

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.

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.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and K-01 is 88 and 76 respectively.

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.