Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-1 II

Let's look more closely at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax K-1 II, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and K-1 II (36MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and K-1 II (Full frame) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL3 was announced 7 years before the K-1 II and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-1 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the E-PL3 grades against the K-1 II with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Pentax K-1 Mark II. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Pentax K-1 II Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 comes with outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Pentax K-1 II has measurements of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax K-1 II 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 using during that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PL3 versus the K-1 II.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and K-1 II is 88 and 55 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizing merely by checking specifications. The photograph below should give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and K-1 II.

Plainly, both of those cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-1 II will give more detail with its extra 24MP. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures much more aggressively. The older E-PL3 is going to be behind in sensor technology.