Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL3 and Pentax K-5 IIs, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and K-5 IIs (16MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and K-5 IIs (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL3 was announced 20 months earlier than the K-5 IIs which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick view of how the E-PL3 matches up against the K-5 IIs with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Pentax K-5 IIs. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 comes with outer dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 IIs has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL3 and Pentax K-5 IIs in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL3 compared to the K-5 IIs.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and K-5 IIs is 88 and 60 respectively.

Often, it is tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes merely by going through specifications. The image here may give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and K-5 IIs.

Plainly, the 2 cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL3 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Pentax K-5 IIs will produce extra detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-PL3 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.