Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-500

In this article, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PL3 and Pentax K-500, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and K-500 (16MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and K-500 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL3 was unveiled 3 years earlier than the K-500 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-PL3 matches up vs the K-500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Pentax K-500. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 comes with exterior measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL3 and Pentax K-500 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you select at that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL3 vs the K-500.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and K-500 is 88 and 64 respectively.

Often, its hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing merely by researching a spec sheet. The visual underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and K-500.

As you can see, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 with its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Pentax K-500 will result in extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The older E-PL3 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.