Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax K-S1

Here is a in-depth comparison of the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax K-S1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and K-S1 (20MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and K-S1 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL3 was manufactured 3 years before the K-S1 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the E-PL3 scores against the K-S1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Pentax K-S1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 has got physical measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Pentax K-S1 has dimensions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Pentax K-S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at the time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL3 vs the K-S1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and K-S1 is 88 and 69 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading through specs. The photograph here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and K-S1.

All in all, both of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-S1 will give extra detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs way more aggressively. The older E-PL3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.