Olympus E-PL5 vs Pentax K-1

In this article, we are looking at the Olympus E-PL5 versus Pentax K-1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and K-1 (Full frame) feature different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was released 4 years earlier than the K-1 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-PL5 matches up against the K-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Pentax K-1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Pentax K-1 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera often, you have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL5 provides exterior measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Pentax K-1 has specifications of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") along with a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL5 versus Pentax K-1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is the front view size comparison of the E-PL5 vs the K-1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and K-1 is 88 and 55 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizing just by going through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath should give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL5 and K-1.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-1 will produce more detail as a result of its extra 20 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The older E-PL5 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.