Olympus E-PL5 vs Pentax K-5

Here is a extensive overview of the Olympus E-PL5 and Pentax K-5, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and K-5 (APS-C) have different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was launched 22 months later than the K-5 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going right into a full comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-PL5 grades against the K-5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Pentax K-5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL5 comes with outer measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 has sizing of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL5 and Pentax K-5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL5 vs the K-5.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and K-5 is 88 and 60 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing merely by seeing specifications. The photograph underneath will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL5 and K-5.

Plainly, the 2 cameras come with the identical resolution albeit different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 uses the smaller sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow depth of field trickier. The more modern E-PL5 should have an advantage in sensor technology.