Olympus E-PL5 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Lets look much closer at the Olympus E-PL5 and Pentax K-5 IIs, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the K-5 IIs (16MP) is fairly comparable but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and K-5 IIs (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was announced 8 months prior to the K-5 IIs and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short introduction of how the E-PL5 grades vs the K-5 IIs when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Pentax K-5 IIs. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL5 has outside measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 IIs has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL5 and Pentax K-5 IIs in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL5 versus the K-5 IIs.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and K-5 IIs is 88 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to picture the contrast in sensor measurements merely by checking out specifications. The graphic underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL5 and K-5 IIs.

Plainly, both cameras have the same megapixels but different sensor measurements. The E-PL5 features the smaller sensor which should make getting shallower depth of field tougher. The older E-PL5 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.