Olympus E-PL5 vs Pentax K-500

Here is a in-depth comparison of the Olympus E-PL5 and Pentax K-500, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is fairly similar but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and K-500 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL5 was brought out 14 months earlier than the K-500 making them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise summary of how the E-PL5 grades vs the K-500 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Pentax K-500. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL5 offers outside dimensions 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-500 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL5 and Pentax K-500 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PL5 vs the K-500.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and K-500 is 88 and 64 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to see the gap between sensor sizing simply by reviewing specifications. The graphic underneath may give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL5 and K-500.

Plainly, both of these cameras provide the same MP but not the same sensor sizing. The E-PL5 has got the tinier sensor which will make getting bokeh tougher. The older E-PL5 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.