Olympus E-PL5 vs Pentax K-x

Lets look much closer at the Olympus E-PL5 vs Pentax K-x, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference among the resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and K-x (12MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and K-x (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was announced 2 years after the K-x which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-x being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-PL5 matches up against the K-x in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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

For those who are looking to carry around your camera, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL5 comes with outside measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Pentax K-x has dimensions of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") along with a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL5 vs Pentax K-x in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use during that time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PL5 versus the K-x.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and K-x is 88 and 69 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes just by seeing a spec sheet. The pic below will give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL5 and K-x.

Clearly, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL5 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Olympus E-PL5 will provide extra detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The newer E-PL5 should have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.