Olympus E-PL5 vs Pentax K100D

Here is a extensive comparison of the Olympus E-PL5 versus Pentax K100D, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and K100D (6MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and K100D (APS-C) use different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL5 was launched 5 years later than the K100D and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-PL5 matches up vs the K100D when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Pentax K100D. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Pentax K100D Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 has got exterior 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 K100D has measurements of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") having a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL5 versus Pentax K100D in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL5 and the K100D.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and K100D is 88 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizing only by reading a spec sheet. The photograph here will provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and K100D.

As you can see, each of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Olympus E-PL5 will deliver greater detail utilizing its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics much more aggressively. The more recent E-PL5 should have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.