Olympus E-PL5 vs Pentax MX-1

Here, we are contrasting the Olympus E-PL5 vs Pentax MX-1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and MX-1 (12MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and MX-1 (1/1.7") have different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL5 was announced 9 months before the MX-1 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the E-PL5 matches up vs the MX-1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Pentax MX-1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL5 offers physical dimensions 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 MX-1 has sizing of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL5 vs Pentax MX-1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL5 against the MX-1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and MX-1 is 88 and 84 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to picture the gap between sensor sizing merely by going over specs. The photograph below will offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and MX-1.

All in all, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 using its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PL5 will offer you greater detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older E-PL5 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.