Olympus E-PL5 vs Pentax I-10

Here is a thorough analysis of the Olympus E-PL5 and Pentax I-10, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and I-10 (12MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and I-10 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL5 was introduced 2 years later than the I-10 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax I-10 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a complete comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-PL5 grades vs the I-10 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Pentax Optio I-10. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Pentax I-10 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL5 provides outer dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Pentax I-10 has proportions of 101mm x 65mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 153 grams (0.34 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL5 and Pentax I-10 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL5 versus the I-10.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and I-10 is 88 and 93 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic below will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and I-10.

As you can see, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 with its larger sensor will make getting bokeh less difficult and the Olympus E-PL5 will resolve extra detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics far more aggressively. The fresher E-PL5 is going to have an edge in sensor tech.