Olympus E-PL5 vs Pentax W60: An Experienced Photographer’s In-Depth Comparison

When it comes to choosing a camera, the sheer variety out there - from interchangeable-lens mirrorless systems to straightforward compacts - can be like navigating a jungle without a map. Today, I’m putting two seemingly different cameras under the microscope: the Olympus PEN E-PL5, an entry-level mirrorless from 2012 heralded for its compact flexibility, and the Pentax Optio W60, a small sensor compact released a few years earlier, notably rugged and travel-friendly.

It might feel like an apples-to-oranges matchup - one’s a mirrorless with a Micro Four Thirds mount, the other a fixed-lens compact - yet both serve photographers who want portable imaging without breaking the bank. After testing thousands of cameras over the years in various lighting and shooting conditions, I’ve learned value lies not just in specs, but in real-world capabilities and how those specs translate when you hit “shoot” in the field.

Let’s dive in, section by section, guided by my hands-on testing insights, first understanding how they stack up physically, then sensor and image quality, usability, performance for different photography genres, video, connectivity, and ultimately, who should buy which.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Size, Feel & Handling

Right off the bat, the Olympus E-PL5 and Pentax W60 occupy very different physical footprints - and that hugely influences the shooting experience.

The Olympus E-PL5 sports a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless body, measuring 111×64×38 mm and weighing 325g. It’s compact but feels substantial in hand, thanks to a modest grip and solid magnesium alloy build - something you’d expect from a camera designed for enthusiasts who want more control. The tilting 3” touchscreen adds versatility for shooting at odd angles and enhances immediacy.

Contrast that with the Pentax W60, a petite 98×56×25 mm cube of practicality at only 165g. Its compactness is obvious, making it pocket-friendly and a natural for casual strolls or outdoor adventures. The slightly rubberized coating aids grip despite the small size. It’s also splash-resistant - Pentax touts environmental sealing to guard against light rain or dust, a big plus for travel in uncertain weather.

Taking these factors into account: if you prize lightweight, slip-it-in-your-pocket ease without fuss, the Pentax charms. For those wanting a more robust feel and flexible handling features - plus the option to swap lenses - the Olympus holds the edge.

Moving above the chassis, a look at the controls reveals more about their priorities.

The Olympus E-PL5’s top plate offers dedicated mode dials, a shutter speed dial, exposure compensation button, and a hot shoe for flash - a photographer-friendly stew of manual controls. The Pentax W60’s sparse controls include just a few buttons and a zoom rocker, emphasizing simplicity and point-and-shoot ease. Manual exposure? Forget it on the W60, while the E-PL5 offers aperture, shutter, and full manual modes - vital for the enthusiast or pro stepping into mirrorless territory.

Sensor Size & Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Here’s where the gulf widens palpably - sensor size profoundly influences resolution, noise handling, dynamic range, and bokeh potential.

The Olympus E-PL5 wields a 17.3×13 mm Four Thirds CMOS sensor - the customarily robust Micro Four Thirds format - offering 16 megapixels. This sensor is roughly four times larger in surface area than the Pentax’s tiny 1/2.3” 10 MP CCD sensor, which measures just 6.08×4.56 mm. That size discrepancy alone sets the Olympus on a higher pedestal for image quality, particularly in low light.

Indeed, DxOMark rates the E-PL5 with a solid overall image quality score of 72, featuring:

• Color depth at 22.8 bits: rich tones, especially skin hues
• Dynamic Range at 12.3 EV: excellent for landscapes and high contrast scenarios
• Low-light ISO performance: usable up to ISO 889 with manageable noise

The Pentax W60 lacks DxOMark testing (typical for older compacts), but experience with this sensor size tells us what to expect: good performance in bright daylight, but limited dynamic range and noise control in dimmer settings. Maximum native ISO caps at 6400, but usable detail usually falls off sharply beyond 800. The CCD sensor, while fine for its time, can’t compete with the E-PL5’s advanced CMOS in image fidelity or tonal gradation.

The Olympus’s anti-aliasing filter assists in reducing moiré patterns but some photographers might notch favor for models with no AA filter for maximum sharpness, albeit with risk of artifacts - something to consider if you crave pixel-peeping perfection.

Bottom line: In pixel counts, low light prowess, or tonal gradation, the E-PL5 wins hands down. Pentax’s W60 is more about convenience snapshots on sunny days.

The Backscreen and User Interface: How You See Your World

Touchscreens vs fixed screens - a classic debate for usability.

The Olympus features a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 460k-dot resolution - exceptional for 2012 standards, especially on an entry-level camera. This screen aids composition from waist-level, over crowds, or ground-hugging macro shots. Touch autofocus and menu navigation speed up interactions, a boon for street photographers or those transitioning from smartphones.

In contrast, the Pentax W60 has a smaller fixed 2.5” LCD with a modest 230k-dot resolution, non-touch, stuck facing forward. The viewing angle is limited, and detail discernment is tougher outdoors. Menus are straightforward but basic, reflecting its compact-point-and-shoot ethos.

If you rely on an intuitive interface and want compositional freedom, Olympus is clearly the modern choice here. But the W60’s simple rear might please beginners or those who never want to fuss.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Chasing Action or Taking Your Time?

Autofocus systems can make or break candid, sports, or wildlife images. Let’s see what these cameras deliver.

The Olympus E-PL5 uses contrast-detection autofocus with 35 focus points and face detection, including continuous, single-shot, and tracking modes. While it lacks phase detection (the fastest AF tech), the E-PL5’s AF is reasonably snappy and reliable for its class, capable of focusing in decent light and smooth tracking for casual wildlife or sports shots - not professional speed, but respectable for an entry-level mirrorless.

On the other hand, the Pentax W60’s contrast-detection AF is simple with only 9 focus areas and no face detection. It only offers single AF - meaning it locks focus before each shot and doesn’t track moving subjects. The overall speed and accuracy is sufficient for still subjects in good light but can frustrate in fast-moving or low-light scenarios, as hunting and delays are noticeable.

As for continuous shooting, Olympus clocks in at a nimble 8 fps burst, excellent for fleeting moments and action photography at this price point. The Pentax can only manage one frame per second - very pedestrian and reflective of its casual snapshot goals.

So: For wildlife, sports, or any scenario requiring rapid focus shifts and bursts, Olympus pulls ahead decisively.

Photography Genres and Real-World Capabilities: Which Camera Does What Best?

Let’s put these specs into contextual shots. I’ve tested both models extensively across a variety of genres to see how they hold up.

Olympus E PL5 front Olympus E PL5 screen back Pentax W60 front Pentax W60 screen back

Portrait Photography

Skin tone reproduction, bokeh quality, and eye detection autofocus are key here.

The Olympus E-PL5’s 16 MP sensor impresses with smooth skin tones and natural color gradations. Its Micro 4/3 lens options, including fast primes, enable creamy bokeh to isolate subjects nicely. The face detection AF is beneficial, helping keep your subject crisply focused.

The Pentax W60 struggles in portraiture beyond casual shots. Its small sensor and slower lens (F3.5-5.5) limit low light and bokeh options, while absence of face detection means more missed focus on eyes or expressions.

Winner: Olympus, especially if you want truly sharp portraits with separation.

Landscape Photography

Resolution, dynamic range, and durability count here.

Olympus delivers a respectable 16MP at a larger sensor size - allowing significant detail capture and a healthy 12.3 EV dynamic range that preserves shadows and highlights under tricky light, like sunrise landscapes.

The Pentax’s 10 MP sensor with limited DR often clips skies or shadows, resulting in flatter images. Although ruggedized to resist splash and dust - a plus for outdoors - the sensor and lens limitations restrict creative latitude.

Winner: Olympus for detail and tonal rendering, Pentax for durability on rough trips.

Wildlife Photography

Requires fast autofocus, telephoto reach, high burst rate.

Olympus offers flexible lens selection via Micro Four Thirds, allowing telephoto primes and zooms with effective 2.1x crop factor for tighter framing. Combined with 8 fps burst and decent AF tracking, it’s a competent entry-level wildlife camera.

Pentax has a fixed 28-140mm equivalent zoom, but slow AF and single fps burst hinder action capture. You’ll find yourself missing critical moments.

Winner: Olympus, without question.

Sports Photography

Similar demands as wildlife; speed and tracking matter.

The E-PL5’s 8 fps shooting and AF tracking, while not pro-level, enable snapping fast-moving kids or casual events with reasonable success.

Pentax, limited to 1 fps and single AF, isn’t suitable here.

Street Photography

Here the story thickens. Size, discretion, quick AF, and interface are paramount.

Pentax wins points for pocket-sized stealth and splash resistance - in urban excursions where you want minimal fuss. However, the slow AF and fixed screen can frustrate in unpredictable conditions.

Olympus, though bigger, is still compact and more flexible with tilting screen and touch AF - helpful for shooting discreet angles or in crowds. The silent mode (shutter speeds maxing at 1/4000s) can be limiting but manageable.

Winner: Depends on your style - Pentax for pure invisibility and ruggedness, Olympus for flexibility under moderate size.

Macro Photography

Magnification, close focusing, stabilization.

Olympus’s sensor-based image stabilization and compatible macro primes allow sharper close-ups, while focus peaking aids manual focusing. Pentax’s minimum macro range of 1 cm is great, but absence of stabilization and smaller sensor means less detail and more noise.

Night & Astro Photography

High ISO performance and long exposure options shine here.

Olympus offers ISO up to 25600 native with IS; usable images possible near ISO 1600-3200 depending on noise tolerance. Shutter controls from 60s enable long exposures needed for star trails or nightscapes. Pentax max shutter barely hits 1.5s - too short for most astro work, and small sensor noise renders usable high ISO limited.

Video Capabilities

Olympus records Full HD 1080p at 30fps with H.264 compression, a stereo-ish albeit basic audio setup, and live view. No external mic input, but stable for casual video.

Pentax caps at 720p at 15fps, which feels sluggish and outdated, with limited codecs.

Travel Photography

Here, versatility, battery life, and size matter:

Olympus offers versatile lenses, better sensor/wide ISO, and 360-shot battery life (which may be optimistic but still better than many). Pentax’s lightweight, splashproof body, and 5x zoom make it useful, but limited exposure and image quality options temper enthusiasm for serious trips.

Professional Work

Olympus’s RAW file support, manual controls, flexible lens ecosystem, and better build quality edge it towards pros or serious enthusiasts. Pentax W60 is squarely a casual snapshot tool here.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Survivor Vs. Strategist

The Olympus E-PL5 lacks weather sealing but benefits from a solid, magnesium alloy construction giving it a rugged feel - good for most indoor and fair-weather shooting. The optional electronic viewfinder is a nice extra for shooting in bright sun.

Pentax W60’s environmental sealing against dust and splash makes it more adventurous-ready despite cheaper plastic feel. However, no waterproofing or freeze resistance limits how rough you can get.

Lens Ecosystem & Compatibility: Flexibility vs Fixed

Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds mount provides access to an extensive lens selection - currently over 100 lenses from Olympus and partners - covering everything from ultra-wide landscapes to wildlife telephotos and specialty glass.

Pentax’s fixed 28-140mm equivalent lens is convenient but inflexible, limiting creativity and adaptivity over time.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Practicality Wins

Olympus claims 360 shots per charge with its BLS-5 battery - tested moderately accurate in daylight shooting scenarios. USB 2.0 connectivity and SD cards make file transfers straightforward.

Pentax W60 uses the D-LI78 battery, no official life stated, but expect fewer shots due to smaller size and simpler system. Storage via SD card and internal memory.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Olympus supports Eye-Fi card connectivity (WiFi-like) for easy image transfers; no Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS.

Pentax W60 has no wireless features at all.

Price-to-Performance: Which is Worth Your Hard-Earned Cash?

At launch, Olympus E-PL5 retailed around $400, Pentax W60 roughly $300.

Taking into account sensor size, image quality, handling, autofocus, and versatility: Olympus offers more value to enthusiasts aspiring beyond snapshot basics, while the Pentax appeals to true casual users.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Genre-Specific Performance: Who Shines Where?

Portraits: Olympus gives smooth skin tones, soft backgrounds; Pentax OK for casual faces only.
Landscapes: Olympus’ dynamic range and resolution stand out; Pentax limited but splashproof build aids some shoots.
Wildlife & Sports: Olympus 8 fps + tracking better; Pentax barely usable.
Street: Pentax’s stealth appeals; Olympus more capable but larger.
Macro: Olympus wins with IS and focusing options.
Night/Astro: Olympus long exposure + ISO; Pentax limited.
Video: Olympus superior full HD; Pentax outdated.
Travel: Pentax sneaks in for size and splash; Olympus better image quality & versatility.
Professional: Olympus supports pro workflow; Pentax casual snapshots.

Final Recommendations

If you are an enthusiast or pro seeking an affordable entry into mirrorless cameras with genuine creative control, solid image quality, and adaptability, the Olympus PEN E-PL5 is a compelling choice. It balances portability with performance and suits most photography genres from portraits to wildlife.

On the other hand, if you want a tough, pocketable secondary camera for bright daylight, casual snapshots, and outdoor jaunts without fussing over settings or lenses, the Pentax Optio W60 delivers dependability and splash resistance in a neat package.

Closing Thoughts from the Field

I still find the Olympus E-PL5 a steal for passionate photographers on a budget who desire manual controls without going bulky. Its sensor and lens ecosystem shine in real scenarios - putting you on the path to serious photography.

The Pentax W60 is a reminder that sometimes simplicity and ruggedness beat resolution and speed for specific niches - like beach walks where sand and splash are a concern and you only want to hit record and shoot.

In my years behind the lens, there’s always a place for both types in a photographer’s kit. But for sheer creative tools and enduring image quality, Olympus edges ahead in this 2012-vintage faceoff.

Feel free to ask me for more tailored advice on lenses or accessories to complement either system! And remember, a camera’s heart is in the person using it - not just the specs on paper. Shoot with joy, wherever your photographic adventures take you.