Olympus E-PL5 vs Pentax WS80

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus E-PL5 versus Pentax WS80, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Waterproof by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and WS80 (10MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and WS80 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

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The E-PL5 was unveiled 3 years later than the WS80 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax WS80 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief view of how the E-PL5 grades against the WS80 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Pentax Optio WS80. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Pentax WS80 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL5 provides outside dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Pentax WS80 has specifications of 92mm x 60mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") along with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL5 versus Pentax WS80 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at the time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PL5 vs the WS80.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and WS80 is 88 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements only by reading through specifications. The visual underneath should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL5 and WS80.

To sum up, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL5 having a larger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-PL5 will give you extra detail having an extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more recent E-PL5 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.