Olympus E-PL6 vs Pentax K-500

Below is a thorough comparison of the Olympus E-PL6 versus Pentax K-500, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PL6 (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and K-500 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL6 was unveiled 9 months later than the K-500 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a concise summary of how the E-PL6 matches up vs the K-500 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL6 and Pentax K-500. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL6 comes with external dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL6 versus Pentax K-500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL6 vs the K-500.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL6 and K-500 is 88 and 64 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to envision the gap in sensor measurements purely by going through a spec sheet. The graphic below may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL6 and K-500.

Clearly, both of the cameras posses the exact same MP albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-PL6 has the smaller sensor which is going to make achieving shallow DOF tougher. The newer E-PL6 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.