Olympus E-PL6 vs Pentax K-r

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus E-PL6 versus Pentax K-r, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the E-PL6 (16MP) and K-r (12MP) and the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and K-r (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL6 was launched 3 years later than the K-r and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-PL6 scores against the K-r when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL6 and Pentax K-r. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery and Pentax K-r Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL6 enjoys physical measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-r has proportions of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") with a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL6 versus Pentax K-r in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL6 and the K-r.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL6 and K-r is 88 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing merely by looking at technical specs. The photograph below may give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL6 and K-r.

As you can tell, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL6 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Olympus E-PL6 will give greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The fresher E-PL6 should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.