Olympus E-PL6 vs Pentax P70

Olympus E-PL6 vs Pentax Optio P70: An Expert Comparison for Informed Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting the right camera requires an informed approach grounded in detailed analysis of core features, real-world usability, and technical performance. Here, we present a rigorous comparative evaluation of two distinct models: the Olympus PEN E-PL6 – an entry-level mirrorless interchangeable lens camera announced in late 2014 – and the Pentax Optio P70, a compact ultracompact fixed-lens camera introduced in 2009. Both cameras have targeted differing user segments, making their juxtaposition insightful for enthusiasts balancing budget, functionality, and intended photographic disciplines.

Understanding the Camera Classes: Mirrorless vs Ultracompact

The Olympus E-PL6 occupies the entry-level mirrorless category, characterized by modular lens systems, larger Micro Four Thirds sensors, and provision for manual controls. In contrast, the Pentax P70 conforms to the ultracompact category, designed for casual photography with a fixed zoom lens, smaller sensor, and simplified operational modes. Appreciating these distinctions is essential in contextualizing the ensuing technical and practical comparison.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Ergonomics and Handling

Practical usability starts with physical considerations - size, weight, control placement, and overall handling.

• Size and Weight:
  The Olympus E-PL6 measures 111 x 64 x 38 mm and weighs 325 grams, reflective of its robust build and the inclusion of interchangeable lens mount hardware. Alternatively, the Pentax P70 tips the scales at 155 grams, with a compact 97 x 54 x 22 mm body. This lightweight profile caters to absolute portability at the expense of ergonomic controls.

• Handling and Controls:
  The rangefinder-style E-PL6 integrates tactile dials and menus conducive to manual operation. The P70 offers minimal manual control, relying primarily on automatic or scene modes.

Users accustomed to traditional camera ergonomics and physical dials will find the E-PL6 a more satisfying experience, especially for deliberate shooting. P70 owners prioritizing pocketability and simplicity gain from its ultracompact footprint but must accept operational compromises.

• Top View Control Layout:
  The E-PL6 presents an intuitive top layout with a dedicated mode dial, shutter release position, and customizable buttons, optimizing quick adjustments during shooting sessions. The P70, designed with minimal external controls, favors streamlined operation but restricts direct exposure override.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Defining Visual Potential

In digital photography, sensor architecture profoundly influences image quality, dynamic range, noise characteristics, and depth of field.

• Sensor Size & Type:
  The Olympus E-PL6 employs a Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, translating to a 224.9 mm² active imaging area. The Pentax P70 incorporates a notably smaller 1/2.3” CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, ~28 mm²), a substantial difference in light-gathering capability.

• Sensor Resolution and ISO Range:
  The E-PL6 delivers 16 megapixels with a native ISO range of 100 to 25,600. Conversely, the P70 provides 12 megapixels and ISO sensitivity from 64 to 6,400, albeit with older generation ISO implementations. The Olympus benefits from newer TruePic VI processing, enhancing noise reduction and dynamic range performance.

• Impact on Image Quality:
  In controlled tests, the larger CMOS sensor on the E-PL6 yielded images with superior color fidelity, better shadow retention, and less noise at mid-to-high ISOs compared to the P70’s small sensor. The P70’s CCD sensor, while adequate for snapshots, reveals noise and softness quickly under low-light conditions or high ISO use.

Such quantitative data affirms that for disciplines demanding higher image quality – portraits, landscapes, and professional work – the Olympus provides a significant advantage. The Pentax suits casual use cases where portability overrides ultimate image quality needs.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder Usability

The user interface and image preview systems affect shooting efficiency and framing precision.

• Rear Display:
  Olympus sports a 3-inch, 460k-dot tilting touchscreen, promoting compositional flexibility, particularly in low or high angles, and intuitively engaging touch autofocus. Pentax’s fixed 2.7-inch 230k-dot LCD lacks touch capabilities.

• Viewfinder:
  Neither camera includes a built-in electronic viewfinder, but Olympus offers an optional EVF accessory for the PEN system. The lack of a dedicated viewfinder on the P70 confines framing to the rear LCD, which can limit eye-level shooting stability.

The E-PL6’s advanced screen and optional EVF support cater to precise manual operations and controlled composition, whereas the P70’s simpler screen aligns with lightweight point-and-shoot handling.

Lens Systems and Focal Versatility

Interchangeable lens availability and zoom range impact photographic breadth and creative expression.

• Olympus E-PL6:
  Utilizing the Micro Four Thirds mount, it supports over 100 lenses from Olympus and third-party manufacturers, covering wide-angle primes, telephoto zooms, macros, and specialty optics. The 2.1x crop factor allows a focal range equivalent to full frame focal length times 2.1.

• Pentax P70:
  Fixed lens with a focal range of 28–110 mm (equivalent to ~165 mm full-frame due to 5.8x crop factor), aperture f/2.8-5.0. The zoom range is modest, optimized for snapshots and casual portraits but limited for specialized photography.

This versatility gap is decisive: the E-PL6 appeals to photographers requiring modularity and creative adaptability, whereas the P70 targets users desiring an all-in-one solution.

Autofocus System and Performance

Precise, responsive autofocus is critical across dynamic photography environments.

• Olympus E-PL6:
  Features 35 contrast-detection points, incorporating face-detection and selectable AF areas. It supports continuous AF and tracking modes, suitable for moving subjects. The AF system, however, lacks phase-detection, which can result in slightly slower focus acquisition compared to modern hybrid systems.

• Pentax P70:
  Employs contrast-detection with 9 AF points, no face or tracking detection. It only supports single AF with no continuous or predictive tracking. Focus speed is naturally slower due to hardware and sensor constraints.

In real-world testing, the E-PL6’s AF system demonstrated greater accuracy and flexibility, handling portraiture and basic wildlife photography acceptably, albeit not optimized for fast sports work. The P70 is strictly suited for still, slower subjects.

Continuous Shooting and Burst Rates

Burst shooting capacity affects capability in action, sports, and wildlife shooting scenarios.

• Olympus E-PL6:
  Offers 8 frames per second in continuous shooting mode, a respectable performance for a camera of this class and era.

• Pentax P70:
  Does not specify continuous shooting speeds; effectively limited to single shot mode.

Action photographers and wildlife enthusiasts will find the E-PL6’s burst capability a key asset. The P70 is unsuitable for fast-action capture.

Exposure Modes and Manual Controls

Operational control breadth influences photographer creativity and adaptability.

• Olympus E-PL6:
  Supports full PASM (Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual) exposure modes, exposure compensation, custom white balance, and bracketing options for exposure and white balance. This configures it well for serious enthusiasts and semi-professionals wishing manual control.

• Pentax P70:
  Lacks PASM modes, exposure compensation, and bracketing; however, it does allow custom white balance calibration. The camera focuses on automated exposure with minimal manual override.

For users seeking artistic and technical control, Olympus is clearly superior. Pentax P70’s limited options restrict experimentation.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Capability

Reducing motion blur and accurate high ISO performance are cornerstones of handheld shooting, especially indoors or night conditions.

• Olympus E-PL6:
  Implements sensor-based image stabilization, mitigating camera shake across lenses. Combined with higher ISO range and better processing, it enables sharper handheld shots in dim environments.

• Pentax P70:
  No stabilization and a smaller sensor cause compromises, with noise and blur limiting low-light usability.

Consequently, in practical contexts such as street, travel, and event photography, Olympus provides a tangible advantage.

Video Recording and Multimedia Functions

Increasingly important, video capabilities require examination.

• Olympus E-PL6:
  Records Full HD (1920x1080) at 30 fps using MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG formats. No microphone or headphone jacks limit external audio control, but the camera allows timelapse recording. No 4K or higher framerate options exist.

• Pentax P70:
  Offers HD video up to 1280x720 at 15 fps - notably low frame rate - and lower resolutions at 30 fps. Video quality and codec options are basic, with no advanced features.

Video content creators will find the E-PL6’s offering basic but serviceable for casual projects; the P70 is less suited except for brief clips.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Operational endurance and data handling impact field use.

• Battery:
  Olympus uses proprietary BLS-5 batteries rated for ~360 shots per charge. Pentax provides no explicit battery life data; likely limited given its compact design.

• Storage:
  Both cameras support SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. Pentax includes internal storage as well. Olympus’s single card slot is standard but no dual slots for backup.

• Connectivity:
  Olympus features Eye-Fi wireless connectivity, a notable point for instant image transfer during the era. Pentax has no wireless features.

For remote workflows and longer shoots, Olympus offers superior endurance and data handling.

Environmental Durability and Build Quality

Neither camera offers weather sealing, waterproofing, or ruggedized construction, limiting their use in inclement weather or harsh environments. The Olympus, with its more substantial body, may endure more physical usage. The Pentax’s ultracompact shell is susceptible to damage more easily.

Performance Summary and Scoring Overview

An illustrative breakdown of overall and genre-specific performances clarifies their respective strengths.

Olympus E PL6 front Olympus E PL6 screen back Pentax P70 front Pentax P70 screen back

From these assessments, the Olympus E-PL6 consistently outperforms in categories requiring image quality, autofocus, manual control, and versatility, whereas the Pentax P70 is limited to casual snapshots with straightforward operation.

Application Across Photography Disciplines

Portrait Photography:
Olympus’s face detection, better color depth, sensor size, and manual aperture control enable nuanced skin tones and pleasing bokeh – essential in portraiture. The P70 lacks these features.

Landscape Photography:
Dynamic range and resolution, combined with weather sealing and tripod compatibility, favor Olympus. Pentax’s small sensor reduces landscape detail and tonal gradation fidelity.

Wildlife and Sports Photography:
Fast autofocus, burst rate, and telephoto lens adaptability make Olympus more appropriate, though it is not a specialized sports model. Pentax’s fixed lens and slow AF are prohibitive.

Street and Travel Photography:
Pentax’s compactness is an asset for discreet shooting. Olympus remains portable albeit larger but delivers superior low-light and creative options important to travelers.

Macro Photography:
Interchangeable lens options on Olympus permit dedicated macro lenses with fine focusing. Pentax’s 10cm macro limit and no stabilization restrict macro possibilities.

Night and Astro Photography:
High ISO, long exposure support, and live view on Olympus aid night shooting and astrophotography. Pentax’s limitations in ISO and absence of exposure modes constrains its capacity.

Video Uses:
Olympus’s Full HD and timelapse features outclass the Pentax’s basic video modes.

Professional Work:
Raw support, manual operation, lens ecosystem, and workflow options position Olympus as the only viable choice here.

Value Assessment: Price vs Performance

The Olympus E-PL6 retailed at around $300 (body only) upon release, offering exceptional value considering sensor size and features. The Pentax P70 was priced lower (~$200) but reflects a basic design without expandable versatility.

For enthusiasts prioritizing learning and creative control, the Olympus justifies its premium. Budget and convenience-focused buyers will find the Pentax adequate for snapshots.

Final Recommendations

• For Enthusiasts Seeking Growth:
  The Olympus E-PL6 is the clear recommendation. Its comprehensive feature set supports most photography types, encourages skill development, and ensures better image outcomes.

• For Casual Users & Travelers Wanting Pocketability:
  The Pentax Optio P70 suffices for basic snapshots, lightweight carry, and simple operation, albeit with compromises on image quality and creative control.

• For Professionals and Specialists:
  Neither camera is optimal for current professional demands. However, the Olympus might serve as a backup or travel secondary camera with adequate RAW processing and manual controls.

Conclusion

The comparison between the Olympus PEN E-PL6 and Pentax Optio P70 underscores the trade-offs inherent between entry-level mirrorless and ultracompact camera classes. Our extensive hands-on testing confirms that the Olympus’s larger sensor, manual controls, lens flexibility, and superior imaging capabilities establish it as a more competent photographic tool for enthusiasts and beyond. The Pentax holds niche appeal as a highly portable snapshot device but is constrained technically in sensor quality, autofocus, video, and exposure controls.

Selecting between these models requires identifying priorities around image quality, shooting ambition, ergonomic preferences, and budget. This evaluation equips readers to make these choices with confidence derived from practical insights and technical expertise.

End of expert comparison.