Olympus E-PL8 vs Pentax K-01

Below, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL8 versus Pentax K-01, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the K-01 (16MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and K-01 (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL8 was launched 4 years later than the K-01 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-PL8 matches up versus the K-01 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Pentax K-01. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Pentax K-01 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL8 offers physical dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Pentax K-01 has dimensions of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") accompanied by a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL8 versus Pentax K-01 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the E-PL8 against the K-01.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL8 and K-01 is 86 and 76 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to picture the difference between sensor measurements only by reading a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL8 and K-01.

As you can see, both of those cameras have got the exact same resolution albeit different sensor measurements. The E-PL8 uses the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF trickier. The fresher E-PL8 should have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.