Olympus E-PL8 vs Pentax K-1

Below is a detailed comparison of the Olympus E-PL8 and Pentax K-1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL8 (16MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and K-1 (Full frame) provide different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL8 was released 8 months later than the K-1 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-PL8 scores versus the K-1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Pentax K-1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Pentax K-1 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL8 offers external measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-1 has sizing of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") and a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL8 and Pentax K-1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the E-PL8 and the K-1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL8 and K-1 is 86 and 55 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to visualize the difference between sensor measurements just by checking a spec sheet. The graphic here will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL8 and K-1.

As you can see, each of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL8 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-1 will give extra detail as a result of its extra 20MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots more aggressively. The more recent E-PL8 provides an advantage in sensor innovation.