Olympus E-PL8 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus E-PL8 and Pentax K-5 IIs, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the K-5 IIs (16MP) is very similar but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and K-5 IIs (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL8 was unveiled 3 years later than the K-5 IIs and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summation of how the E-PL8 grades against the K-5 IIs in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Pentax K-5 IIs. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL8 comes with external measurements 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-5 IIs has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL8 and Pentax K-5 IIs in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PL8 vs the K-5 IIs.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL8 and K-5 IIs is 86 and 60 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to picture the gap between sensor measurements just by reviewing specs. The visual underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL8 and K-5 IIs.

All in all, both of those cameras have the same megapixels but different sensor measurements. The E-PL8 has got the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallow DOF trickier. The newer E-PL8 should have an advantage in sensor innovation.