Olympus E-PL8 vs Pentax K-7

In this write-up, we are looking at the Olympus E-PL8 and Pentax K-7, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the K-7 (15MP) is very well matched but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and K-7 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL8 was brought out 7 years later than the K-7 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-7 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the E-PL8 grades vs the K-7 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Pentax K-7. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Pentax K-7 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL8 has got outer dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) and the Pentax K-7 has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL8 and Pentax K-7 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using at that time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PL8 compared to the K-7.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and K-7 is 86 and 60 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading through a spec sheet. The photograph below should offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL8 and K-7.

As you can see, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL8 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Olympus E-PL8 will give you greater detail having its extra 1MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The more recent E-PL8 will have a benefit in sensor technology.