Olympus E-PL9 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Following is a extended review of the Olympus E-PL9 versus Pentax K-5 IIs, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the K-5 IIs (16MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and K-5 IIs (APS-C) have totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL9 was manufactured 4 years after the K-5 IIs which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple summation of how the E-PL9 matches up vs the K-5 IIs in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Pentax K-5 IIs. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL9 provides outer dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 IIs has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL9 versus Pentax K-5 IIs in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL9 compared to the K-5 IIs.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL9 and K-5 IIs is 85 and 60 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to see the difference between sensor sizes purely by reviewing specs. The picture here will provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL9 and K-5 IIs.

All in all, both cameras provide the same MP albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL9 includes the tinier sensor which should make achieving shallow depth of field harder. The more modern E-PL9 will have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.