Olympus E-PL9 vs Pentax K-S2

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus E-PL9 vs Pentax K-S2, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is fairly similar but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and K-S2 (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

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The E-PL9 was revealed 3 years later than the K-S2 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a detailed comparison, below is a short view of how the E-PL9 matches up against the K-S2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Pentax K-S2. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL9 comes with outer measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-S2 has dimensions of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL9 vs Pentax K-S2 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL9 compared to the K-S2.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL9 and K-S2 is 85 and 64 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to picture the contrast between sensor measurements just by going over specs. The photograph here may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL9 and K-S2.

All in all, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL9 using its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh more difficult and the Pentax K-S2 will deliver extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos a little more aggressively. The newer E-PL9 should have an edge in sensor technology.