Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-01: An Expert Comparison for Your Next Mirrorless Camera

Choosing your next mirrorless camera can be a challenging journey, especially when models like the Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Pentax K-01 are both compelling modern classics for entry-level shooters. Both cameras launched in the early 2010s, offering distinct designs, sensor technologies, and shooting experiences. Drawing from years of hands-on testing and deep technical knowledge, this comparison article unpacks how these two hold up today across all major photography genres and real-world shooting scenarios.

We’ll explore core performance attributes, sensor characteristics, ergonomics, autofocus, video, and beyond. Whether you’re a portrait artist, wildlife chaser, or travel photographer, you’ll come away knowing which camera better aligns with your needs, style, and creative ambitions.

First Impressions: Design and Handling in Your Hands

The first interaction with a camera shapes your shooting experience immensely. The Olympus E-PM1 follows a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless design, compact and minimalistic. In contrast, the Pentax K-01 opts for a bold SLR-style body with an unusual yet distinctive boxy silhouette.

Physical Dimensions and Ergonomics

In Practice: The E-PM1’s petite size makes it highly portable, perfect for street and travel photography where discreetness and light travel kit matter. The K-01 feels more substantial and solid in the hand, lending reassurance during long shooting sessions but potentially wearing on small hands.

Control Layout and Interface

Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch LCD screens, but the Pentax's higher 921k-dot resolution provides a crisper live view, useful in bright situations.

Olympus sticks to a simplified dial and minimal external buttons, ideal for beginners who don’t want to get lost in menus. Pentax offers more direct access controls, suited for those who want granular settings tweaking without diving into on-screen menus.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Foundation of Your Photos

Sensor technology underpins every photograph you take. The Olympus E-PM1 utilizes a Four Thirds CMOS sensor sized 17.3 x 13 mm with 12MP resolution, while the Pentax K-01 boasts a larger APS-C CMOS sensor (23.7 x 15.7 mm) with 16MP resolution.

Technical Breakdown

Insights: The K-01’s larger sensor gathers more light and offers better dynamic range and color depth, translating into richer, more nuanced images - especially in challenging lighting. The E-PM1’s smaller sensor may limit high ISO performance and produce images with more noise in darker conditions.

Autofocus and Performance: Capturing the Moment

Fast, accurate autofocus determines your ability to seize fleeting moments - whether a smiling portrait or a bird in flight.

The Olympus E-PM1 benefits from a competent contrast-based AF system with face detection and tracking capabilities - even on moving subjects - making it a surprisingly nimble choice for casual wildlife or sports photography.

Pentax K-01’s more numerous AF points enable precise location focusing, but the lack of tracking autofocus limits sustained focus on erratically moving subjects. Both cameras rely on contrast detection, which is generally slower than phase detection systems but can be accurate with good light.

Viewing and Composing: Screen and Viewfinder

Neither camera comes with a built-in viewfinder, relying entirely on their LCD panels for framing shots - something to consider if you prefer eye-level composition.

The K-01’s higher resolution screen provides a sharper preview, crucial in direct sunlight or for reviewing fine details during macro or landscape work. The E-PM1’s screen is excellent for general use but can feel slightly underwhelming outdoors.

Versatility Across Photography Types

Let’s dive deep into how each camera performs across specific photography genres.

Portrait Photography

Key Considerations: Skin tone rendition, bokeh quality, eye detection autofocus, and color accuracy.

• Olympus E-PM1: The Four Thirds sensor coupled with Micro Four Thirds lenses offers decent background separation but can struggle to achieve creamy bokeh compared to larger sensor counterparts. Its facial detection AF helps nail sharp eyes reliably.
• Pentax K-01: The APS-C sensor shines here, delivering smoother tonal gradations and shallower depth of field. With over 150 Pentax K-mount lenses available, you have access to classic portrait primes like the 50mm f/1.4. However, the absence of eye detection AF slightly reduces hit rate.

Landscape Photography

Key Considerations: Resolution, dynamic range, weather sealing, and sensor size.

• The Pentax K-01’s larger sensor and higher dynamic range facilitate capturing critical detail in skies and shadows - a big advantage for landscape shooters who work with raw files.
• Olympus hosts 107 MFT lenses, including ultra-wide options, great for wide vistas. However, the smaller sensor’s dynamic range limits recoverable highlights.
• Both cameras lack weather sealing - a notable downside if you shoot outdoors often amid unpredictable conditions.

Wildlife Photography

Key Considerations: Autofocus speed, telephoto lens availability, burst rates.

• Olympus offers excellent compatibility with numerous MFT telephoto and super-telephoto lenses, albeit with a 2.1x crop factor enhancing reach.
• Pentax’s 1.5x crop sensor also extends range. However, autofocus tracking lag on the K-01 and slower AF speed on both cameras make them less ideal for fast-moving wildlife.
• Both cameras shoot at 6fps, adequate for some action sequences but not for professional sports or avian photography demanding ultra-high burst rates.

Sports Photography

Key Considerations: Tracking autofocus, burst speed, low-light AF performance.

• Olympus’s continuous AF tracking and face detection give it a slight edge for casual sports shooters.
• K-01 lacks tracking AF, hindering its capacity to maintain focus during quick movements.
• Neither camera matches pro-level frame rates or sophisticated phase-detect AF for high-paced action photography.

Street Photography

Key Considerations: Discreteness, size, low light ISO performance.

• The E-PM1 excels for street shooters seeking a light, pocketable companion that won’t draw attention.
• The K-01 is bulkier but produces cleaner images in challenging light, which matters on dim streets or at dusk.
• Both cameras have silent shutter modes missing, which can be a drawback for candid work.

Macro Photography

Key Considerations: Focusing precision, stabilization, lens selection.

• Olympus includes sensor-based image stabilization, beneficial for handheld macro shots where minuscule movements spoil focus.
• Pentax offers extensive K-mount macro lenses with excellent optics.
• Neither camera supports focus stacking or focus bracketing, making advanced macro workflows more challenging.

Night and Astrophotography

Key Considerations: High ISO noise, long exposure capability, noise reduction.

• Pentax pushes further in maximum ISO, delivering better noise control at higher settings thanks to the larger sensor.
• Longer maximum shutter speed on Olympus supports extended exposures but the smaller sensor means more noise in star fields.
• Neither camera includes built-in intervalometers, although the Pentax supports timelapse recording, giving it an edge for astro time lapses.

Video Capabilities

• Olympus delivers smoother full HD 60fps video, great for slow-motion footage.
• Pentax records 1080p but maxes out at 30fps.
• Microphone input support on the K-01 favors videographers concerned about audio quality.
• Lack of in-body stabilization in video mode on either camera limits hand-held shot smoothness.

Travel Photography

• The Olympus wins for light, compact size, and ease of carrying. Its shorter minimum shutter speed (60 sec) and 3-inch LCD suffice for quick reviews.
• Pentax’s longer battery life (540 shots vs. 330) suits extended excursions without charging.
• Both offer single SD card slots and no wireless connectivity, meaning on-the-go image transfers require cables or card readers.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

• Both cameras can fit into professional workflows at an entry level, offering RAW and manual controls.
• The Pentax’s longer battery life and higher resolution files mildly favor detailed studio and location work.
• Olympus’s smaller size benefits photographers on tight travel or event schedules.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized, so both require extra care in adverse environments. The E-PM1’s plastic-heavy body contrasts with the K-01’s substantial metal chassis, providing a more robust feel.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

• Olympus E-PM1: Micro Four Thirds mount with over 107 lenses available, including wide selections from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties. MFT lenses are generally compact and affordable.
• Pentax K-01: KAF2 mount supports 151 lenses including popular Pentax primes and zooms. These lenses tend to be larger and heavier but offer excellent optical quality.

Lens availability may influence your choice depending on shooting preferences and budget.

Summary: How Do They Stack Up?

Olympus E PM1 screen back Pentax K 01 front Pentax K 01 screen back

Performance Highlights by Photography Genre

Recommendations: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choose the Olympus E-PM1 if:

• You prioritize lightweight, compact gear for travel, street, and casual portraiture.
• You want smooth 1080p60 video for vlogging or creative slow motion.
• You prefer a simpler, streamlined control scheme.
• Budget is a key consideration; this camera offers solid value.

Choose the Pentax K-01 if:

• You want superior image quality with the larger APS-C sensor.
• You will benefit from better dynamic range in landscapes and more detailed portraits.
• You value a robust grip and tactile controls.
• Video is secondary but you want microphone input for better audio.
• Battery life is crucial for extended shoots.
• You want access to a broad range of high-quality K-mount lenses for specialized photography.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Creative Vision Come to Life

Both the Olympus E-PM1 and Pentax K-01 are excellent entry points into mirrorless photography, each with its own flair and strengths. Your choice boils down to what aspects matter most in your workflow and creative vision. If you lean towards portability and video-friendly features, Olympus is a natural fit. If image quality, tactile experience, and battery endurance top your list, the Pentax K-01 deserves your attention.

We encourage you to handle both cameras in-store or via rental to feel their ergonomics and menus firsthand. Pair them with lenses that excite you and align with your style. Ultimately, the best camera is one that inspires you to pick it up - and make stunning photographs every time.

Embark on your photographic journey equipped with insight, confidence, and passion - happy shooting!