Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5

Lets look closer at the Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap among the resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and K-5 (APS-C) have different sensor size.

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The E-PM1 was launched 12 months later than the K-5 and they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the E-PM1 scores against the K-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Pentax K-5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM1 provides outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 has sizing of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have during that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the E-PM1 and the K-5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and K-5 is 89 and 60 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizing purely by checking out a spec sheet. The visual here will offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM1 and K-5.

Clearly, both of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax K-5 will provide more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more modern E-PM1 should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.