Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5 II
89 Imaging
48 Features
52 Overall
49
![Olympus PEN E-PM1 front Olympus PEN E-PM1 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/w300/fronton/Olympus_PEN_E-PM1_0.jpg)
![Pentax K-5 II front Pentax K-5 II front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-K-5-II/Pentax-K-5-II-front.jpg)
60 Imaging
58 Features
82 Overall
67
Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5 II Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 265g - 110 x 64 x 34mm
- Announced November 2011
- New Model is Olympus E-PM2
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Push to 51200)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 760g - 131 x 97 x 73mm
- Introduced June 2013
- Old Model is Pentax K-5
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5 II Overview
Below, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PM1 and Pentax K-5 II, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and K-5 II (16MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and K-5 II (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
The E-PM1 was manufactured 18 months before the K-5 II which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.
Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the E-PM1 grades vs the K-5 II in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5 II Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Pentax K-5 II. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Pentax K-5 II Gallery.
Reasons to pick Olympus E-PM1 over the Pentax K-5 II
E-PM1 | K-5 II |
---|
Reasons to pick Pentax K-5 II over the Olympus E-PM1
K-5 II | E-PM1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | June 2013 | ![]() | November 2011 | More modern by 18 months |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Sharper screen (+461k dot) |
Common features in the Olympus E-PM1 and Pentax K-5 II
E-PM1 | K-5 II | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Dial precise focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen dimension | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Identical screen sizing |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lacking selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Neither has Touch friendly screen |
Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5 II Physical Comparison
If you're aiming to carry around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM1 has outside measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 II has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).
Compare the Olympus E-PM1 and Pentax K-5 II in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the K-5 II.
![Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5 II size comparison Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5 II size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-PM1-vs-Pentax-K-5-II-size-comparison.jpg)
Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and K-5 II is 89 and 60 respectively.
![Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5 II top view buttons comparison Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5 II top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-PM1-vs-Pentax-K-5-II-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5 II Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it can be hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizes purely by researching specs. The picture below might give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM1 and K-5 II.
As you can plainly see, both cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PM1 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax K-5 II will provide you with more detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-PM1 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.
![Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5 II sensor size comparison Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5 II sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-PM1-vs-Pentax-K-5-II-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5 II Screen and ViewFinder
![Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5 II Screen and Viewfinder comparison Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5 II Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-PM1-vs-Pentax-K-5-II-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-5 II Specifications
Olympus PEN E-PM1 | Pentax K-5 II | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Olympus | Pentax |
Model type | Olympus PEN E-PM1 | Pentax K-5 II |
Type | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Advanced DSLR |
Announced | 2011-11-23 | 2013-06-04 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | TruePic VI | Prime II |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | Four Thirds | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 17.3 x 13mm | 23.7 x 15.7mm |
Sensor surface area | 224.9mm² | 372.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 | 3:2 |
Max resolution | 4032 x 3024 | 4928 x 3264 |
Max native ISO | 12800 | 12800 |
Max enhanced ISO | - | 51200 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW data | ||
Lowest enhanced ISO | - | 80 |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Total focus points | 35 | 11 |
Cross type focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Micro Four Thirds | Pentax KAF2 |
Total lenses | 107 | 151 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.1 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 3" | 3" |
Display resolution | 460k dots | 921k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Display technology | HyperCrystal LCD AR(Anti-Reflective) coating | TFT LCD monitor |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic (optional) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.61x |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 60s | 30s |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/8000s |
Continuous shutter rate | 6.0 frames per second | 7.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | no built-in flash | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Manual (3 levels) | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, High speed, Rear curtain and Wireless |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Fastest flash synchronize | 1/160s | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (25 fps), 1280 x 720 (25, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (25, 30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | AVCHD, Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 265 gr (0.58 lb) | 760 gr (1.68 lb) |
Dimensions | 110 x 64 x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") | 131 x 97 x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 52 | 82 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 21.0 | 23.8 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 10.3 | 14.1 |
DXO Low light rating | 499 | 1235 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 330 shots | 980 shots |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | BLS-5 | D-LI90 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | One | One |
Pricing at release | $499 | $830 |