Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-500

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus E-PM1 versus Pentax K-500, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and K-500 (16MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and K-500 (APS-C) come with different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM1 was introduced 24 months earlier than the K-500 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the E-PM1 matches up vs the K-500 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Pentax K-500. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera, you'll need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM1 has got exterior measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PM1 versus Pentax K-500 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PM1 against the K-500.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and K-500 is 89 and 64 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing only by reading a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and K-500.

Clearly, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-500 will offer you greater detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images far more aggressively. The older E-PM1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.