Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-S1

Here is a extended analysis of the Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-S1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and K-S1 (20MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and K-S1 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM1 was unveiled 3 years prior to the K-S1 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a complete comparison, here is a quick summation of how the E-PM1 matches up vs the K-S1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Pentax K-S1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM1 offers outside measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Pentax K-S1 has measurements of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K-S1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the K-S1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and K-S1 is 89 and 69 respectively.

Usually, its hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizing only by going over technical specs. The visual below should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and K-S1.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K-S1 will offer you more detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older E-PM1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.