Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K20D

In this article, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K20D, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the K20D (15MP) is relatively close but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and K20D (APS-C) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PM1 was launched 3 years later than the K20D and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K20D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a short summation of how the E-PM1 matches up against the K20D in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Pentax K20D. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Pentax K20D Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM1 comes with exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Pentax K20D has proportions of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax K20D in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PM1 versus the K20D.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and K20D is 89 and 59 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to picture the difference in sensor measurements purely by viewing specifications. The graphic underneath should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and K20D.

Plainly, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PM1 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh tougher and the Pentax K20D will provide you with extra detail utilizing its extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The newer E-PM1 should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.