Olympus E-PM1 vs Pentax ist DL2: A Thorough Comparison of Entry-Level Mirrorless and Advanced DSLR Cameras

Choosing your next camera can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. Today, we explore two very different cameras aimed at photographers who appreciate quality but come from distinct design philosophies and eras: the Olympus E-PM1, a pioneering entry-level mirrorless from 2011, and the Pentax ist DL2, a mid-2000s advanced DSLR tailored for enthusiasts. Both cameras offer unique advantages - but how do they stack up across photography styles, real-world handling, image quality, and usability for today’s creator?

Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, including extensive lab and field evaluations, I’m here to help you unpack these models with practical insights. We’ll analyze sensor technology, autofocus, ergonomics, video, and more - providing you a clear, user-focused guide to make the right choice.

Getting Hands-On: Body Design and Ergonomics

Physical size, grip comfort, and control layout heavily influence your shooting experience. The Olympus E-PM1 embraces a compact rangefinder-style mirrorless body, lightweight at 265 grams, with dimensions of 110 x 64 x 34 mm. In contrast, the Pentax ist DL2 is a mid-size DSLR weighing 565 grams with a more substantial grip; physical size is notably bigger at 125 x 93 x 66 mm.

The E-PM1 is ideal if portability and subtlety are priorities, particularly for street, travel, and candid shooting. Its minimalist design lacks a built-in viewfinder, encouraging you to rely on the rear screen for framing.

On the other hand, the ist DL2 offers a traditional DSLR body with a robust optical viewfinder (95% coverage, 0.57x magnification). This appeals if you prefer eye-level composition and a more tactile shutter release experience. The pentaprism hump houses a traditional AF sensor, aiding fast phase-detection autofocus.

Ergonomically, the Pentax’s grip suits those with larger hands or who want more confident handling when using heavier lenses. Olympus’s smaller body favors lightweight primes and casual handheld use.

From our hands-on tests, the Pentax provides dedicated dials for exposure compensation and shooting modes, while Olympus leans more on menus and fewer physical buttons. Both cameras offer manual exposure modes, but Olympus’s mirrorless interface feels more modern with sensor-based image stabilization.

Sensor and Image Quality: Comparing the Heart of Each Camera

The sensor shapes your images’ resolution, dynamic range, low-light capability, and overall character. Here’s the detailed comparison:

The Olympus employs a 12MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor with backside illumination, offering strong pixel-level noise control and the advantage of sensor-based image stabilization. The compact sensor makes lenses smaller and more affordable, with a focal length multiplier of 2.1x.

The Pentax ist DL2 features a 6MP APS-C CCD sensor - older tech, with a larger sensor area contributing to greater dynamic range and color depth. However, CCD sensors tend to produce more noise at high ISO compared to newer CMOS sensors. It has a smaller max ISO range topping out at 3200 native.

From image tests, the Olympus excels in resolution, low-light versatility, and color consistency for everyday shooting. The Pentax still holds its own in producing richer tonality and subtle gradations thanks to its CCD sensor. But you’ll find the Olympus captures more detail and better high-ISO performance - especially useful in low-light, events, or night photography.

Viewing and Interface: Framing Your Shot

Without a built-in viewfinder, Olympus relies on its rear LCD as the main composing tool. The PEN E-PM1 sports a fixed 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD with 460k-dot resolution and anti-reflective coating to improve visibility outdoors.

The Pentax ist DL2’s smaller 2.5-inch LCD has 210k dots resolution. It offers an optical pentaprism viewfinder with 95% frame coverage and 0.57x magnification - greatly enhancing framing accuracy and eye contact for DSLR shooters.

The Olympus’s touchscreen is absent, but its live view with face detection and contrast-detection autofocus streamlines modern mirrorless workflow. The Pentax lacks live view entirely, relying on viewfinder and phase AF.

This means the Olympus is more beginner-friendly for those familiar with smartphone-style composition and touch navigation, while the Pentax caters to photographers comfortable with traditional DSLR ergonomics and optical viewfinders.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

The autofocus system and continuous shooting performance determine your success in dynamic scenes - sports, wildlife, or street photography.

• Olympus E-PM1:

  • Contrast-detection AF only (no phase detection)
  • 35 AF points with face detection
  • 6 fps continuous shooting
  • AF tracking and selectable multi-area AF modes

• Pentax ist DL2:

  • Phase detection AF with 5 focus points (multi-area and selective)
  • 3 fps continuous shooting
  • No face detection, no live view AF

Despite the Pentax’s traditional DSLR phase detection autofocus, the Olympus’s more modern 35-point contrast AF system with face detection often proves snappier and more reliable in live view mode. While phase-detect is typically faster, Pentax’s limited points and lack of tracking reduce its effectiveness for moving subjects.

The Olympus’s higher burst rate (6 fps) enables better chances to get critical moments, especially for fast-moving action or wildlife.

Versatility Across Photography Styles

Let’s see how these two cameras perform across key photographic applications:

Portraits

• Olympus PEN E-PM1:

  • 12MP resolution delivers detailed skin texture
  • Sensor stabilization helps reduce blur with slower shutter speeds
  • Face detection autofocus assists eye-level focus
  • Micro Four Thirds lens system offers many sharp primes to create creamy bokeh

• Pentax ist DL2:

  • Lower resolution but robust color depth produces pleasant skin tones
  • Optical viewfinder gives exact framing
  • Phase-detect AF reliable for static subjects
  • Larger APS-C sensor contributes to subject-background separation with fast lenses

For portraits, the Olympus provides practical autofocus aids and image stabilization. However, if you prefer optical viewfinder framing and classic CCD color rendition, the Pentax remains attractive.

Landscape

• Olympus E-PM1:

  • 12MP resolution benefits detailed landscapes
  • Solid dynamic range handles highlights and shadows well
  • Weather sealing: none
  • Four Thirds lens lineup limited but includes quality wide-angle options

• Pentax ist DL2:

  • Larger sensor with superior color depth benefits landscape tonality
  • Slightly better dynamic range for nuanced shadows
  • Weather sealing: none
  • Pentax K-mount boasts vast compatible lenses, including high-quality primes and tilt-shifts

Landscape enthusiasts appreciate the Pentax’s optical viewfinder and superior sensor area for richer tones. However, the Olympus’s higher resolution and image stabilization provide considerable handheld advantages.

Wildlife and Sports

• Olympus’s superior burst rate (6 fps), face detection, and wider autofocus coverage win favor here. The Micro Four Thirds system offers lightweight, versatile telephoto lenses with focal length multiplier 2.1x, beneficial for reaching distant subjects.

• Pentax’s limited 3 fps speed, fewer AF points (5), and slower autofocus make it less suited to fast action, although it benefits from a larger sensor and optical viewfinder clarity.

Street and Travel

• Olympus E-PM1 is excellent for street photography due to compact size, lightweight body, and quiet operation (silent shooting option absent but shutter noise softer). The 3-inch bright LCD encourages shooting from unconventional angles.

• Pentax ist DL2 is bulkier and less discreet but offers rugged DSLR feel and battery flexibility using 4xAA cells, useful on extended trips without chargers.

Macro and Night Photography

• Neither camera has macro-specific capabilities or focus stacking, but sensor stabilization in the Olympus aids macro handheld shooting.

• Night/astro photography favors the Olympus for higher max ISO, better noise control, and live view exposure preview.

Video Recording: Capabilities and Limitations

One major difference lies in video functionality:

If video plays a critical role in your workflow or content creation, the Olympus E-PM1 is clearly ahead, supporting Full HD 60fps with sensor-based image stabilization. The Pentax ist DL2 offers no video capability.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

• Olympus E-PM1 has no wireless, no bluetooth, but HDMI output and USB 2.0 for data transfer. It uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot and records about 330 shots per battery charge with proprietary BLS-5 battery.

• Pentax ist DL2 also lacks wireless features, no HDMi out, and offers slow USB 1.0. Storage is on SD/MMC cards. It runs on 4 AA batteries - providing flexibility in battery sourcing but possibly limited longevity and weight concerns.

Battery life slightly favors Olympus in capacity and power efficiency, but the Pentax’s AA battery use appeals where charging options are limited.

Lens Ecosystem and Accessory Compatibility

• Olympus Micro Four Thirds mount supports over 100 lenses, including Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, Tamron, and third-party manufacturers. Modern autofocus lenses with optical image stabilization abound.

• Pentax K-mount has a vast legacy with 150+ lenses available new and used, including autofocus, manual focus, film-era lenses, and adapters. Useful for those invested in DSLR systems or vintage glass.

Olympus E PM1 screen back Pentax ist DL2 front Pentax ist DL2 screen back

Testing image samples from both cameras reveals Olympus’s sharper details and cleaner high ISO images, while Pentax images have a slightly warmer, classic CCD look.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

Neither camera features weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. The Pentax, being a mid-2000s DSLR, has a more rugged feel, though with heavier weight.

Price and Overall Value Assessment

Olympus E-PM1 typically retails around $499 new (now discontinued, available used). Pentax ist DL2 is an older model with no current retail price but often found used at or below Olympus’s cost.

The Olympus presents a modern feature set with image stabilization, superior sensor, competitive autofocus, and video. The Pentax offers a traditional DSLR experience with optical viewfinder and classic CCD tonality but lacks video and comparably advanced AF.

Expert Testing Summary and Final Recommendations

Which Camera Is Right for You?

• Choose the Olympus E-PM1 if:
  You want a lightweight, compact mirrorless that excels at everyday photography, travel, videos, and portraits. You appreciate modern features like sensor stabilization and face-detection autofocus. This camera suits beginners stepping into interchangeable lens systems or creatives seeking portability without compromising image quality.

• Choose the Pentax ist DL2 if:
  You prioritize a traditional DSLR feel, optical viewfinder, excellent color depth, and have access to rich K-mount lenses. You prefer shooting static subjects or landscapes with a classic CCD sensor aesthetic and don’t require video capabilities.

Final Thoughts

While the Olympus E-PM1 represents early 2010s mirrorless innovation with compact portability and commendable image quality, the Pentax ist DL2 reminds us of the solid DSLR designs that built today’s enthusiast market.

If you want an all-rounder for both stills and video with modularity for creative growth, the Olympus edges out as the better practical tool. However, if you value an optical viewfinder experience and classic DSLR shooting methods, the Pentax still holds nostalgic and functional appeal, especially with legacy lenses.

Feel encouraged to handle both models if possible - ergonomics and shooting style preference are key. Whichever you choose, both cameras offer rewarding image quality and learning opportunities foundational for your photographic journey.

Get Started

Explore compatible lenses, accessories, and sample images of each system. Consider renting or buying secondhand to test in your own shooting conditions. Use this comparison to pick a camera that matches your creative needs and budget - your vision deserves the right tool!

If you want to explore the latest in mirrorless and DSLR cameras with enhanced autofocus, sensors, and video, don’t hesitate to check out newer models in Olympus’s PEN lineup or Pentax’s K-series for more advanced features.

Happy shooting!