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Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax K-5 II

Portability
89
Imaging
52
Features
63
Overall
56
Olympus PEN E-PM2 front
 
Pentax K-5 II front
Portability
60
Imaging
58
Features
82
Overall
67

Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax K-5 II Key Specs

Olympus E-PM2
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 200 - 25600
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 269g - 110 x 64 x 34mm
  • Introduced May 2013
  • Replaced the Olympus E-PM1
Pentax K-5 II
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 12800 (Boost to 51200)
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 760g - 131 x 97 x 73mm
  • Introduced June 2013
  • Succeeded the Pentax K-5
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Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax K-5 II Overview

Here is a extended comparison of the Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax K-5 II, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the K-5 II (16MP) is fairly similar but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and K-5 II (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM2 was brought out at a similar time to the K-5 II which means that they are both of a similar age. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the E-PM2 matches up against the K-5 II in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

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Reasons to pick Olympus E-PM2 over the Pentax K-5 II

 E-PM2 K-5 II 
Touch friendly display Easily navigate

Reasons to pick Pentax K-5 II over the Olympus E-PM2

 K-5 II E-PM2 
Display resolution921k460kCrisper display (+461k dot)

Common features in the Olympus E-PM2 and Pentax K-5 II

 E-PM2 K-5 II 
IntroducedMay 2013June 2013Similar age
Manually focus Dial precise focusing
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Display sizing3"3"Equivalent display measurement
Selfie screen Neither features selfie screen

Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax K-5 II Physical Comparison

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM2 enjoys physical dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 II has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax K-5 II in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PM2 vs the K-5 II.

Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax K-5 II size comparison

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM2 and K-5 II is 89 and 60 respectively.

Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax K-5 II top view buttons comparison

Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax K-5 II Sensor Comparison

Oftentimes, it is tough to see the difference between sensor sizing just by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic here will offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM2 and K-5 II.

As you can see, the two cameras offer the same exact MP but not the same sensor sizing. The E-PM2 comes with the tinier sensor which will make getting bokeh more challenging.

Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax K-5 II sensor size comparison

Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax K-5 II Screen and ViewFinder

Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax K-5 II Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Olympus E-PM2 Portrait photography factors
Pentax K-5 II Portrait photography factors
71
manual focus
decent sensor resolution (16MP)
sensor size is nice (Four Thirds)
features face detect focus
delivers RAW files
74
you can focus manually
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
includes face detect focus
saves RAW formats
Photography Glossary

Street Comparison

Olympus E-PM2 Street photography advice
Pentax K-5 II Street photography advice
79
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is nice (Four Thirds)
delivers RAW files
has focus by touch
good high ISO (25,600)
no moving screen
67
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
saves RAW formats
environment proof
no moving screen
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Sports Comparison

Olympus E-PM2 Sports photography features
Pentax K-5 II Sports photography features
66
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor resolution (16 megapixels)
sensor size is nice (Four Thirds)
features tracking focus
lacks phase detect auto focus
79
maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000s)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor resolution is decent (16 megapixels)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
includes tracking focus
environment proof
sensor has phase detect auto focus
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Travel Comparison

Olympus E-PM2 Travel photography factors
Pentax K-5 II Travel photography factors
66
has focus by touch
decent sensor resolution (16MP)
lack of Timelapse mode
does not have selfie friendly screen
65
environment proof
sensor resolution is decent (16 megapixels)
built-in flash
doesn't offer selfie friendly screen
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Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Olympus E-PM2
Landscape photography with Pentax K-5 II
74
manual focus
swap lenses (Micro Four Thirds mount)
screen size is decent (3")
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor resolution (16 megapixels)
sensor size is nice (Four Thirds)
good high ISO (25,600)
delivers RAW files
lack of Timelapse mode
79
you can focus manually
change lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
screen size is good (3")
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor resolution is decent (16 megapixels)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
saves RAW formats
environment proof
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Vlogging Comparison

Olympus E-PM2 Vlogging factors
Pentax K-5 II Vlogging factors
36
touchscreen capability
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
features face detect focus
high quality video (1920 x 1080 pixels)
does not have selfie friendly screen
lack of microphone jack
33
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
includes face detect focus
high quality video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
includes microphone socket
doesn't offer selfie friendly screen
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Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax K-5 II Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus E-PM2 and Pentax K-5 II
 Olympus PEN E-PM2Pentax K-5 II
General Information
Make Olympus Pentax
Model type Olympus PEN E-PM2 Pentax K-5 II
Category Entry-Level Mirrorless Advanced DSLR
Introduced 2013-05-21 2013-06-04
Physical type Rangefinder-style mirrorless Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Processor - Prime II
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Four Thirds APS-C
Sensor measurements 17.3 x 13mm 23.7 x 15.7mm
Sensor surface area 224.9mm² 372.1mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 16 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 3:2
Highest resolution 4608 x 3456 4928 x 3264
Highest native ISO 25600 12800
Highest boosted ISO - 51200
Min native ISO 200 100
RAW format
Min boosted ISO - 80
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Total focus points 35 11
Cross type focus points - 9
Lens
Lens support Micro Four Thirds Pentax KAF2
Available lenses 107 151
Focal length multiplier 2.1 1.5
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen sizing 3 inches 3 inches
Screen resolution 460k dots 921k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Screen tech - TFT LCD monitor
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic (optional) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage - 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification - 0.61x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 60 secs 30 secs
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 secs 1/8000 secs
Continuous shooting rate 8.0 frames/s 7.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance 7.00 m (bundled FL-LM1) 13.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash options 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
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Maximum flash synchronize 1/250 secs -
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) 1920 x 1080 (25 fps), 1280 x 720 (25, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (25, 30 fps)
Highest video resolution 1920x1080 1920x1080
Video data format MPEG-4, H.264, Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Microphone port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected 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 269g (0.59 lb) 760g (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 All around rating 72 82
DXO Color Depth rating 22.7 23.8
DXO Dynamic range rating 12.2 14.1
DXO Low light rating 932 1235
Other
Battery life 360 photographs 980 photographs
Battery type Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID BLS-5 D-LI90
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds)
Time lapse feature
Storage type SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots One One
Cost at launch $448 $830