Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax K-r

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax K-r, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and K-r (12MP) and the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and K-r (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM2 was launched 2 years later than the K-r and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-PM2 scores versus the K-r in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Pentax K-r. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Pentax K-r Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM2 enjoys physical measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Pentax K-r has dimensions of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") and a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax K-r in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PM2 against the K-r.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM2 and K-r is 89 and 67 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizing purely by checking specs. The graphic underneath will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM2 and K-r.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PM2 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh trickier and the Olympus E-PM2 will give you more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The more modern E-PM2 should have an advantage in sensor tech.