Olympus PEN-F vs Pentax X-5

Following is a in depth overview of the Olympus PEN-F versus Pentax X-5, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the PEN-F (20MP) and X-5 (16MP) and the PEN-F (Four Thirds) and X-5 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor size.

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The PEN-F was revealed 3 years after the X-5 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus PEN-F being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the PEN-F matches up versus the X-5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN-F and Pentax X-5. The full galleries are provided at Olympus PEN-F Gallery and Pentax X-5 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus PEN-F features external dimensions of 125mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.5") along with a weight of 427 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Pentax X-5 has specifications of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") accompanied by a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus PEN-F versus Pentax X-5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the PEN-F compared to the X-5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the PEN-F and X-5 is 84 and 65 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reading a spec sheet. The picture here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the PEN-F and X-5.

Clearly, both of those cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The PEN-F using its larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus PEN-F will offer you extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images way more aggressively. The more modern PEN-F will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.