Olympus 7010 vs Pentax K-5: A Deep Dive into Two Cameras From Different Worlds

When you set out to compare two cameras as distinct as the Olympus Stylus 7010 and the Pentax K-5, the key is understanding what kind of photographer each one is meant for - and that starts at their very core. The Olympus 7010, announced back in mid-2009, is a small sensor compact designed for casual shooting and easy portability. Meanwhile, the Pentax K-5, launched 18 months later, targets enthusiasts and professionals craving DSLR-level control and performance.

In this article, I bring my 15+ years of hands-on experience, having tested thousands of cameras across varied photography disciplines, to dissect these two models. We’ll explore everything from sensor technology to ergonomics, autofocus to video - all peppered with real-world use cases and image examples. I’ll make no assumptions about your budget or style; instead, I’ll give you the tools to decide which camera fits your needs.

Let’s get going.

Size and Handling: Pocket-Ready vs Rugged DSLR

If you’re someone who carries your camera everywhere, size and ergonomics can make or break your experience.

The Olympus 7010 is a compact through and through: Measuring a mere 98x56x26mm and weighing just 145g, it slips effortlessly into pockets or small bags. Its sleek, minimalist body appeals to anyone who wants quick grab-and-go shooting without lugging gear around. However, the trade-off is in limited physical controls and a tighter grip surface, which can feel cramped for anyone with larger hands.

In contrast, the Pentax K-5 is a mid-size DSLR, considerably larger at 131x97x73mm and 740g. This heft isn’t arbitrary; it contributes to a sturdy grip, excellent balance with heavier lenses, and a durable build that withstands demanding use. A seasoned enthusiast will appreciate the solid metal chassis and environmental sealing - something absent on the Olympus.

Take a look at this physical size and ergonomics comparison to get a clearer idea:

My experience tells me: If you prioritize portability and simplicity, Olympus wins. If you favor comfort during extended shoots and a solid feel, the K-5 is unmatched.

Design Philosophy: Controls and User Interface

Handling the camera is part of the photographic experience itself. The layout, button placement, and menu logic can influence your shooting speed and joy.

The Olympus 7010 features almost no manual focus or aperture control - it’s all about automated simplicity with its fixed lens zoom (28-196mm equivalent). The top of the camera is clean but sparse, making it intuitive for beginners but limiting for creative control.

The K-5, on the other hand, embraces a traditional DSLR design with dedicated dials for exposure modes, shutter speed, aperture, and a host of customizable buttons. This empowers photographers to change settings on the fly without diving into menus. Here’s a detailed top view comparison showing the control layout:

As a side note, the Pentax’s illuminated buttons and faster access to settings provide a noticeable productivity boost in low-light conditions - an advantage for event photographers and night shooters.

Sensors and Image Quality: Small Sensor Compact vs APS-C DSLR

At the heart of image quality is the sensor, and the difference here is stark.

The Olympus 7010 sports a 1/2.3" CCD sensor sized 6.08 x 4.56mm, delivering 12MP resolution with an anti-aliasing filter. It maxes out at ISO 1600 but lacks RAW support - your images are limited to JPEGs straight from the camera’s processor.

The Pentax K-5 boasts a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor at 23.7 x 15.7mm, with 16MP and an anti-aliasing filter. It offers a much broader native ISO range from 80 to 12800, expandable to 51200, and importantly, supports RAW, enabling advanced post-processing flexibility.

In practical terms, this means the K-5 captures finer detail, higher dynamic range, and cleaner images in low light.

Here’s a direct sensor size and resolution comparison to visualize:

During my testing, the K-5’s sensor produced images with vibrant color rendition and excellent depth - noticeable especially in landscape and portrait contexts. The Olympus’s smaller sensor struggles with noise above ISO 400, and color depth is understandably limited.

Display and Viewfinding Experience

If you’ve ever wrestled with tiny or unresponsive camera screens, you know how frustrating it is.

The Olympus 7010 has a modest 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230k dots and no touchscreen. It's decent for framing and review but feels a bit outdated.

The K-5’s 3-inch LCD is sharper (921k dots), uses TFT technology, and though it’s fixed and non-touch, delivers superior color accuracy and sharper live view preview. Combine that with its 100% coverage 0.61x magnification optical pentaprism viewfinder, and the DSLR provides a more immersive, reliable framing experience - especially outdoors.

Here’s the back screen comparison:

For photographers serious about precise composition, autofocus confirmation, and shooting in bright daylight, the K-5 viewfinder is a must-have. The Olympus’s lack of any viewfinder means reliance on the LCD, which can be challenging outdoors.

Image Samples: Real-World Comparisons

Technical specs only tell part of the story, so I put both cameras through various real-world shooting scenarios:

Olympus 7010 front Olympus 7010 screen back Pentax K 5 front Pentax K 5 screen back

Look closely at these crops from portraits, landscapes, and low-light street shots. The K-5’s superior detail and dynamic range are clear, especially in shadow and highlight gradations. Skin tones appear natural with nuanced transitions, thanks to the bigger sensor and RAW workflow.

The Olympus images have a softer look, less noise resilience, and limited detail in darker areas. However, the built-in stabilization and zoom range make it versatile for casual snapshots and travel candids.

Autofocus and Performance: Tracking and Speed

Autofocus is often undervalued but critical, especially for sports, wildlife, and event photography.

The Olympus 7010 uses contrast-detection autofocus without face or eye detection, offering a single AF mode only. It’s slow and often hunts, especially under low light.

Conversely, the Pentax K-5 shines with its 11-point autofocus, including 9 cross-type sensors, phase detection AF, face detection, continuous AF tracking, and more. During burst mode at 7fps, tracking remains responsive and accurate.

This is further highlighted in this overall performance rating chart:

For wildlife or sports photographers, the K-5's autofocus system is hands-down the better tool. The Olympus is best suited for static subjects or casual shooting.

Photography Disciplines: Where Each Camera Excels

Let’s break down these cameras' suitability across various photography genres, summarized here in genre-specific scores:

Portrait Photography

• Olympus 7010 delivers acceptable skin tones but lacks manual aperture control for creative bokeh. No eye detection limits precision focusing.
• Pentax K-5 excels with face detection, ability to use fast prime lenses with wide apertures, and high resolution for flattering portraits.

Landscape Photography

• The K-5’s large sensor with wide dynamic range and weather sealing is ideal for landscapes.
• Olympus’s small sensor, limited resolution, and no weather resistance are less suited.

Wildlife and Sports

• K-5’s fast continuous shooting, accurate AF tracking, and telephoto lens compatibility blow the 7010 out of the water.
• Olympus 7010’s slow AF and limited zoom restrict serious wildlife capture.

Street Photography

• Here, the Olympus’s discreet size and lightweight are advantages.
• The K-5 is bulkier but delivers superior image quality under low light.

Macro Photography

• Olympus’s macro focus is respectable (down to 10cm), but Pentax’s lens lineup and manual focus precision offer more control.

Night and Astro Photography

• The K-5’s superior ISO range and sensor size provide better low light and night shooting.
• Olympus struggles with noise and has limited shutter speed range (1/4s minimum).

Video Capabilities

• Both cameras record standard definition (Olympus 640x480 @30fps; K-5 at 1080p @25fps), though neither pushes leading video specs.
• The K-5 includes a microphone port; Olympus lacks any external audio input.

Travel Photography

• Olympus scores high for compactness and lens versatility.
• K-5 wins on battery life and image quality but is heavier to carry.

Professional Work

• K-5 supports RAW, extensive manual controls, external flash, and environmental sealing.
• Olympus is limited to JPEG, no manual exposure modes, no weather sealing.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Pentax is known for durable DSLRs, and the K-5 carries a magnesium alloy body with full weather sealing - rain, dust, and cold resilient. That’s a big plus if you shoot outdoors frequently.

The Olympus 7010 is a basic compact with plastic construction and no sealing at all. For demanding conditions, it’s best kept sheltered.

Lenses and Expandability

Fixed lens vs full system is a big decision.

Olympus 7010’s 28-196mm (7x zoom) offers versatility in a pocket but no option for change.

Pentax K-5, with the KAF2 mount, supports over 150 lenses including primes, macros, fast telephotos, and legacy glass. This ecosystem flexibility dramatically expands creative possibilities.

Battery Life and Storage

Pentax’s advertised 980 shots per charge at 100 ISO is outstanding for DSLR standards.

Olympus 7010’s battery life is less documented but generally lower, given compact camera norms.

Storage wise:

• Olympus uses xD Picture Cards or microSD - both quite outdated now.
• Pentax supports widespread SD cards (including SDXC), offering better capacity and speed.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera has modern wireless connectivity (no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). Olympus has USB 2.0 only.

Pentax adds HDMI output and microphone port, better suiting multimedia applications.

Price-to-Performance Analysis

At their launch prices, the Olympus 7010 was a sub-$200 compact, perfect for casual shooters on a budget.

Pentax K-5 propped at around $800, targeting enthusiasts or pro users willing to invest in a durable, high-performance DSLR.

That said, in today’s market, used prices reflect these values: the Olympus’s simplicity trades for ultra-affordability, while K-5 remains a solid entry-level DSLR purchase.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

The Olympus Stylus 7010 is perfect for:

• Beginners wanting a simple, portable point-and-shoot
• Travelers seeking lightweight gear with decent zoom and stabilization
• Casual photography and snapshots where convenience trumps control

You’ll find the camera forgiving but don’t expect stellar image quality or advanced controls.

The Pentax K-5 suits you if:

• You want full creative control - manual exposure, RAW, interchangeable lenses
• You’re a serious enthusiast or professional needing durability and reliability
• Low light performance, autofocus speed, and image quality are mission-critical
• You shoot portraits, action, wildlife, landscapes, or demanding projects

In my testing, the K-5 consistently delivered images that outclassed the 7010 in clarity, color, and versatility. Its rugged build and lens system also mean it can grow with your skills.

Summary Table

Looking for a nimble everyday camera? Olympus 7010 remains a charming option if simplicity and compactness top your list.

Seeking a versatile enthusiast DSLR with room to grow? The Pentax K-5 delivers reliability, control, and image quality that stand the test of time.

If you want the perfect shot, I always recommend picking the tool that matches your style, needs, and patience for learning. The Pentax K-5 is for the committed photographer: powerful, rugged, and capable of stunning results. The Olympus 7010 is your friendly daily companion: easy, small, and quick.

Whichever you choose, happy shooting!

For more camera reviews and insights, check my full video tests and image galleries.