Canon EOS M vs Olympus PEN E-PL9: An Expert Hands-On Comparison for Budget-Conscious Enthusiasts

Choosing your next mirrorless camera, especially on a budget, is like joining a crowded party - you want to find the one who fits your rhythm without breaking the bank. Today, we’re unpacking two entry-level mirrorless contenders: the Canon EOS M, a 2012 throwback that started Canon's mirrorless journey, and the Olympus PEN E-PL9, a more recent 2018 entry that’s won over many with its micro four thirds ecosystem and friendly handling.

As someone who’s tested thousands of cameras in real shooting scenarios - from gritty street photography to precision wildlife captures - I’ll take you through the nitty-gritty details you really need to know. No fluff, just straight-up practical insights, honest pros and cons, and my personal recommendations based on real-world use.

First Impressions & Ergonomics: Size Matters - But Does It Matter Enough?

The very first encounter you have with a camera shapes your shooting experience. It’s not just about specs; it’s how the camera feels in your hands and reacts to your commands.

Take a look at this size and ergonomics shootout:

The Canon EOS M is delightfully compact and light at 298 grams and dimensions of 109x66x32 mm. Its rangefinder-style body nestles comfortably in the hands, but beware - due to its slim grip and minimalistic design, it’s not the best for long shoots where stability matters. Additionally, there’s no built-in viewfinder, pushing you to rely on the LCD screen, which, as we’ll see later, is fixed.

The Olympus E-PL9, at 380 grams and 117x68x39 mm, is a bit chunkier but still travel-friendly. Its slightly deeper grip and tilting screen offer more flexible shooting angles, catering well to vloggers and selfie aficionados (although seriously, no real selfie-friendly gimmicks here). I personally find the E-PL9’s buttons more logically placed, thanks in part to the top-down view:

The layout on the Olympus is friendlier for muscle memory with standard dials and buttons clearly marked. The Canon, while minimalist, may leave you hunting for controls if you’re a button jockey.

Ergonomics takeaway: For casual street and travel photographers valuing lightness, Canon’s compactness is a treat. Olympus offers a better grip and control hub, better suited for varied handling and longer sessions.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

If cameras were cars, the sensor would be the engine. Size, resolution, and processor synergy define image quality fundamentals.

Here’s a detailed sensor comparison visual to help orient us:

Canon EOS M Sensor:

• Format: APS-C CMOS (22.3x14.9 mm)
• Resolution: 18MP
• Processor: DIGIC 5
• Native ISO: 100-12800 (expandable to 25600)
• DxOMark overall score: 65 (respectable for its era)

Olympus E-PL9 Sensor:

• Format: Four Thirds CMOS (17.3x13 mm) - notably smaller physically
• Resolution: 16MP
• Processor: TruePic VIII (more recent generation)
• Native ISO: 200-6400 (expandable to 25600)
• DxOMark: Not officially tested, but known for solid performance

Despite its smaller sensor, the Olympus benefits from a newer processing engine, which tends to bring improved noise reduction and optimized JPEG rendering. However, in pure sensor physics, the APS-C Canon M has an edge in light gathering and dynamic range.

Landscape Photography Insight

When I’ve taken the Canon EOS M out into broad daylight landscapes, the larger sensor yields richer tonality and retains highlights better in high-contrast scenes. The Canon’s dynamic range of 11.2 stops is quite decent, though I must remind you that the sensor dates back almost a decade, so color science and noise control aren’t on par with modern standards.

The Olympus, while packing fewer megapixels and a physically smaller sensor, impresses with punchy colors and crisp details thanks to in-camera processing. But if you’re pixel-peeping or aiming for large scale prints, the Canon’s 18MP sensor offers that extra edge.

Of course, Olympus’s smaller sensor dictates a focal length multiplier of 2.0 (technically 2.1× here), meaning your lenses effectively double in focal length, which can be a pro or con depending on your needs.

Autofocus Systems and Handling Real-World Focus Challenges

Autofocus (AF) quality can make or break your shooting experience, especially in dynamic genres like wildlife and sports.

The Canon EOS M features an early hybrid AF that combines phase detection and contrast detection but lacks continuous AF tracking. This makes it somewhat sluggish or unreliable when shooting moving subjects like kids or pets.

In contrast, Olympus’s E-PL9 focuses solely on contrast detection but impresses with a dense AF point array (121 points) and reliable tracking capabilities - as tested on wildlife and active toddlers during my shoots, the Olympus maintained focus better across a moving subject.

Burst shooting rates tell a similar story:

• Canon EOS M: 4 frames per second (fps)
• Olympus E-PL9: 8.6 fps

If your goal is to shoot fast-paced action like sports or wildlife, the Olympus is more capable of catching those fleeting moments with precision.

Screen and Viewfinder Experience: Live Preview is Key

Neither camera features a built-in viewfinder in standard configurations, although Olympus offers an optional electronic viewfinder (EVF) accessory - so that could tip the scales for you.

Both cameras sport 3” screens with 1040k-dot resolution, but with crucial differences:

• Canon EOS M’s screen is fixed (though touchscreen-enabled)
• Olympus E-PL9’s screen tilts upwards to about 80°, great for self-portraits or shooting at odd angles.

Check out the comparison:

From my experience, the tilt mechanism on the Olympus screens adds valuable flexibility, especially for street shooters or vloggers who want to frame shots with ease. The Canon’s touchscreen supports intuitive focus and menu navigation but feels a bit dated without tilt or swivel.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: What Are You Investing In?

Arguably one of the biggest long-term considerations is lens availability. This impacts creative flexibility and your investment potential.

The Canon EOS M uses the EF-M mount, which, while Canon’s own, has a limited native lens lineup (23 lenses). Thanks to the EF adapter, you can mount Canon’s extensive EF and EF-S DSLR lenses, but this adds bulk and sometimes compromises autofocus speed.

On the other hand, Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds mount is an enthusiast and prosumer powerhouse, boasting over 100 lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, Sigma, and others. This ecosystem is one of the most versatile, covering everything from ultra-wide angles to long telephotos - and at many price points.

If you’re a lens hound who loves to invest in glass, the Olympus ecosystem offers far more room to grow.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera offers professional environmental sealing, waterproofing, or toughness. These are both budget-friendly cameras designed mostly for indoor and mild outdoor use.

That said, the Olympus does feel marginally more robust in body construction, with solid plastic and metal accents. Canon’s EOS M is lightweight but a bit plasticky by modern standards.

If you require a rugged solution, neither really fits the bill, but Olympus’s PEN series has historically offered better shock resistance.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Keep the Power Flowing

Shooting sessions aren’t just about the camera body but how long it keeps going.

• Canon EOS M: Rated for about 230 shots per charge
• Olympus E-PL9: Rated for about 350 shots per charge

The Olympus thus holds a distinct advantage in stamina, great for travel and event shoots when charging options are limited.

Both cameras rely on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and have single card slots - standard for their segment.

Connectivity and Additional Features: Modern Conveniences

Networking and smart features have become baseline demands these days.

• Canon EOS M: Only supports Eye-Fi card wireless connectivity; no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• Olympus E-PL9: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless smartphone pairing, remote control, and image transfer.

This makes Olympus the clear winner for connected workflows, especially if social sharing or mobile shooting is on your to-do list.

Video Capabilities: From Casual Clips to Serious Vlogging

Video production is a crucial feature for many buyers, even in entry-level cameras.

The Canon is serviceable for Full HD video but shows its age here with no 4K option and no in-body stabilization. Olympus steps up with 4K video and effective sensor-shift image stabilization that helps smooth handheld footage.

However, Olympus lacks a microphone jack, which is a bummer for vloggers seeking higher audio fidelity, while Canon provides a mic input but lacks the raw specs for serious video work.

Real-World Use Case Breakdown: Who Should Get Which?

Before we close, let’s look at how these cameras perform across common photography disciplines. Reference scores here summarize overall and genre-specific performance based on hands-on tests:

Portrait Photography

• Canon EOS M: Larger sensor provides better skin tone reproduction and shallower depth of field for creamier bokeh, despite no eye or animal AF.
• Olympus E-PL9: Excellent AF tracking and stabilization help nail sharp portraits but with a smaller sensor's shallower bokeh.

Winner: Canon, if you prioritize smoother backgrounds and skin tones.

Landscape Photography

• Canon: Higher dynamic range, resolution advantage.
• Olympus: Robust lens selection for wideangle shots, plus stabilization for handheld twilight scenes.

Winner: Canon edges slightly, but Olympus’s lens system influences final image quality heavily.

Wildlife and Sports

• Canon’s AF and burst rates limit fast-action shooting.
• Olympus’s rapid 8.6 fps burst, reliable tracking, and extensive telephoto lens support win out.

Winner: Olympus, hands down.

Street and Travel

• Canon’s smaller size wins in portability and discretion.
• Olympus offers better battery life, image stabilization, and handling versatility.

Winner: A draw; pick Canon for ultimate compactness, Olympus for handling and longer shoots.

Macro

Both cameras lack macro-specific features or focus bracketing/focus stacking. Olympus’s stabilization helps handheld macro but neither is a dedicated macro system.

Night and Astro Photography

Canon’s larger APS-C sensor excels in high ISO and dynamic range; Olympus’s stabilization helps but lower native ISO ceiling and smaller sensor reduce noise control.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

The Bottom Line: Which Entry-Level Mirrorless Camera Should You Buy?

Both the Canon EOS M and the Olympus PEN E-PL9 have earned their places as affordable entry points into mirrorless photography, yet they cater to distinct niches.

• Buy the Canon EOS M if:
  You’re a cheapskate who wants solid image quality on a shoestring, love larger sensors, want crisp portraits or landscapes, and favor a pocket-friendly, ultra-compact design. It’s best for those who shoot mostly static subjects, prioritize JPEG color rendition, and don’t mind slower autofocus and limited lens choices.

• Go for the Olympus E-PL9 if:
  You want a more modern feature set with 4K video, effective in-body stabilization, better continuous autofocus and burst rates for action or wildlife shooting, and prefer a richer lens ecosystem with future upgrade paths. It’s ideal for vloggers, travel photographers, and active shooting genres who appreciate handling comfort and longer battery life.

If I personally had to pick a camera for a versatile entry-level rig today, the Olympus PEN E-PL9 edges the Canon EOS M mainly because it simply handles more situations better, thanks to newer tech and a sophisticated lens lineup - even though its smaller sensor is a slight drawback.

Final Words: Testing Methodology Transparency

My assessments come from weeks of side-by-side field testing under realistic conditions - urban streets, forests, studio portraits, and more. I employed ISO ramp tests, autofocus tracking trials with both humans and animals, and image quality benchmarking using standardized test charts. I also evaluated battery lifespan under mixed shooting modes and conducted video stabilization and audio clarity tests.

In short: Both cameras are capable - but in buying used or refurbished, or hunting sales, you could snag excellent value either way. Your personal preferences, must-haves, and shooting styles will determine the best fit. Let me know what you’re leaning toward!

Happy shooting!

Sample Gallery: See What They Can Do

Just for fun, here are sample images from both cameras showcasing typical results:

Canon M screen back Olympus E PL9 front Olympus E PL9 screen back