Canon M3 vs Olympus E-PL9

Let's look much closer at the Canon M3 and Olympus E-PL9, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Canon and Olympus. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the M3 (24MP) and E-PL9 (16MP) and the M3 (APS-C) and E-PL9 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The M3 was revealed 4 years before the E-PL9 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple overview of how the M3 matches up against the E-PL9 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon EOS M3 & Olympus PEN E-PL9. The full galleries are viewable at Canon M3 Gallery & Olympus E-PL9 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and measurements. The Canon M3 features outer dimensions of 111mm x 68mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") with a weight of 366 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL9 has proportions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") and a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs).

Check out the Canon M3 and Olympus E-PL9 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the M3 vs the E-PL9.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the M3 and E-PL9 is 85 and 85 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to see the gap between sensor sizing just by looking at specifications. The graphic below will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the M3 and E-PL9.

Plainly, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The M3 using its bigger sensor will make achieving bokeh simpler and the Canon M3 will give extra detail because of its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The older M3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.