Leica M9-P vs Olympus PEN E-PL2: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Mirrorless Worlds

When it comes to mirrorless cameras from the early 2010s, Leica’s M9-P and Olympus’s PEN E-PL2 stand out for very different reasons. One evokes the timeless craftsmanship and rangefinder legacy synonymous with Leica, while the other champions compact digital convenience with a Micro Four Thirds sensor and beginner-friendly features. As someone who’s tested thousands of cameras over the last 15 years, I’m excited to unfold a detailed comparison that goes beyond specs charts, delving into real-world usability, image quality differences, and which photographers each camera best suits.

Let’s jump in - but rest assured, if you prefer the tactile purity of manual focusing or are after modern autofocus and versatility, this will be one of the friendliest head-to-heads you’ll find on this pair.

Classics Meet Modern Ease: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

One of the earliest impressions when picking up these two is the sheer difference in design philosophy and physical presence.

The Leica M9-P weighs about 600 grams and measures 139 x 80 x 37 mm, boasting a classic rangefinder-style body crafted from robust metal with an understated elegance that Leica fans adore. In contrast, the Olympus E-PL2 is noticeably smaller and lighter at 362 grams and 114 x 72 x 42 mm, aligned more with the compact mirrorless trend aimed at portability and casual shooting.

Handling the M9-P recalls traditional Leica rangefinder cameras - a joy for those who appreciate mechanical dials, direct manual aperture control on lenses, and a no-frills approach. Yet, for users accustomed to modern DSLR grip anatomy, it can feel a tad spindly, especially during extended shoots or with heavier lenses.

The Olympus PEN E-PL2, meanwhile, sports a more contemporary grip and features like built-in stabilization (more on that shortly), making it more approachable for new users or enthusiasts who prefer a lighter carry-around camera. Its slightly chunkier depth (42 mm vs. 37 mm) accommodates a bigger LCD and in-camera image stabilization module.

For photographers on the move, notably street shooters and travel enthusiasts, this ergonomic contrast defines much of the user experience. You’ll feel and shoot differently with each in hand - the Leica urging patience and deliberation, the Olympus encouraging spontaneity.

Peeking Under the Hood: Sensor Tech and Image Quality

Now, the heart of any camera - its sensor.

Leica’s M9-P houses a full-frame 36x24 mm CCD sensor, delivering 18 megapixels without an anti-aliasing filter. This rather old-school tech offers unique image characteristics - notably smooth gradations and rich tonal depth, particularly in skin tones, thanks in part to the CCD’s color reproduction. Leica’s 22.5 bit color depth score and an excellent 11.6 EV dynamic range translate to files with pleasing latitude for highlight recovery, a boon for portrait and landscape photographers. The M9-P’s native ISO tops out at 2500 - which might sound limiting nowadays, but remember this sensor shines best in controlled light.

By comparison, the Olympus E-PL2 employs a smaller Four Thirds 17.3x13 mm CMOS sensor, with 12 megapixels capped by an anti-aliasing filter. This sensor scores a respectable 21.4 bit color depth but falls short in dynamic range at 10.2 EV, and its low-light score (ISO)

is understandably behind the full-frame Leica, maxing native ISO at 6400. The smaller sensor size and lower resolution naturally impact fine detail capture and ultimate image quality - especially evident in large prints or aggressive cropping.

What’s striking is the different philosophies: Leica prioritizes maximum image quality and a classic shooting style, while Olympus aims for a nimble, sensor-stabilized setup that leverages modern CMOS technologies.

Practically, if you are a landscape shooter craving ultra-fine details and DR for skies and shadows, the Leica M9-P’s sensor almost certainly serves better. However, for everyday snapshots, casual wildlife, and street photography where convenience and stabilization matter, the E-PL2’s sensor will hold its own - particularly when combined with its in-body IS.

Manual vs. Autofocus: The Focus Systems Tell a Story

Let me be perfectly clear here: Leica M9-P is a fully manual focus camera. No autofocus points, no contrast or phase detection - just your eyes, a rangefinder patch, and finely crafted manual lenses. This approach demands patience and skill; it's a rewarding process but is unsuitable if you rely on fast focus tracking during fast-paced shooting.

Olympus, meanwhile, equips the E-PL2 with an 11-point contrast-detect autofocus system, including face detection and continuous AF modes. While not blazing fast by today’s standards, it performs admirably in well-lit scenes with reasonable responsiveness and accuracy. For portrait photographers, autofocus including face detection is a big advantage when time is tight and you need to nail eyes sharpness rapidly.

For sports, wildlife, or any action-oriented genres, neither camera excels by modern metrics: the Leica cannot autofocus at all, and Olympus’s burst speed is modest at 3 FPS. But if you shoot static subjects or prefer manual focus for artistic control, the Leica remains a compelling, albeit niche, option.

Suitability Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography: Crafting Beautiful Skin and Bokeh

Portrait shooters flock to cameras that can render pleasing skin tones and smooth bokeh while locking focus on eyes effortlessly.

The Leica M9-P excels at skin tone rendition, attributable to its CCD sensor’s color science, sharp native lenses, and full-frame depth of field control. However, you must manually focus - a challenge with moving subjects or when shooting hand-held wide apertures. The optical rangefinder viewfinder, while charming and precise in skilled hands, lacks any focusing aids like magnification or peaking.

Olympus’s E-PL2, while lower resolution and sensor size, features face detection autofocus and in-camera image stabilization, enabling sharper handheld portraits. The Micro Four Thirds system offers a very versatile and extensive lens selection - some lenses producing superb bokeh, though depth of field will be noticeably deeper than full-frame. The onboard ISO range up to 6400 allows working in lower-light indoor portrait sessions more easily.

For studio portraiture with controlled light, the Leica’s image quality and manual focus control can shine. For casual portraits or events where speed matters, Olympus wins hands down.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range in Natural Light

Landscape photography demands resolution, drivable dynamic range, and weather-ready builds.

The Leica M9-P’s 18-megapixel full-frame sensor, devoid of anti-alias filters, captures exquisite fine details and smooth gradations. Its respectable 11.6 EV dynamic range helps in capturing skies and shadow detail, and the M-mount lens range includes legendary primes for sharp edge-to-edge consistency.

However - and this is critical - the M9-P lacks any weather sealing. You must mind the environment carefully to avoid dust or moisture damage, an important consideration for adventurous landscape shooters.

The Olympus E-PL2 offers in-body sensor stabilization, which assists handheld landscape shooting at slower shutter speeds. That said, the smaller sensor restricts ultimate detail and dynamic range, plus the camera is likewise not weather-sealed.

If landscape is a priority and you focus on maximum image fidelity, the Leica’s sensor and optics are preferable - with the caveat of slower pace and careful environmental considerations. Olympus suits casual landscape shooters who value portability.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Fast Action Demands Fast Focus

Neither camera is truly designed for demanding wildlife or sports photography, but let’s entertain the differences.

The Leica M9-P’s manual focusing system is simply incompatible with the need to rapidly track wild animals or athletes. Burst speed maxes out at a leisurely 2 FPS - far too slow for most action.

Olympus’s contrast detect autofocus and face detection, paired with a slightly higher 3 FPS continuous shooting, offer marginally better potential. The E-PL2 can perform decently with stationary or slow-moving subjects, but shutter lag and tracking limitations can frustrate action shooters.

If specialized sports or wildlife photography is your priority, you’d be better served by more modern APS-C or full-frame mirrorless cameras with phase detection AF and fast burst rates.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Quick Responsiveness

Street shooters often prize compactness, quick operation, and subtlety.

The Leica M9-P offers a classic, ultra-discreet experience - no noisy autofocus motors, silent leaf shutter (typical for Leica rangefinders), and an iconic rangefinder flare that many street photographers feel blends unobtrusively into the urban tapestry.

Olympus’s E-PL2, while more modern and compact, sports a small built-in flash and a live view LCD which can draw attention if used unwisely. The autofocus is helpful for opportunistic shots but less stealthy.

If you’re willing to hone manual focusing skill and appreciate the rangefinder aesthetic, Leica is ideal here. If you seek speed and flexibility over tradition, Olympus provides it in a compact form.

Macro Photography: Focusing Precision and Stabilization

Macro work demands close focusing capability and often benefits from image stabilization.

Neither the Leica M9-P nor Olympus E-PL2 comes with dedicated focus stacking or bracketing modes, so macro is left to lens capability and manual technique.

The E-PL2’s in-body stabilization is a standout here, allowing handheld shooting of close-ups with reduced blur from minor movements - especially useful given the smaller sensor’s depth of field.

The Leica’s manual focus optics can offer exceptional sharpness wide open on macro primes, but lack of IS and no live focus aids makes handheld macro tough. Tripod use is often required.

For casual or novice macro shooters, Olympus provides a friendlier package; for purists, Leica demands more patience and planning.

Night and Astro Photography: Playing with Low Light and Long Exposures

Long-exposure and night sky photography pushes camera sensors to limits.

The Leica M9-P’s CCD sensor excels with low noise at mid-ISO values but caps at ISO 2500. Its build allows long exposures up to 4 seconds shutter speed natively (and longer bulb exposures). The absence of sensor-based IS means tripods are mandatory. Color depth and DR aid star-field capture without too much noise.

The Olympus E-PL2 offers higher ISO range (up to 6400), but has more noise at those levels. Its sensor stabilization also helps in handheld low-light shots, but longer exposures again require a tripod.

Neither camera is an astro monster by modern standards, but the Leica’s rendering qualities and dynamic range make it the better choice for dedicated night photographers, if you’re comfortable with manual operation.

Video Capabilities: A Forgotten Frontier for Both

Important to note: the Leica M9-P offers no video recording capabilities at all.

The Olympus E-PL2 shoots 720p video at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format. It’s basic, lacking modern codec support, audio input/output ports, or advanced stabilization in video. While useful for casual clips, it’s not suitable for serious video workflows.

If you want video creativity, Olympus is the only viable option here, though significantly dated.

Travel Photography: What Works Best on the Road?

Travel photographers want versatility, reliability, and battery endurance.

The Leica M9-P weighs more and demands deliberate shooting but excels at producing superb JPEG and RAW stills with Leica’s renowned lens ecology. Battery life is solid at roughly 350 shots per charge - typical for that era.

Olympus’s E-PL2 is lighter, smaller, and has in-body IS for versatile shooting. Battery life is shorter at 280 shots. Its compactness and built-in flash aid versatility during travel.

Personally, I’d pick Olympus as the grab-and-go travel camera, unless my goal was a high-end photo project requiring Leica-level image quality.

Professional Use: Reliability, Formats, and Workflow

Pro photographers often base buying decisions on raw file quality, durability, and workflow integration.

Leica M9-P’s 14-bit TIFF raw files are rich, with superior color and latitude. Its rangefinder operation, despite lacking autofocus or modern electronics, offers unmatched manual control longevity - a factor in Leica’s reputation for reliability.

Olympus files are smaller, 12-bit raw, more compressed, with somewhat limited dynamic range. Plastic construction and lack of weather sealing limit rugged use.

If your workflow values meticulous manual control and exquisite image quality, Leica wins. For hobbyist professionals who need modest raw files and in-camera assist, Olympus suffices.

Digging Deeper: Build Quality, User Interface, and Connectivity

Leica’s all-metal build exudes quality and minimalism - no touchscreen or live-view, just physical dials and buttons. The 2.5” 230k pixel LCD shows images but isn’t used for framing or menu navigation. Connectivity is basic: USB 2.0 only, no wireless options.

Olympus E-PL2 features a larger 3” 460k LCD with live view, an accessible menu system, and HDMI output for monitoring. It also lacks wireless but has USB and basic built-in flash control. The lack of touchscreen slows navigation but the on-screen interface remains friendly for newcomers.

Lens Ecosystem: Giants of M-Mount vs Micro Four Thirds

Leica M-mount lenses number roughly 59 for the M9-P’s era, many exquisite manual focus primes ranging from compact summicrons to pro-summilux lenses known for their character and sharpness.

Micro Four Thirds is an extremely prolific and diverse system with over 100 lenses compatible with the E-PL2, spanning wide, standard, telephoto zooms, primes, macro, and options from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties.

The Leica’s smaller lens selection is focused on craftsmanship and image quality, with a premium price tag. Micro Four Thirds lenses are more affordable and versatile, but often lack full-frame shallow DOF capability.

Battery Life and Storage

Leica offers about 350 shots per battery, slightly higher than Olympus’s 280, though both operate with proprietary battery packs.

Single SD card slot in both is standard for their time, with Olympus supporting SDHC cards. USB 2.0 data transfer speeds are roughly equal and dated compared to modern UHS protocols.

Price-to-Performance and Who Should Buy What?

Leica M9 P screen back Olympus E PL2 front Olympus E PL2 screen back

At launch, the Leica M9-P listed near $8,000, positioning it firmly as a luxury, pro-level manual rangefinder tool.

The Olympus E-PL2 targeted new entrants or enthusiasts, priced competitively (often under $700 used) - a far cry from Leica’s exclusivity.

If budget is unlimited and you prioritize classic Leica aesthetics, unparalleled color science, and manual-focused photography, the M9-P rewards dedication.

If budget-conscious or seeking flexible, stabilized, autofocus-enabled convenience for everyday photography, Olympus is the pragmatic choice.

Final Thoughts: Picking Your Partner in Photography

The Leica M9-P and Olympus E-PL2 reflect two eras and two photographic philosophies. Leica lures the purist who treasures manual control, legendary lenses, and full-frame CCD signature. Olympus serves the enthusiast seeking lightweight handling, autofocus, and stabilized versatility in a beginner-friendly package.

In 2024 terms, both cameras show their age but still teach valuable lessons about sensor technology, user interface, and photography approaches. The Leica is for those who crave a deliberate, tactile photography experience with stunning image quality as the reward. Olympus offers a stepping stone into mirrorless photography with useful aids and portability.

Your choice rests largely on what kind of visual storytelling you pursue: handcrafted, curated images with a timeless feel, or quick, competent snapshots with room to grow.

If you have any more questions or want to hear about lens options or shooting tips for either, drop me a line - I love sharing these nuanced camera tales.

Happy shooting!

Note: All performance data and sample images were derived from hands-on field testing and corroborated with DxOMark results cited in this review for authenticity and accuracy.