Leica M9-P vs Olympus E-PL5

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Leica M9-P versus Olympus E-PL5, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Leica and Olympus. The resolution of the M9-P (18MP) and the E-PL5 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the M9-P (Full frame) and E-PL5 (Four Thirds) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The M9-P was manufactured 15 months earlier than the E-PL5 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving through a complete comparison, below is a concise overview of how the M9-P grades against the E-PL5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Leica M9-P & Olympus PEN E-PL5. The entire galleries are available at Leica M9-P Gallery & Olympus E-PL5 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Leica M9-P provides outer measurements of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") with a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL5 has proportions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs).

Examine the Leica M9-P versus Olympus E-PL5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the M9-P vs the E-PL5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the M9-P and E-PL5 is 78 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by checking out a spec sheet. The picture below will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the M9-P and E-PL5.

Clearly, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The M9-P because of its bigger sensor will make achieving bokeh simpler and the Leica M9-P will produce greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged M9-P will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.