Leica M9 vs Olympus E-M1 II

Here is a extended comparison of the Leica M9 versus Olympus E-M1 II, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Leica and Olympus. The resolution of the M9 (18MP) and the E-M1 II (20MP) is pretty well matched but the M9 (Full frame) and E-M1 II (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor size.

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The M9 was manufactured 8 years prior to the E-M1 II and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Leica M9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-M1 II being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the M9 grades vs the E-M1 II with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Leica M9 and Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. The entire galleries are viewable at Leica M9 Gallery and Olympus E-M1 II Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and volume. The Leica M9 has exterior dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") with a weight of 585 grams (1.29 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-M1 II has sizing of 134mm x 91mm x 67mm (5.3" x 3.6" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 574 grams (1.27 lbs).

Take a look at the Leica M9 versus Olympus E-M1 II in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the M9 against the E-M1 II.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the M9 and E-M1 II is 79 and 68 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading through specs. The graphic here will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the M9 and E-M1 II.

All in all, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The M9 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Olympus E-M1 II will resolve extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older M9 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.