Leica M9 vs Olympus E-P3

Below, we will be evaluating the Leica M9 and Olympus E-P3, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Leica and Olympus. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the M9 (18MP) and E-P3 (12MP) and the M9 (Full frame) and E-P3 (Four Thirds) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The M9 was launched 23 months earlier than the E-P3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting in to a full comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the M9 grades versus the E-P3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Leica M9 and Olympus PEN E-P3. The complete galleries are provided at Leica M9 Gallery and Olympus E-P3 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Leica M9 comes with external dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") and a weight of 585 grams (1.29 lbs) while the Olympus E-P3 has measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") along with a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs).

Compare the Leica M9 and Olympus E-P3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use during that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the M9 compared to the E-P3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the M9 and E-P3 is 79 and 86 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to visualize the difference in sensor measurements only by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the M9 and E-P3.

Clearly, both cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The M9 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh less difficult and the Leica M9 will render greater detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The older M9 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.