Leica M9 vs Olympus E-PL5

Below is a thorough comparison of the Leica M9 and Olympus E-PL5, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Leica and Olympus. The resolution of the M9 (18MP) and the E-PL5 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the M9 (Full frame) and E-PL5 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor size.

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The M9 was launched 4 years earlier than the E-PL5 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the M9 scores vs the E-PL5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Leica M9 and Olympus PEN E-PL5. The complete galleries are available at Leica M9 Gallery and Olympus E-PL5 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera often, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Leica M9 enjoys outer measurements of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") with a weight of 585 grams (1.29 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL5 has measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs).

Analyze the Leica M9 and Olympus E-PL5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the M9 versus the E-PL5.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the M9 and E-PL5 is 79 and 88 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to visualise the difference in sensor measurements just by going through a spec sheet. The photograph below might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the M9 and E-PL5.

As you can see, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The M9 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Leica M9 will provide greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The older M9 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.