Nikon S32 vs Olympus E-PL9

Its time to look much closer at the Nikon S32 vs Olympus E-PL9, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the S32 (13MP) and the E-PL9 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the S32 (1/3") and E-PL9 (Four Thirds) offer different sensor dimensions.

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The S32 was unveiled 5 years prior to the E-PL9 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Nikon S32 being a Compact camera and the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a full comparison, here is a brief summation of how the S32 scores against the E-PL9 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S32 & Olympus PEN E-PL9. The full galleries are provided at Nikon S32 Gallery & Olympus E-PL9 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Nikon S32 provides exterior dimensions of 108mm x 66mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.6") with a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL9 has proportions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon S32 vs Olympus E-PL9 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the S32 against the E-PL9.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S32 and E-PL9 is 90 and 85 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing just by reading through specs. The graphic here will help give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S32 and E-PL9.

All in all, both the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The S32 using its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh harder and the Olympus E-PL9 will resolve extra detail having an extra 3MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images way more aggressively. The older S32 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.