Olympus FE-3010 vs Olympus E-PL9

Below is a complete analysis of the Olympus FE-3010 and Olympus E-PL9, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both created by Olympus. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the FE-3010 (12MP) and E-PL9 (16MP) and the FE-3010 (1/2.3") and E-PL9 (Four Thirds) provide different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FE-3010 was unveiled 10 years before the E-PL9 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus FE-3010 being a Ultracompact camera and the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a complete comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the FE-3010 grades against the E-PL9 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus FE-3010 and Olympus PEN E-PL9. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus FE-3010 Gallery and Olympus E-PL9 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus FE-3010 comes with exterior measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 18mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 108 grams (0.24 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL9 has dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs).

Check the Olympus FE-3010 and Olympus E-PL9 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the FE-3010 against the E-PL9.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the FE-3010 and E-PL9 is 97 and 85 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to imagine the difference in sensor measurements purely by looking through specifications. The photograph underneath may provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the FE-3010 and E-PL9.

Plainly, both of those cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FE-3010 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh tougher and the Olympus E-PL9 will render greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos more aggressively. The older FE-3010 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.